David Josué Jiménez Silva, the Real Sociedad midfielder from the Canary Islands, has decided to retire from professional football after doctors confirmed a severe anterior cruciate ligament injury in his left knee. This decision comes as medical assessments continue in the wake of the incident and follows a period of growing concern about his playing future. Sources close to the player confirmed the news to EFE late last night, marking a significant moment in a career that has spanned multiple top European clubs and international triumphs.
At 37 years old, Silva faced a difficult reality: the ACL injury, coupled with ongoing evaluations, may prevent him from returning to action this season. The midfielder had already been withdrawn from training on a recent Wednesday because of discomfort in the affected knee, with subsequent imaging revealing the ligament damage. His departure from the pitch comes while he remains at a level of play many would still consider highly competitive, underscoring the bittersweet nature of the decision.
The Canarian star joined Real Sociedad on August 17, 2020, after a successful spell with Manchester City. He signed a two-year contract with Real Sociedad, with the possibility of extending for another season. In his third season with the club, he played a pivotal role in helping Real Sociedad secure a place in European competition, which contributed to discussions about renewing his stay with the club. Still, the injury will prevent him from continuing into a potential fourth season with the txuri-urdin side.
Born in Arguineguín, Gran Canaria, in 1986, Silva began his football journey at San Fernando de Maspalomas before moving to Valencia’s youth academy at age 14. His early career included spells with Eibar and a loan to Celta in the 2004-2005 season, where he featured in La Liga, before returning to Valencia in 2006. The forward-looking talent eventually emerged on the world stage, highlighted by his performance with Spain’s national team in the 2010 World Cup held in South Africa.
Silva’s club career reached new heights with a decade at Manchester City, where he established himself as a defining figure for ten seasons. When his time at City concluded, he sought another challenge at the highest level and found it at Real Sociedad, drawn by the leadership of coach Imanol Alguacil. His arrival brought experience, technical quality, and a winning mentality to the squad as it pursued domestic and European success.
Throughout his tenure with Real Sociedad, Silva contributed to memorable campaigns, including important cup triumphs and consistent participation in European qualifications. He became part of a distinguished group of players who have celebrated a World Cup title along with European Championship honors, illustrating the breadth of his international achievements. The news of his retirement sends a loud signal about the physical toll of a long and storied career, even for those who have maintained elite performance levels well into their late thirties.
Fans and pundits are left reflecting on Silva’s legacy: a player who combined creativity, vision, and relentless work rate with a quiet leadership that inspired teammates. His career path—from the Canary Islands to Valencia, Eibar, Celta, Manchester City, and Real Sociedad—reads as a testament to resilience and consistency at the highest levels of football. The decision to retire underscores the reality that athletes must sometimes prioritize long-term health over continued competition, even when the passion to play remains strong. In reporting the development, it was noted that the final word came after careful medical review and discussions with the player and his circle, as confirmed by people close to him. (Source: EFE)