02 July,2026 07:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
David Villa with Spanish team (Pic:X/Spanish football)
Spanish football icon David Villa paid a visit to the men's national team during their training session on the eve of their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match against Austria.
The official X account for the Spanish national team shared a video of the country's record goal-scorer, who netted 59 goals during his international career, taking in the practice session alongside his son.
The SEFutbol account posted, "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 is set to face Austria in a crucial Round of 32 fixture. After opening their tournament with a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, La Roja got consecutive victories over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, securing their qualification to the Round of 32 with a solid defensive record.
Villa was a mainstay of the legendary Spanish squad that dominated football, capturing the 2008 European Championship and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Reflecting on his time with the squad, Villa shared his excitement about being present to cheer on the next generation, along with his kid.
"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 said.
The legendary striker confirmed he and his son would be watching from the stands, drawing optimistic comparisons to Spain's historic golden run sixteen years prior.
"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," he said.
(With ANI inputs)
