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David de Gea

David de Gea Quintana is a Spanish professional football goalkeeper born in Madrid on 7 November 1990.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

David de Gea Quintana is a Spanish professional football goalkeeper born in Madrid on 7 November 1990. He developed through Atlético Madrid’s academy and made his senior debut in 2009. After a successful spell with Atlético, he moved to Manchester United in 2011 for a British record fee for a goalkeeper, where he spent 12 seasons and made over 500 appearances. Following his departure from United in 2023, he joined Fiorentina in 2024 after a year as a free agent.

Early life and youth career

De Gea was born in Madrid and developed in Atlético Madrid’s youth system before reaching the first team. He made his senior debut in 2009 at age 18.

Club career

After becoming Atlético’s first-choice goalkeeper, he won the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup in 2010. Manchester United signed him in 2011 for £18.9 million, which was a British record fee for a goalkeeper at the time. At United, he made more than 500 appearances and won the Premier League, FA Cup, two League Cups, three Community Shields, and another UEFA Europa League.

International career

De Gea was part of Spain’s senior national team setup from 2014 onward, and sources identify him as a Spanish international goalkeeper.

Later career

After leaving Manchester United in July 2023 when his contract ended, De Gea spent a season as a free agent before signing for Fiorentina in August 2024.

Key facts

  • De Gea made his senior debut for Atlético Madrid in 2009 and became the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.
  • He won the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup with Atlético Madrid in 2010.
  • Manchester United signed him in 2011 for £18.9 million, a British record fee for a goalkeeper at the time.
  • He made more than 500 appearances for Manchester United and won multiple trophies including the Premier League and Europa League.
  • He left Manchester United in July 2023 and joined Fiorentina in August 2024 after a season without a club.
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Canadian context

He is a globally followed footballer with relevance to Canadian readers through Premier League and European football coverage, particularly during Manchester United matches and transfers.

Frequently asked questions

Who is David de Gea?
He is a Spanish professional goalkeeper best known for his long spell at Manchester United and for previously playing for Atlético Madrid and later Fiorentina.
When was David de Gea born?
He was born on 7 November 1990 in Madrid, Spain.
Which clubs has David de Gea played for?
His senior club career includes Atlético Madrid, Manchester United, and Fiorentina.
What major trophies did he win with Manchester United?
He won the Premier League, FA Cup, two League Cups, three Community Shields, and the UEFA Europa League with Manchester United.
When did he leave Manchester United?
He left in July 2023 after his contract expired.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_de_Gea
    Supports: Birthplace, early career, Atlético Madrid debut, transfer to Manchester United, and major honours.
  2. David De Gea Official Website — https://daviddegea.com/en/david/
    Supports: Date and place of birth.
  3. Manchester United — https://www.manutd.com/en/players-and-staff/detail/de-gea
    Supports: Position, date joined, debut, and departure from the club.
  4. Transfermarkt — https://www.transfermarkt.com/david-de-gea/profil/spieler/59377
    Supports: Current club, position, date of birth, and 2024 Fiorentina transfer.
  5. Premier League — https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/51940/david-de-gea/overview
    Supports: Nationality, preferred foot, and career statistics in the league.