David de Gea's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of David de Gea.

David de Gea is a Spanish professional footballer renowned for his goalkeeping abilities. He currently plays for Serie A club Fiorentina. De Gea is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation, known for his exceptional reflexes, agility, and shot-stopping skills. His career has been marked by high-profile performances, establishing him as a top player in his position.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1966: A Record Since 1966

In 2018, David de Gea ended the tournament having conceded six goals from seven shots on target, excluding the four goals he conceded in the penalty-shootout; with only one save, he recorded fewer saves than any other goalkeeper who had played at least three matches in a single edition of the tournament since 1966.

2007: Spain Under-17 Success

In 2007, David de Gea played a key role in Spain's under-17 team, contributing to their victory in the European Championship and their second-place finish in the World Cup.

2009: Starting Goalkeeper for Atlético Madrid

In 2009, De Gea finished the season as the starting goalkeeper for Atlético Madrid and appeared in eight matches in the club's victorious UEFA Europa League campaign.

2010: UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup Wins

In 2010, De Gea helped Atlético Madrid win the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup, establishing himself as the team's first-choice goalkeeper.

2010: UEFA Super Cup Victory and Manchester United Interest

In 2010, De Gea kept a clean sheet in the UEFA Super Cup victory against Inter Milan. Manchester United's interest in him was also reported.

September 2011: Continued Improvement and Key Saves

In September 2011, De Gea made key saves in matches against Chelsea, Stoke City, and Basel, earning praise from teammates and contributing to United's performance.

2011: UEFA Under-21 Championship Victory

In 2011, David de Gea was part of the Spain under-21 team that won the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, earning a place in UEFA's Squad of the Tournament.

2011: European Championship win with Spain U-21

In 2011, De Gea captained the Spain under-21 national team to victory in the European Championship.

February 2012: Turning Point with Save Against Chelsea

In February 2012, De Gea cited his last-minute save from Juan Mata against Chelsea as a turning point in his season, leading to a strong run of performances.

February 2013: Strong Performance Against Real Madrid

In February 2013, De Gea made several saves against Real Madrid, earning praise from Sir Alex Ferguson and transforming his reputation.

October 2013: Outstanding Save Against Sunderland

In October 2013, De Gea made an outstanding save against Sunderland, described as one of the best ever seen in the Premier League.

2013: UEFA Under-21 Championship Retained

In 2013, David de Gea helped the Spain under-21 team retain their European title, earning a place in the Squad of the Tournament for the second time.

2013: Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year Award

In 2013, De Gea was elected as Manchester United's Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year, beginning a streak of three consecutive wins.

2013: Second European Championship win with Spain U-21

In 2013, De Gea was part of the Spain under-21 national team that won the European Championship for the second time.

October 2014: Named Manchester United's Player of the Month

In October 2014, after vital stops against Everton, West Brom, and Chelsea, David de Gea was named Manchester United's Player of the Month.

April 2015: Named in PFA Team of the Year

On April 26, 2015, David de Gea was named in the PFA Team of the Year as its goalkeeper and also won both Fans' Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year awards for the second consecutive season.

November 2015: Won BBC Match of the Day Save of the Season

In November 2015, David de Gea won BBC Match of the Day Save of the Season for his save against Watford on November 21, 2015.

2015: PFA Team of the Year Inclusion

In 2015, De Gea was included in the PFA Team of the Year, starting a run of four consecutive inclusions.

April 2016: Named in PFA Team of the Year

In April 2016, David de Gea was the sole Manchester United player named in the PFA Team of the Year.

May 2016: Won Manchester United's Player of the Year

In May 2016, David de Gea became the first player ever to win Manchester United's Player of the Year for a third consecutive season and also won BBC Match of the Day Save of the Season.

February 2017: Won first EFL Cup title

On February 26, 2017, David de Gea won his first EFL Cup title after a 3–2 victory over Southampton in the final.

April 2017: Selected in PFA Team of the Year

On April 20, 2017, David de Gea was selected as a goalkeeper in the PFA Team of the Year for the fourth time in his career.

September 2017: Achieved 100th clean sheet for Manchester United

On September 17, 2017, David de Gea achieved his 100th overall clean sheet for Manchester United in a match against Everton.

December 2017: Equalled Premier League record for saves in a single game

On December 2, 2017, David de Gea recorded 14 saves in a 3-1 win over Arsenal, equalling the Premier League record for the greatest number of saves in a single game.

2017: Won the Premier League Golden Glove

In 2017–18 season, De Gea won the Premier League Golden Glove.

April 2018: Selected in PFA Team of the Year

On April 18, 2018, David de Gea was selected as a goalkeeper in the PFA Team of the Year for the fifth time as the only Manchester United player.

May 2018: Secured Premier League Golden Glove

On May 11, 2018, David de Gea secured his first Premier League Golden Glove since he joined Manchester United.

2018: Named in FIFA FIFPro World11

In 2018, De Gea was named in the FIFA FIFPro World11, recognizing him as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

2018: Best shot-stopper in the world

In 2018, Former goalkeeper Shay Given labelled De Gea as the best shot-stopper in the world, which reflects De Gea's consistency, composure, leadership, and his positional sense.

July 2020: Equalled and Surpassed Clean Sheet Records

In July 2020, David de Gea reached several milestones including becoming the most capped non-British or Irish player for United and surpassing Peter Schmeichel's record for clean sheets.