David Silva, at 40, breaks his retirement and signs with Supreme Sha Tin
David Silva, the legendary 40-year-old Spanish midfielder, breaks his 2023 retirement to sign with Supreme Sha Tin of the Hong Kong Premier League, after overcoming a serious knee injury that kept him out of professional football for more than three years.
The Last Chapter in Spain
In 2023, while wearing the Real Sociedad shirt, Silva suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture during pre‑season, which forced the player to announce his retirement. That same day, Pedro Rodríguez also announced his career end, marking a day of farewells for two 2010 World Cup champions.
Before the injury, the Canary had shone at Valencia and reached the pinnacle with Manchester City, where he amassed 60 Premier League goals and four league titles. With the Spain national team, he won the 2010 World Cup, two European Championships (2008 and 2012) and 11 major honours, and he has a statue in front of the Etihad Stadium.
New Destination in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong club Supreme Sha Tin officially announced Silva's signing, describing the acquisition as “It’s an absolute madness! We officially announce that the legendary Spanish midfielder David Silva has officially joined Supreme Sha Tin!”.
David Silva returns to football at 40 in Hong Kong
Silva, for his part, expressed his enthusiasm in a video posted on his social media: “I’m very happy to join Supreme Sha Tin in this adventure, looking forward to going to Hong Kong, enjoying the people’s culture and the cuisine in Sha Tin.”
Preparation and Upcoming Challenges
After passing the medical examinations, the player will soon travel to Hong Kong to join training and work until reaching the required physical condition before playing his first official match. Supreme Sha Tin, which sits eighth in the league after four games, is preparing to face Hong Kong Football Club on Sunday, October 18.
Silva’s return at 40 is a rarity in professional football and opens a new chapter in the history of Asian sport, where his European experience could influence the development of the local game.