David Villa Sanchez (born December 3, 1981 in Langreo, Asturias), nicknamed El Guaje (The Kid in Asturian) is a Spanish football player, who currently plays for Valencia CF and the Spanish national side. Due to his outstanding finishing skills, pace, well-roundedness (he can score from seemingly any position with both his head and feet) and work ethic, he is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in La Liga and in the world. David Villa reputation seems to have flourished ever since his groundbreaking season with Valencia last season.

Early career
Born in the Asturias region in Northern Spain, he got his professional breakthrough at his local club Sporting de Gij?n for whom he made his first-team debut in the 2000-01 season. The next season he was a first team regular, scoring 18 league goals, and scored 20 the next season. After over 50 goals in just three seasons at Gij?n, he got his chance in Spain's top-flight the La Liga, when promoted Zaragoza bought him in the summer of 2003. He had no trouble adapting to the step up in class and scored 17 times in his first season at Zaragoza. Villa led Zaragoza to a Copa del Rey victory scoring the winning goal against Real Madrid.

Soon after he earned his first international call-up and cap, Valencia decided to take a chance on him and parted with over ?8 million to secure his services in the summer of 2005.

Valencia CF
In the 2005-06 season, he scored 25 goals in 35 league matches for Valencia, to finish one goal behind the leagues top scorer Samuel Eto'o of Barcelona. He scored his first hat-trick for Valencia against Athletic Bilbao on the 23rd April 2006.

International career
Villa was included in Spain's 23 man squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, and was favoured over the more established striker Ra?l, to line up alongside Fernando Torres in the opening match against Ukraine. Villa made his first World Cup finals appearance scoring twice against Ukraine. He added one more from the penalty spot in Spain's 1-3 defeat to France in a Round of 16 knock-out match. He finished joint top goal scorer for Spain along with Fernando Torres in World Cup 2006 with 3 goals.

Personal Life
Villa is married to Patricia and has a daughter named Zaida.

Spain National Team
Villa was included in Spain's 23 man squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, and was favoured over the more established Ra?l, to line up alongside Fernando Torres in the opening match with Ukraine. Villa scored twice (one a penalty) in this game, in his first World Cup finals appearance. He added one more from the penalty spot in Spain's 1-3 defeat to France in a Round of 16 knockout match. He finished joint 2nd top goal scorer for Spain in World Cup 2006 with 3 goals.