David de Gea facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
David de Gea

De Gea with Spain in 2017
Personal information
Date of birth	(1990-11-07) 7 November 1990 (age 34)
Place of birth	Madrid, Spain
Height	1.92 m
Playing position	Goalkeeper
Club information
Current club	Fiorentina
Number	43
Youth career
2003–2008	Atlético Madrid
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2008–2009	Atlético Madrid B	35	(0)
2009–2011	Atlético Madrid	57	(0)
2011–2023	Manchester United	415	(0)
2024–	Fiorentina	17	(0)
National team‡
2004	Spain U15	12	(0)
2007	Spain U17	15	(0)
2007–2009	Spain U19	15	(0)
2009	Spain U20	1	(0)
2009–2013	Spain U21	27	(0)
2012	Spain U23	5	(0)
2014–2020	Spain	45	(0)
Honours Men's football Representing  Spain UEFA U-21 European Championship Winner 2011 Winner 2013 UEFA U-17 European Championship Winner 2007 UEFA Nations League Runner-up 2021 FIFA U-17 World Cup Runner-up 2007
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 14:20, 19 January 2025 (UTC). † Appearances (Goals). ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 15:49, 8 April 2023 (UTC)

David de Gea Quintana (born on 7 November 1990) is a Spanish professional footballer. He plays as a goalkeeper for the Italian club Fiorentina. Many people think he is one of the best goalkeepers of his time. He is famous for his quick reactions, agility, and amazing ability to stop shots.

David de Gea started his football journey at Atlético Madrid when he was young. He joined their youth academy and made his first team debut in 2009 at age 18. He helped Atlético win the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup in 2010. His great performances caught the eye of Manchester United. He joined them in 2011 for a record fee for a goalkeeper in Britain at that time.

At Manchester United, De Gea played over 500 games. He won many trophies, including a Premier League title and two League Cups. He was also voted Manchester United's best player three times in a row. In 2018, he was chosen for the FIFA FIFPro World11, which is like a dream team of the world's best players. After his contract ended in 2023, he took a year off. Then, he joined Fiorentina in 2024.

De Gea was also a key player for Spain's national youth teams. He captained the Spain under-21 team to win the European Championship twice. He made his debut for the senior team in 2014. He played in major tournaments like the UEFA Euro 2016 and the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Club Career: David de Gea's Journey

Atlético Madrid: Early Years and Success

Youth Development and First Steps

David de Gea was born in Madrid and grew up in Illescas. He joined Atlético Madrid when he was 13 years old. A coach helped him join the club by saying another team wanted to sign him. He quickly moved up through the youth teams. In 2008, at 17, he signed his first professional contract. He spent his second season playing for Atlético Madrid B, the club's reserve team.

In 2009, other clubs wanted to loan De Gea. But he decided to stay at Atlético. The manager, Abel Resino, saw him training alone. He invited De Gea to train with the first team. He became the third-choice goalkeeper for the main squad.

Breaking into the First Team: 2009–10 Season

De Gea playing for Atlético Madrid in 2010

De Gea made his first team debut for Atlético at 18. This happened on 30 September 2009 in a Champions League match. He came on as a substitute after the main goalkeeper got injured. Three days later, he played his first La Liga game. He saved a penalty kick in that match, which helped his team win 2–1. He said starting at the Vicente Calderón Stadium was a "childhood dream."

In 2010, De Gea became the main goalkeeper for Atlético. He helped the team win the UEFA Europa League. He played in the 2–1 final win against Fulham. His teammate Diego Forlán said De Gea was good enough for the top level at just 19.

Continuing to Shine: 2010–11 Season

De Gea started the 2010–11 season with a clean sheet. This was in a 2–0 win over Inter Milan in the 2010 UEFA Super Cup. He even saved a penalty kick in the last minute of that game.

De Gea during the Madrid Derby in November 2010

There were rumors that Manchester United wanted to sign him. Their manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, even traveled to Spain to watch him play. But De Gea said he was happy at Atlético. After a great performance in the Madrid Derby, many people praised him. Spain's national team manager, Vicente del Bosque, called him "the future of the team." De Gea played in every La Liga match that season.

Manchester United: A New Chapter Begins

Joining the Red Devils: The Transfer Story

For a long time, people wondered who would replace Edwin van der Sar at Manchester United. De Gea was their main target. In June 2011, after winning a tournament with Spain, De Gea had a medical check in Manchester. The transfer was confirmed on 29 June. He joined United for about £18.9 million, a record fee for a goalkeeper at the time.

De Gea had always looked up to United's former goalkeeper, Peter Schmeichel. People even started calling him "Van der Gea" because he was compared to Van der Sar.

First Season Challenges: 2011–12

De Gea played his first game for Manchester United in a friendly match. His official debut was against Manchester City in the FA Community Shield on 7 August. United won 3–2, but De Gea faced some criticism. His league debut was a week later against West Bromwich Albion. He kept his first clean sheet at Old Trafford in the next game.

Dea Gea playing for Manchester United in 2012

On 18 September, United beat Chelsea 3–1. De Gea made several important saves in that game. His form kept improving. He even saved a penalty from Arsenal captain Robin van Persie. Teammate Wayne Rooney supported De Gea, calling him a "strong character."

However, De Gea had a tough time in some matches. United lost 6–1 to Manchester City. He was also blamed for a mistake in a 3–2 loss to Blackburn Rovers. After this, he was replaced by Anders Lindegaard for a while. But an injury to Lindegaard brought De Gea back. He made a crucial save against Juan Mata in a 3–3 draw with Chelsea. He later said this was a turning point for him. He played the last 19 games of the season and kept eight clean sheets.

Becoming a Key Player: 2012–13

De Gea missed Manchester United's pre-season tour because of the 2012 Olympics. He returned for the first game of the season. He made some great saves, but United lost 1–0 to Everton. In the next game, a 3–2 win, he made more important saves.

On 9 December, De Gea made two quick saves against Manchester City. This helped United win the Manchester Derby 3–2. He also made a great double-save against Sunderland. Former United captain Gary Neville criticized De Gea for a mistake against Tottenham. But Sir Alex Ferguson defended him, calling critics "idiots."

On 13 February 2013, De Gea made many saves against Real Madrid in the Champions League. His manager praised his "excellent" performance. He was seen as having "come of age" after this game. De Gea's great form continued with several clean sheets. He was voted into the PFA Premier League Team of the Year. He ended the season winning his first Premier League title with United. He played 28 games and kept 11 clean sheets.

Continued Excellence: 2013–14

De Gea started the season with a clean sheet in the Community Shield. On 5 October 2013, he made an incredible save against Sunderland. Former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel called it one of the best saves ever in the Premier League. Manager David Moyes agreed, saying it was a "turning point" in the match.

On 1 December, De Gea played his 100th game for Manchester United. In a League Cup semi-final, he made a mistake that led to a goal. But he then saved two penalties in the shootout. His performances earned him both the club's Players' Player of the Year and Fans' Player of the Year awards.

Outstanding Performances: 2014–15

De Gea helped United win two games in a row under new manager Louis van Gaal. On 5 October 2014, he made three important saves against Everton. He even saved a penalty from Leighton Baines, who had never missed one before. United won 2–1, and De Gea was named man of the match.

He continued to make vital saves against other teams. He was named Manchester United's Player of the Month for October. On 14 December, he was man of the match again for his "outstanding" performance against Liverpool. He made eight saves in a 3–0 win. Van Gaal called him "unbelievable." De Gea said he was "proud" to play for United.

At the end of the season, De Gea was nominated for top player awards. He was named in the PFA Team of the Year. He also won the Fans' Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year awards for the second year in a row. His save against Everton was voted Premier League Save of the Season.

A New Contract: 2015–16

De Gea playing for Manchester United in 2016

At the start of the 2015–16 season, there was uncertainty about De Gea's future. He was linked with a move to Real Madrid. The deal almost happened but fell through at the last minute. On 11 September, De Gea signed a new four-year contract with Manchester United.

In April 2016, De Gea was the only Manchester United player named in the PFA Team of the Year. He was leading the league with 14 clean sheets. He saved a penalty in the FA Cup semi-finals against Romelu Lukaku. In May 2016, he became the first player to win Manchester United's Player of the Year award three seasons in a row. He also won the BBC Match of the Day Save of the Season for the third year in a row.

Winning the Europa League: 2016–17

Under new manager José Mourinho, De Gea started the 2016–17 season in the FA Community Shield. United won 2–1. He kept two clean sheets in his first three league games. On 26 February 2017, he won his first EFL Cup title. United beat Southampton 3–2 in the final.

On 20 April 2017, De Gea was chosen for the PFA Team of the Year for the fourth time. On 24 May, he won his third trophy of the season. Manchester United beat Ajax 2–0 in the Europa League final.

Golden Glove Winner: 2017–18

De Gea (in black) playing for Manchester United in 2017

On 17 September 2017, De Gea achieved his 100th clean sheet for Manchester United. This was in a league match against Everton. On 2 December 2017, he made 14 saves in a 3–1 win over Arsenal. This equaled the Premier League record for most saves in a single game. He also won the Man of the Match award.

On 18 April 2018, De Gea was selected for the PFA Team of the Year for the fifth time. On 11 May 2018, he earned his 18th clean sheet of the season. This secured his first Premier League Golden Glove award.

Challenges and Records: 2018–19

The 2018–19 season started with fewer clean sheets for De Gea. However, in January 2019, he made 11 saves in a 1–0 win over Tottenham. This was his second-highest number of saves in a Premier League match. His clean sheet against Liverpool on 24 February was his 100th in the Premier League for United. He became only the second United goalkeeper to reach this milestone.

De Gea faced some criticism for mistakes in March and April. He ended the season with only 7 clean sheets in 38 Premier League games. This was his lowest tally at Manchester United.

More Milestones: 2019–20

On 11 August 2019, De Gea started the season with a 4–0 win over Chelsea. On 16 September 2019, he signed a new four-year contract with United.

He continued to break records. On 9 July, he became the non-British or Irish player with the most appearances for United. On 13 July, he reached 400 appearances for the club. On 16 July 2020, he kept his 112th Premier League clean sheet. This equaled Peter Schmeichel's club record. On the last day of the season, he surpassed Schmeichel's record with his 113th clean sheet.

Competition and Europa League Final: 2020–21

The 2020–21 season brought competition for De Gea. Dean Henderson returned from a loan spell. De Gea started as first-choice goalkeeper. He kept a clean sheet in United's record-equaling 9–0 win against Southampton.

De Gea played in the Champions League group matches. When United moved to the Europa League, Henderson often played instead. De Gea returned to Spain for the birth of his child. This allowed Henderson to play more in the league. De Gea played in the Europa League knockout games. On 26 May, in the Europa League final, De Gea missed his penalty in a shootout. Villarreal won the trophy.

Saving Penalties: 2021–22

De Gea playing for Manchester United in 2021

De Gea started the league season against Leeds United. He earned his first clean sheet in a 1–0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers. In the fifth game week, De Gea saved his first penalty for Manchester United since 2016. He denied Mark Noble of West Ham United in the last moments of the game. This secured a 2–1 victory for United.

Final Season and Departure: 2022–23

De Gea playing for Manchester United in 2022

On 16 October 2022, De Gea played his 500th match for Manchester United. On 12 February 2023, he played his 400th Premier League match. No other non-British player has played more for one club. On 26 February, he broke Peter Schmeichel's record for most clean sheets in United's history. This happened after a 2–0 win over Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final. He reached 181 clean sheets.

On 20 May, he won the Premier League Golden Glove again. On 3 June, he played his last match for Manchester United. This was a 2–1 defeat against Manchester City in the FA Cup final. De Gea's contract ended on 1 July 2023. He left Manchester United as the player with the seventh-most appearances for the club.

Fiorentina: A New Beginning

After a year without a club, De Gea signed with Serie A club Fiorentina on 9 August 2024. He made his debut on 22 August in a 3–3 draw. Later that year, on 6 October, he saved two penalty kicks. This helped Fiorentina win 2–1 against AC Milan.

International Career: Representing Spain

Youth Teams: Early Success

De Gea with Spain U21 in 2011

De Gea helped Spain's under-17 team win the European Championship in 2007. They also finished second at the 2007 World Cup. In 2011, he was part of the Spain under-21 team that won the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. He was named in UEFA's Squad of the Tournament.

In 2012, De Gea was called up to the Spanish senior team. He was chosen to play at the 2012 Summer Olympics. He played all three matches, but Spain was eliminated early. De Gea also helped the Spain under-21 team win their European title again in 2013. He was named in the Squad of the Tournament for a second time.

Senior Team: World Cups and Euros

On 13 May 2014, De Gea was chosen for Spain's team for the 2014 World Cup. He made his first senior international appearance on 8 June in a friendly match. He replaced Iker Casillas for the last seven minutes. As the third-choice goalkeeper, he did not play in the World Cup.

On 4 September 2014, he made his first start for Spain. He played the whole 90 minutes in a friendly against France. On 12 October, he played his first competitive international game. He kept a clean sheet in a 4–0 win.

De Gea with Spain at the 2018 FIFA World Cup

Many people thought De Gea would become Spain's long-term number one goalkeeper. He was named in Spain's squad for UEFA Euro 2016. He started their first game and kept a clean sheet. He also kept another clean sheet against Turkey. However, Spain lost to Croatia and was eliminated in the round of 16 by Italy.

On 21 May 2018, De Gea was called up for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. In Spain's first game, he made a mistake that led to a goal. He struggled in the group stage, making only one save. On 1 July, Spain lost in a penalty shootout to Russia. De Gea did not save any penalties in that shootout. He ended the tournament having conceded six goals from seven shots on target.

On 24 May 2021, De Gea was included in Spain's squad for UEFA Euro 2020. He was a backup to Unai Simón. He was later not selected for the Spain squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Playing Style: What Makes David de Gea Special?

De Gea making a save with his feet against Morocco at the 2018 FIFA World Cup

When he was young, David de Gea was seen as a very promising player. He grew up playing futsal as an outfield player until he was 14. This helped him develop excellent footwork. He often uses futsal goalkeeping techniques, like saving the ball with his feet. This unusual but effective style has changed how goalkeeping is seen.

De Gea is known for being an elegant and athletic goalkeeper. He is especially famous for his quick reflexes, agility, and amazing ability to stop shots. He often makes acrobatic dives and spectacular saves. Former goalkeeper Shay Given called De Gea the best shot-stopper in the world in 2018. He is also known for being consistent, calm, and having good positioning.

When he was younger, De Gea sometimes struggled with high balls. He would often punch them away instead of catching them. He was also sometimes slow to come off his line. But he improved a lot as he got older and gained more experience. He became better at handling the ball and commanding his penalty area. However, in later seasons, some people still pointed out that he didn't come off his line as much as other top goalkeepers.

De Gea passing the ball whilst playing for Spain in 2019

De Gea is very fast when rushing out in one-on-one situations. This also allows him to play as a sweeper-keeper. However, some experts noted that he tended to stay deeper in his area in later seasons. His passing and confidence with the ball at his feet have also been discussed. While he has good ball control and vision, some felt his distribution was "limited" compared to other modern goalkeepers.

De Gea's ability to stop penalties has also been questioned recently. Despite saving penalties from famous players like Leighton Baines and Robin van Persie in the past, he did not save a single penalty between April 2016 and September 2021. This included all eleven penalties he faced in the 2021 UEFA Europa League final shootout.

Personal Life: Beyond the Pitch

In 2012, it was confirmed that De Gea is farsighted. However, this has not affected his football performance. De Gea is a fan of heavy metal music. Avenged Sevenfold is one of his favorite bands. He has been in a relationship with Spanish singer Edurne since 2010. They got married in 2023. On 4 March 2021, they had their first child, a daughter named Yanay. In 2021, he also started his own esports team called Rebels Gaming.

Career Statistics

Club Appearances

International Appearances

Honours and Awards

Atlético Madrid

• UEFA Europa League: 2009–10
• UEFA Super Cup: 2010

Manchester United

• Premier League: 2012–13
• FA Cup: 2015–16
• EFL Cup: 2016–17, 2022–23
• FA Community Shield: 2011, 2013, 2016
• UEFA Europa League: 2016–17

Spain U17

• UEFA European Under-17 Championship: 2007
• FIFA U-17 World Cup runner-up: 2007

Spain U21

• UEFA European Under-21 Championship: 2011, 2013

Spain

• UEFA Nations League runner-up: 2020–21

Individual Awards

• Premier League Golden Glove: 2017–18, 2022–23
• Premier League Player of the Month: January 2022
• Premier League Save of the Month: February 2023
• PFA Team of the Year: 2012–13 Premier League, 2014–15 Premier League, 2015–16 Premier League, 2016–17 Premier League, 2017–18 Premier League
• PFA Fans' Premier League Player of the Month: November 2014
• Match of the Day Save of the Season: 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18
• UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season: 2015–16
• UEFA European Under-21 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2011, 2013
• FIFA FIFPro World11: 2018
• Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year: 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18
• Manchester United Players' Player of the Year: 2013–14, 2014–15, 2017–18, 2021–22
• Sports Illustrated Premier League Team of the Decade: 2010–2019

Images for kids

• 

  De Gea with Spain in 2017

• 

  De Gea playing for Atlético Madrid in 2010

• 

  De Gea during the Madrid Derby in November 2010

• 

  De Gea playing for Manchester United in 2016

• 

  De Gea playing for Manchester United in 2017

• 

  De Gea with Spain U21 in 2011

• 

  De Gea with Spain at the 2018 FIFA World Cup

• 

  De Gea making a save with his feet against Morocco at the 2018 FIFA World Cup

• 

  De Gea passing the ball whilst playing for Spain in 2019

• 

  De Gea playing for Manchester United in 2021

• 

  De Gea playing for Manchester United in 2022

See also

In Spanish: David de Gea para niños