David Villa joined an exclusive club last night, becoming the latest striker to score his 400th career goal for club & country.
WATCH:#Villa400: The Milestone Goals
The moment came after a handball penalty was called thanks to a video review in the first-half, and David didn’t miss his chance, putting NYCFC back on top for good and elevating his own name even higher into record books.
David Villa now sits at a table with Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Luis Suarez as active players who have surpassed the 400 goal mark. Not bad company…
The names of the past greats to have accomplished the feat shine just as bright, with Gerd Muller, Eusebio, Romario, and Ferenc Puskas – for whom the annual FIFA award for “Best Goal” is named after – appear near the top at varying figures which have drove professional statisticians nuts for decades.
Edson Arantes do Nascimento – or Pele, as he’s more commonly known – has tallied 1,279 times, a Guinness World Record that seems safe for now. Although you never know with Messi, Ronaldo, and Villa still kicking…
Welcome to the 400 club, David! Only 99 more to 500 as he finished the night in typical fashion with a brace to give NYCFC a club first victory over Dallas. As David said after the match, “Now it’s time to focus on 402…”
