5 World Cup Stars You Didn't Know Were Still Playing In MLS

#2 David Villa

When Spanish forward David Villa left Atletico Madrid in 2014, it was thought that the former Barcelona and Valencia striker was heading to MLS to wind down his career. And not just MLS, though, for he became the first official player for the then-debuting New York City.

Since then, Villa has gone on to score over 70 goals in just over one hundred games for the club. So impressive was his form, he was actually brought out of international retirement in 2017 after having originally called time on his Spain career three years prior.

Throughout his national team career, Villa played at three World Cups – including winning the 2010 World Cup – and he still stands as Spain’s record goalscorer to this day with a total of 59 international strikes in 98 games. And for those who keep up with Major League Soccer, the 36-year-old Villa is still a key part of New York City’s squad, as reflected by his position as the team’s captain.

About the author

A longtime football and wrestling fan who's managed to somehow make a career out of writing and talking about such things, Andrew likes to think of himself as an entertaining, informative, and occasionally humourous writer and radio personality - although you may completely disagree with that.

When not writing or talking about the beautiful game and the squared circle, this Welshman can usually be found watching the not-so-mighty Wrexham AFC, scanning sports channels for any sort of football whatsoever, or re-watching classic Bret Hart matches of yesteryear. Elsewhere, Andrew is known as the Online Editor/Lead Writer of Starburst Magazine, a contributor for outlets such as TheRichest, WhatCulture, and TheQuiz.com, a radio presenter for CalonFM, and a panel host for Wales Comic Con.

Feel free to get in touch with any queries, comments, or criticism on the usual social media channels. Just try to be nice :)

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Edited by Zeeshan Ali