David Silva vs Dejan Savićević: Stats Compared
Attacking Midfielder, Spain (born 1986, retired 2023) · Attacking Midfielder, Yugoslavia (born 1966, retired 2001)
Comparing David Silva with Dejan Savićević means weighing two very different kinds of greatness. Style separates them as much as statistics: two players, two unmistakable signatures. David Silva finishes with 124 career goals from 771 games — a 0.16 strike rate — against Dejan Savićević's 110 from 450 at 0.24 per match. Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — David Silva is listed at 0 and Dejan Savićević at 70 where figures survive. In major honours David Silva collected 9 — headlined by 1× FIFA World Cup (2010) — whereas Dejan Savićević amassed 5, led by 1× European Cup (1991). David Silva played with a orchestrating that made him unmistakable; Dejan Savićević brought a intelligent that was equally his own. Club journeys add another layer, with David Silva reaching his representative peak around 2012 across Valencia, Manchester City, Real Sociedad and Dejan Savićević doing so around 1994 with Budućnost Podgorica, Red Star Belgrade, AC Milan, Rapid Wien. Rank them how you like — both names are carved into the sport's permanent record.
182 words · comparison angle: style
Player profiles
David Josué Jiménez Silva (born 8 January 1986) is a Spanish former professional footballer who played mainly as a central or an attacking midfielder and occasionally as a winger or second striker. Widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation and among the greatest players in Premier League history, he was known for his balance, ball control and agility in close spaces, combined with his skill, composure, passing and flair on the ball. Silva spent seven years of his professional career with Valencia, playing from 2004 to 2010, and won the Copa del Rey in 2008.
“A pocket-sized conductor whose close control and passing gave Manchester City its early rhythm.”
Nicknamed 'The Genius', Savićević was a mesmerising Montenegrin playmaker whose iconic lobbed goal in the 1994 Champions League final capped AC Milan's most dominant era.
“An audacious, unpredictable dribbler whose flair and outrageous invention made him one of the most watchable players of his generation.”
Head-to-head stats
Career goals by season
Representative career seasons — goals per season for each player across their documented clubs.
Attribute radar
Attribute ratings are peak-era, 0–100. Different positions naturally skew the profile.
Attribute comparison
Trophy breakdown
- 1× FIFA World Cup (2010)
- 1× European Cup (1991)
- 3× Serie A (1993, 1994, 1996)
- 1× UEFA Champions League (1994)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2004 Established himself at Valencia
- 2008 Reached his defining peak
- 2012 Delivered a landmark season
- 2023 Retired from professional football
- 1982 Professional debut for Budućnost Podgorica
- 1991 Won European Cup with Red Star Belgrade
- 1994 Won UEFA Champions League with AC Milan
- 1994 Reached the peak of his powers at AC Milan
- 2001 Retired after a final spell at Rapid Wien
- Finished his career with 110 goals in 450 appearances and 5 major honours. Finished his career with 110 goals in 450 appearances and 5 major honours.
The verdict
Taking goals, assists, silverware and overall profile together, David Silva takes it by a decisive margin.
David Silva edges it (a decisive margin)
