Spanish football legend David Villa, the all-time leading goal-scorer for the Spanish national team with 59 goals, attended the men's side's training session on July 2, 2026, in California, ahead of their FIFA World Cup round of 32 clash against Austria. The visit, which included his son, was shared by the official Spanish football handle SEFutbol on X, posting a video of Villa watching the session.
Villa's Legacy and Support
Villa, a key figure in Spain's golden era, won the 2008 UEFA European Championship and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The SEFutbol post stated: "A European and world champion is visiting us. @Guaje7Villa, the all-time leading scorer for @SEFutbol, is watching the official training session alongside his son. Thanks for your support, 'Guaje! #VamosEspana | #CopaMundialFIFA".
Spain's round of 32 match against Austria is scheduled for July 3, 2026, at 12:30 am IST. The team started their campaign with a goalless draw against debutants Cabo Verde but recovered to secure wins against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, advancing without conceding a goal.
Villa's Message to the Team
Speaking about his visit, Villa said: "I am visiting them, encouraging them. Honestly, I am very happy to be here. I want to thank everyone at the Federation, with the head coach leading the way, for wanting me to be here. I am also enjoying it with my son. We are here to try to support them and cheer them on in person, as we always do from afar. I hope tomorrow is a great match."
Villa confirmed he would attend the match with his son and expressed hopes for a repeat of 2010: "We will be at the stadium too, supporting them as they progress through the rounds and hopefully reach that much-desired final. It is true that many are drawing parallels to 2010. Hopefully, it ends the same way. I believe more in hard work than in coincidences."
Advice for the Players
When asked about advice for the current squad, Villa emphasized enjoyment: "I do not like to give much advice, I just want to tell them to enjoy it. It is not easy to reach a World Cup. They've made it here, so they should enjoy it. They have more than enough talent to go all the way."
He added: "They are one of the favorites, not just for the Spanish fans, but for many football enthusiasts. I want them to enjoy it, work hard, fight, and make the most of this opportunity. Beyond advice, they know exactly what they have to do, and we all have full confidence in them."
Spain aims to advance past Austria and continue their pursuit of a second World Cup title, with Villa's presence serving as an inspirational boost.
