Softfootball can confirm David Villa has officially returned to Atlético Madrid, this time taking on a new role as an advisor and member of the club’s Board of Directors.
The development was confirmed by transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano via his X handle, marking a significant return for one of Spain’s most celebrated forwards.
Villa expressed his excitement about returning to the club in a leadership capacity.
Romano posted:
David Villa returns to Atlético Madrid as advisor and part of the Board of Directors. “I’m very happy to return to the club with new responsibilities, but with the same desire to keep helping make Atlético Madrid bigger season after season. The club has experienced several years of great growth, and I hope to contribute so that we continue achieving success. I’m very grateful that they thought of me for this role”.
Twelve years after leaving Atlético, Villa now begins a new chapter with the Madrid side. The former striker remains one of Spain’s most iconic attackers and still holds the record as the all-time top scorer for the Spain national football team.
During his time as a player at Atlético in the 2013–14 season, Villa made 47 appearances, scoring 15 goals and providing four assists. That campaign proved historic for the club, as Atlético won the La Liga title and reached the final of the UEFA Champions League. The Spanish side narrowly lost the final to city rivals Real Madrid.
Villa’s appointment also comes during a period of significant structural changes within the club. Atlético recently confirmed that Apollo Sports Capital has completed the acquisition of a majority stake in the club following an agreement reached last November.
Meanwhile, Quantum Pacific Group will remain the second-largest shareholder, retaining nearly all of its existing stake, which is estimated to be around 25 percent.
In team news, Atlético recently confirmed that midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza suffered a moderate-grade sprain in his right ankle following the club’s clash with Real Sociedad.
The injury occurred during a challenge for the ball, forcing Mendoza to leave the match at half-time. Medical examinations later confirmed the ankle sprain, and the player will now begin a recovery programme that includes physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions in the gym. His return to action will depend on how well the injury responds to treatment.
Elsewhere in European football, Paris Saint-Germain delivered a dominant display to defeat Chelsea 5–2 in their Round of 16 clash in the Champions League. PSG’s attacking unit impressed throughout the match, with goals and key contributions coming from Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembélé, Vitinha and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as the French champions secured a convincing victory.
Elsewhere, Axel Disasi has expressed satisfaction with his loan spell at West Ham United after a difficult period at Chelsea, where he had been excluded from regular first-team action before seeking a move to regain playing time.
