David de Gea

{{short description|Spanish footballer (born 1990)}} {{for|the motorcycle racer|José David de Gea}} {{family name hatnote|De Gea|Quintana|lang=Spanish}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}} {{Infobox football biography |name = David de Gea |image = David de Gea 2017.jpg |caption = De Gea with Spain in 2017 |full_name = David de Gea Quintana<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/465277 |title=Squads for 2017/18 Premier League confirmed |publisher=Premier League |date=1 September 2017 |access-date=25 November 2017}}</ref> |birth_date = {{birth date and age|1990|11|7|df=y}}<ref>{{Hugman|22767|access-date=25 November 2017}}</ref> |birth_place = Madrid, Spain |height = 1.92 m<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.11v11.com/players/david-de-gea-230528/ |title=David De Gea |website=11v11.com |publisher=AFS Enterprises |access-date=19 August 2018}}</ref> |position = Goalkeeper |currentclub = Fiorentina |clubnumber = 43 |youthyears1 = 2003–2008 |youthclubs1 = Atlético Madrid |years1 = 2008–2009 |clubs1 = Atlético Madrid B |caps1 = 35 |goals1 = 0 |years2 = 2009–2011 |clubs2 = Atlético Madrid |caps2 = 57 |goals2 = 0 |years3 = 2011–2023 |clubs3 = Manchester United |caps3 = 415 |goals3 = 0 |years4 = 2024– |clubs4 = Fiorentina |caps4 = 72 |goals4 = 0 |nationalyears1 = 2004 |nationalteam1 = Spain U15 |nationalcaps1 = 12 |nationalgoals1 = 0 |nationalyears2 = 2007 |nationalteam2 = Spain U17 |nationalcaps2 = 15 |nationalgoals2 = 0 |nationalyears3 = 2007–2009 |nationalteam3 = Spain U19 |nationalcaps3 = 15 |nationalgoals3 = 0 |nationalyears4 = 2009 |nationalteam4 = Spain U20 |nationalcaps4 = 1 |nationalgoals4 = 0 |nationalyears5 = 2009–2013 |nationalteam5 = Spain U21 |nationalcaps5 = 27 |nationalgoals5 = 0 |nationalyears6 = 2012 |nationalteam6 = Spain U23 |nationalcaps6 = 5 |nationalgoals6 = 0 |nationalyears7 = 2014–2021 |nationalteam7 = Spain |nationalcaps7 = 45 |nationalgoals7 = 0 |medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's football}} {{MedalCountry|{{fb|ESP}}}} {{Medal|Comp|UEFA Nations League}} {{Medal|RU|2021 Italy|}} {{Medal|Comp|UEFA European Championship}} {{Medal|Bronze|2020 Europe|}} {{MedalCompetition|UEFA European Under-21 Championship|}} {{Medal|W|2013 Israel|}} {{Medal|W|2011 Denmark|}} {{MedalCompetition|FIFA U-17 World Cup}} {{Medal|RU|2007 South Korea|}} {{MedalCompetition|UEFA European Under-17 Championship|}} {{Medal|W|2007 Belgium|}} |pcupdate = 23:57, 17 May 2026 (UTC) |ntupdate = }}

'''David de Gea Quintana''' ({{IPA|es|daˈβið ðe ˈxea kinˈtana|-|David-de-Gea.ogg}}; born 7 November 1990) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for and captains {{Italian football updater|Fiorentina}} club Fiorentina. He is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Warrington |first=Declan |date=25 September 2023 |title=Ranked! The 10 best goalkeepers of the 21st century |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/ranked-10-best-goalkeepers-21st-century |access-date=27 May 2026 |website=FourFourTwo |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kay |first=Oliver |date=8 January 2026 |title=David de Gea wasn’t tempted by Forest but returning to the top will only get tougher |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5245494/2024/02/02/david-de-gea-forest-comeback/ |access-date=27 May 2026 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Reilly |first=James |date=1 December 2024 |title=The 10 greatest goalkeepers of the 21st century have been ranked |url=https://www.givemesport.com/football-best-goalkeepers-21st-century-ranked/ |access-date=27 May 2026 |website=GiveMeSport |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Blanchette |first=Rob |date=6 February 2017 |title=Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Antoine Griezmann, David De Gea Rumours |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2691543-manchester-united-transfer-news-latest-antoine-griezmann-david-de-gea-rumours |access-date=27 May 2026 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref>

Born in Madrid, De Gea began his playing career with Atlético Madrid, rising through the academy system at the club before making his senior debut in 2009, aged 18. After being made Atlético's first-choice goalkeeper, he helped the team win the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup in 2010. His performances subsequently attracted the attention of Manchester United, and De Gea joined the club in 2011 for £18.9&nbsp;million, a British record for a goalkeeper at the time.

During his time in Manchester, De Gea made over 500 appearances and won a Premier League title, an FA Cup, two League Cups, three Community Shields and a second Europa League. For three consecutive seasons from 2013–14 to 2015–16, he was elected as United's Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year, the first player in the award's history to win on three successive occasions (four in total), as well as being included in four consecutive (five in total) PFA Team of the Year sides from 2015 to 2018. In 2018, he was named in the FIFA FIFPro World11. De Gea left United following the expiration of his contract in 2023, and, following a year away from football, joined Fiorentina.

Tipped by many as the successor to Iker Casillas as Spain's long-term goalkeeper,<ref name="Future">{{cite news |first=Pete |last=Jenson |title=David De Gea has finally come of age and looks the future for both Spain and Manchester United |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/pete-jenson-david-de-gea-has-finally-come-of-age-and-looks-the-future-for-both-spain-and-manchester-united-9796962.html |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=15 October 2014 |access-date=15 December 2014}}</ref> De Gea was the captain for the Spain under-21 national team that won the European Championship in 2011 and 2013, and also competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics. He made his debut for the senior team in 2014 and was selected for that year's World Cup. De Gea was named as Spain's starting goalkeeper for UEFA Euro 2016 and the 2018 FIFA World Cup, receiving criticism for his performance in the latter.<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=http://www.beinsports.com/us/fifa-world-cup/news/de-gea-leaves-world-cup-with-just-one-save-to/917825 |title=De Gea Leaves World Cup With Just One Save To His Name |website=beinsports.com |date=1 July 2018 |access-date=9 July 2018}}</ref> He lost his regular place to Unai Simón for Euro 2020.

==Club career== ===Atlético Madrid=== ====Youth and Atlético B==== Born in Madrid and raised in Illescas,<ref name="Illescas">{{cite news |last=Hidalgo |first=Dani |url=http://futbol.as.com/futbol/2009/10/05/mas_futbol/1254724047_850215.html |title=Un Illescas orgulloso se volcó con De Gea |trans-title=A proud Illescas turned to De Gea |date=5 October 2009 |access-date=19 December 2014 |newspaper=Diario AS |location=Madrid |language=es}}</ref> De Gea joined Atlético Madrid at the age of 13 when his then coach Juan Luis Martín lied to the club that Rayo Vallecano were set to sign him. A few days later, Diego Díaz scouted De Gea and signed him immediately.<ref name="Illescas"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Casáñez |first=Juan |url=http://futbol.as.com/futbol/2009/10/09/mas_futbol/1255069658_850215.html |title=Mentí al Atlético para que fichara a De Gea |trans-title=I lied to bring Atletico De Gea |date=9 October 2009 |access-date=16 December 2014 |newspaper=Diario AS |location=Madrid |language=es}}</ref> He made his way up through the youth ranks at the club before signing his first professional contract in 2008, aged 17, contracting him to Atlético until 2011.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://futbol.as.com/futbol/2008/03/11/mas_futbol/1205190021_850215.html |title=De Gea firma contrato profesional con el Atlético hasta 2011 |trans-title=De Gea signs professional contract with Atletico until 2011 |date=11 March 2008 |access-date=16 December 2014 |newspaper=Diario AS |location=Madrid |language=es}}</ref> He spent his second season for Atlético Madrid B in Segunda División B. In the summer of 2009, De Gea was approached by Numancia and English team Queens Park Rangers with regards to a loan move, with Atlético sporting director Jesús García Pitarch pushing for him to move to Numancia. De Gea rejected the approach, and was punished by being forced to train by himself.<ref name="DeGeaProfile">{{cite news |last=Mitten |first=Andy |url=http://www.espnfc.com/club/manchester-united/360/blog/post/2200204/in-form-david-de-gea-embodies-manchester-uniteds-upturn-in-fortunes-by-andy-mitten |title=In-form David De Gea embodies Man United's upturn in fortunes |date=15 December 2014 |access-date=15 December 2014 |website=ESPN FC}}</ref> Weeks later, Atlético manager Abel Resino noticed De Gea training alone and invited him to train with the first team, where he was rated as the third-choice goalkeeper.<ref name="DeGeaProfile"/> The same summer, Atlético rejected an offer from English team Wigan Athletic for a permanent transfer for De Gea.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.marca.com/2009/09/01/futbol/equipos/atletico/1251833694.html |title=De Gea rechazó una oferta del Wigan |trans-title=De Gea rejected an offer from Wigan |date=1 September 2009 |access-date=16 December 2014 |newspaper=Marca |location=Madrid |language=es}}</ref>

====2009–10 season: First-team call-up==== [[File:David de Gea - La soledad del portero (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|De Gea playing for Atlético Madrid in 2010|202x202px]] With first-choice goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo away on international duty at the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup, De Gea was called up to the senior team as cover for Roberto. He made his debut for the Atlético first-team at the age of 18 on 30 September 2009, coming on as a substitute after Roberto was injured after 27 minutes of Atlético's UEFA Champions League group stage match away to Porto; De Gea conceded two late goals as Atlético lost 2–0.<ref name="whirlwind">{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Bryan |title=De Gea stands tall after whirlwind bow |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01de-0e7303aff4bc-aa0590f9df14-1000--de-gea-stands-tall-after-whirlwind-bow/ |publisher=UEFA |date=5 October 2009 |access-date=1 July 2011}}</ref> Roberto's injury meant that De Gea was given his La Liga debut three days later, at home to Real Zaragoza; he gave away a penalty kick in the 19th minute, but immediately redeemed himself by saving Marko Babić's attempt in a 2–1 win.<ref name="whirlwind"/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.marca.com/2009/10/04/futbol/equipos/atletico/1254610675.html |title=De Gea: "Empezar aquí parando un penalti ha sido un sueño" |trans-title=De Gea: "Starting here by stopping a penalty has been a dream" |date=14 October 2009 |access-date=16 December 2014 |newspaper=Marca |location=Madrid |language=es}}</ref> He described starting at the Vicente Calderón Stadium as a "dream since childhood".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.marca.com/2009/10/01/futbol/equipos/atletico/1254407242.html |title=De Gea: "Debutar en el Calderón es mi sueño desde pequeño" |trans-title=De Gea: "Start at the Calderon is my dream since childhood" |date=1 October 2009 |access-date=15 December 2014 |newspaper=Marca |location=Madrid |language=es}}</ref> In January 2010, De Gea was touted as a possible replacement for Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, who was set to retire in 2011.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.marca.com/2010/01/24/futbol/equipos/atletico/1264325881.html |title=La prensa inglesa sitúa a De Gea en el radar del Manchester United |trans-title=The British press puts De Gea on the radar of Manchester United |date=24 January 2010 |access-date=16 December 2014 |newspaper=Marca|location=Madrid |language=es}}</ref> Days later, however, he signed a new contract which would keep him with Atlético until 2013.<ref>{{cite news |last=Molina |first=Francisco |url=http://www.marca.com/2010/01/28/futbol/equipos/atletico/1264696302.html |title=De Gea, hasta 2013 de rojiblanco |trans-title=De Gea, Atletico until 2013 |date=28 January 2010 |access-date=16 December 2014 |newspaper=Marca |location=Madrid |language=es}}</ref>

After some costly mistakes by Asenjo, and the arrival of Quique Sánchez Flores as manager, De Gea finished the 2009–10 season as the starting goalkeeper . He won two man of the match awards along the way,<ref name="factfile">{{cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12040_7007619,00.html |title=De Gea factfile |website=Sky Sports |date=27 June 2011 |access-date=27 June 2011}}</ref> against Athletic Bilbao and Valencia. Additionally, he appeared in eight matches in the club's victorious UEFA Europa League campaign, including the 2–1 final win against Fulham.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8675486.stm |title=Atletico Madrid 2–1 Fulham |website=BBC Sport |date=12 May 2010 |access-date=13 May 2010}}</ref> Diego Forlán later said of his first season, "David was good enough for the top level at 19 and the players had confidence in him."<ref name="DeGeaProfile"/>

====2010–11 season==== thumb|De Gea during the Madrid Derby in November 2010

{{Quote box |width=25% |align=left |quoted=1 |quote=This boy is as cold as a wolf. He has composure, nerve and self-confidence. The pressures that others might feel don't affect him. |salign=right |source=— Atlético youth goalkeeping coach Ángel Mejías in 2010.<ref name="DeGeaQuote">{{cite news |last=Bryan |first=Paul |url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=esp/news/newsid=1472959.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100418211006/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=esp/news/newsid=1472959.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 April 2010 |title=Atlético trust in youthful De Gea |date=14 May 2014 |access-date=17 May 2014}}</ref>}}

De Gea began the 2010–11 season by keeping a clean sheet in a 2–0 victory over Inter Milan in the 2010 UEFA Super Cup; in the 90th minute, he saved a Diego Milito penalty kick.<ref>{{cite news |title=Slick Atlético seal Super Cup success |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefasupercup/news/0250-0c50f43707d9-eb8c2f5454b5-1000--slick-atletico-seal-super-cup-success/ |publisher=UEFA |date=27 August 2010 |access-date=28 August 2010}}</ref> In September, it was reported that Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had missed a League Cup match with Scunthorpe United to travel to Spain to watch De Gea in action against Valencia.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/826143/man-united-linked-with-de-gea-after-ferguson-misses-cup-clash |title=United linked with De Gea after Fergie misses cup clash |date=23 September 2010 |access-date=15 December 2014 |website=ESPN FC}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.marca.com/2010/09/23/futbol/equipos/atletico/1285237907.html |title=Ferguson espió a De Gea |trans-title=Ferguson spied on De Gea |date=23 September 2010 |access-date=15 December 2014 |newspaper=Marca|location=Madrid |language=es}}</ref> De Gea played down the rumours, saying, "The important thing is that I have a contract here and I'm an Atletico player until 2013."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/47713.html |title=De Gea not thinking about Manchester United move |date=28 September 2010 |access-date=15 December 2014 |publisher=ESPN |archive-date=16 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216014443/http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/47713.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Following his "faultless" performance in the Madrid Derby on 7 November, De Gea was hailed as the heir apparent to Real Madrid's goalkeeper Iker Casillas for Spain,<ref>{{cite news |last=Train |first=Rob |url=https://www.espn.com/sports/soccer/blog/_/name/train_rob/id/5791196/spain-very-good-hands |title=Spain is in very good hands |date=11 November 2010 |access-date=15 December 2014 |publisher=ESPN}}</ref> a sentiment Casillas agreed with, saying, "In Spain we are lucky to have very good goalkeepers and De Gea soon might be fighting my place in the team," while Spain manager Vicente del Bosque described De Gea as "the future of the team".<ref>{{cite news |last=Del Estal |first=Sandra |url=http://futbol.as.com/futbol/2010/11/05/mas_futbol/1288911641_850215.html |title=Casillas: "De Gea peleará pronto por mi puesto" |trans-title=Casillas: "De Gea will fight soon in my position" |date=5 November 2010 |access-date=15 December 2014 |newspaper=Diario AS |location=Madrid |language=es}}</ref> He remained the undisputed starting goalkeeper for the remainder of the season, going on to play in every La Liga match for the team en route to a seventh-place finish.

===Manchester United=== ====Transfer==== Throughout the 2010–11 season, speculation regarding how Manchester United would replace their retiring goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar was widespread, and much attention focused on De Gea as United's key target.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ducker |first=James |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/manchester-united-eye-david-de-gea-to-succeed-edwin-van-der-sar-k3z5b7r8bw9 |title=Manchester United eye David De Gea to succeed Edwin van der Sar |date=17 November 2010 |access-date=8 July 2015 |newspaper=The Times |location=London |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Manchester United close to signing keeper&nbsp;– David Gill |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/13403434 |website=BBC Sport |date=16 May 2011 |access-date=29 June 2011}}</ref> After Gary Neville's testimonial against Juventus on 24 May, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson claimed that a deal had been done to bring De Gea to Old Trafford, but this was later denied by the player's representatives and the Atlético management, with De Gea stating that he would not consider his future until after the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.<ref>{{cite news |title=De Gea denies Manchester United deal is imminent |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/13535728 |website=BBC Sport |date=26 May 2011 |access-date=29 June 2011}}</ref> Following Spain's victory in the tournament, De Gea was spotted in Manchester undergoing a medical with United on 27 June.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/163178m-keeper-de-gea-set-for-united-after-medical-2303700.html |title=£17.8m keeper De Gea set for United after medical |last=Herbert |first=Ian |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=28 June 2011 |access-date=15 November 2011}}</ref> The next day, he reported that United were making him a contract offer, and the transfer was confirmed on 29 June for a then-British record fee for a goalkeeper of approximately £18.9&nbsp;million.<ref name="United confirm signing">{{cite news |title=Manchester United confirm signing of David de Gea |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/13933241 |website=BBC Sport |date=29 June 2011 |access-date=29 June 2011}}</ref>

Growing up, De Gea had admired United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel,<ref>{{cite news |last=Hunter |first=Graham |url=https://www.espn.com/sports/soccer/news/_/columnist/hunter_graham/id/6246962/graham-hunter-why-david-de-gea-manchester-united-keeper |title=Is he the one? Why David De Gea could be Manchester United's next goalkeeper |date=23 March 2011 |access-date=19 December 2014 |publisher=ESPN}}</ref> and was often compared to Van der Sar, furthered by being dubbed "Van der Gea".<ref>{{cite news |last=Estepa |first=Javier |url=http://www.marca.com/2011/05/26/futbol/equipos/atletico/1306399590.html |title=De Van der Sar a 'Van der Gea' |trans-title=Van der Sar to 'Van der Gea' |date=26 May 2011 |access-date=19 December 2014 |newspaper=Marca |location=Madrid |language=es}}</ref>

====2011–12 season==== {{Quote box | width = 30% | align = right | quoted = 1 | quote = De Gea is high, has good feet, comes with authority and is agile... has everything to be one of the greatest goalkeepers in the next ten years. | salign = right | source = — Edwin van der Sar, former Manchester United goalkeeper.<ref>{{cite news |last=Balague |first=Guillem |url=http://futbol.as.com/futbol/2010/10/02/mas_futbol/1286000835_850215.html |title=Van Der Sar: "De Gea tiene un aire a mí cuando yo era joven" |trans-title=Van Der Sar: "De Gea has an air to me when I was young" |date=2 October 2010 |access-date=15 December 2014 |newspaper=Diario AS |location=Madrid |language=es}}</ref> }}

De Gea made his first appearance for Manchester United in a 3–1 friendly win over Chicago Fire on 23 July 2011.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ogden |first=Mark |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/8657536/Manchester-United-goalkeeper-David-de-Gea-shines-on-debut-in-3-1-victory-over-Chicago-Fire-on-US-Tour.html |title=Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea shines on debut in 3–1 victory over Chicago Fire on US Tour |date=24 July 2011 |access-date=15 December 2014 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London}}</ref> He made his competitive debut for United against Manchester City in the Community Shield on 7 August. Despite being caught out in the first-half by a header from Joleon Lescott and a long-range Edin Džeko strike that put City into a 2–0 lead, United rallied in the second half and won 3–2.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bevan |first=Chris |title=Man City 2–3 Man Utd |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14420151 |website=BBC Sport |date=7 August 2011 |access-date=7 August 2011}}</ref> De Gea made his league debut for Manchester United against West Bromwich Albion a week later, where he received criticism for failing to save Shane Long's goal during a 2–1 United victory,<ref>{{cite news |last=Chowdhury |first=Saj |title=West Brom 1–2 Man Utd |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14435075 |website=BBC Sport |date=14 August 2011 |access-date=14 August 2011}}</ref> which Ferguson described as "a learning process".<ref>{{cite news |last=Taylor |first=Daniel |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2011/aug/14/football-manchester-united-david-de-gea |title=Nervous start has put David De Gea's Manchester United place in doubt |date=14 August 2011 |access-date=15 December 2014 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London}}</ref> De Gea kept his first clean sheet for United on his Old Trafford debut in the following fixture, a 3–0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur.<ref>{{cite news |last=Winter |first=Henry |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/8711607/Manchester-United-3-Tottenham-Hotspur-0-match-report.html |title=Manchester United 3 Tottenham Hotspur 0: match report |date=22 August 2011 |access-date=15 December 2014 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London}}</ref> In the following match, six days later, De Gea saved a penalty from Arsenal captain Robin van Persie, which would have cancelled out United's 1–0 lead. He made further saves to deny Van Persie and Andrey Arshavin in United's 8–2 victory.<ref>{{cite news |last=McNulty |first=Phil |authorlink= Phil McNulty |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14606020 |title=Man Utd 8–2 Arsenal |website=BBC Sport |date=28 August 2011 |access-date=29 August 2011}}</ref> Teammate Wayne Rooney backed De Gea to succeed at United and hailed him as a "strong character".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/aug/31/rooney-manchester-united-de-gea |title=Wayne Rooney backs David de Gea to succeed at Manchester United |date=31 August 2011 |access-date=15 December 2014 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London}}</ref>

On 18 September, Manchester United beat Chelsea 3–1 at Old Trafford, with De Gea making a string of saves, particularly from Ramires&nbsp;– when the midfielder had an empty net to side-foot home, De Gea quickly got across to smother the ball away. De Gea's improvement in form continued in his next appearance, as he made two notable saves to help his team to a 1–1 draw away at Stoke City,<ref>{{cite news |last=Da Silva |first=Michael |title=Stoke 1–1 Man Utd |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14958150 |website=BBC Sport |date=24 August 2011 |access-date=25 August 2011}}</ref> and his overall performance was praised by teammates Patrice Evra and Darren Fletcher.<ref>{{cite news |last=Mathieson |first=Stuart |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/star-pupil-manchester-united-star-871537 |title=Manchester United star David de Gea's homework pays off |date=26 September 2011 |access-date=16 December 2014 |newspaper=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> De Gea made his first ever UEFA Champions League start in a 3–3 draw against Basel on 27 September 2011. On 15 October, De Gea was praised for his efforts at Anfield as United drew 1–1 against Liverpool, providing important saves in a nerve-free performance,<ref>{{cite news |last=Winter |first=Henry |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/8830535/Manchester-United-goalkeeper-David-de-Gea-passes-the-test-of-nerve-at-Liverpools-Kop-End.html |title=Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea passes the test of nerve at Liverpool's Kop End |date=15 October 2011 |access-date=16 December 2014 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London}}</ref> prompting Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish to joke, "I thought the press said the boy was struggling."<ref>{{cite news |last=Jolly |first=Richard |url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/969751/jolly-ferguson-shuffles-his-pack |title=Ferguson shuffles his pack at Anfield |date=15 October 2011 |access-date=16 December 2014 |website=ESPN FC}}</ref> [[File:De Gea SAFC vs MUFC (cropped).jpg|left|thumb|302x302px|De Gea playing for Manchester United in 2012]] On 23 October 2011, De Gea played as Manchester United suffered their worst home defeat since 1955 with a 6–1 loss against cross-town rivals Manchester City,<ref>{{cite news |last=McNulty |first=Phil |authorlink= Phil McNulty |title=Man Utd 1–6 Man City |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15325536 |website=BBC Sport |date=23 October 2011 |access-date=5 November 2011}}</ref> the first time United had conceded six goals at home since 1930.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hayward |first=Paul |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2011/oct/23/manchester-city-united-new-era |title=Regal Manchester City destroy United to threaten the old order |date=23 October 2011 |access-date=16 December 2014 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London}}</ref> De Gea was in goal during the league defeat to Blackburn Rovers and was blamed by most media outlets for failing to deal with an aerial ball that led to the conceding of a late goal by Grant Hanley in a 3–2 defeat.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stone |first=Simon |url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/premier-league/de-gea-giftwraps-points-for-blackburn-26807060.html |title=De Gea gift-wraps points for Blackburn |date=1 January 2012 |access-date=16 December 2014 |newspaper=Irish Independent |location=Dublin}}</ref> De Gea was nonplussed by the error, saying, "all keepers make mistakes once in a while and none of us like it when we do. I have every intention of spending many years here at Manchester United. I want to become a great United keeper and I want to earn and deserve the respect I hope to get,"<ref>{{cite news |last=Stone |first=Simon |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-united-goalkeeper-david-de-gea-relaxed-about-mistakes-6284457.html |title=Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea relaxed about mistakes |date=3 January 2012 |access-date=16 December 2014 |newspaper=The Independent |location=London}}</ref> and spoke of his intentions of surpassing his predecessor: "Hopefully, I will equal or even surpass the performance and contribution Edwin van der Sar made to the club."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/128746.html |title=I can surpass Van der Sar&nbsp;– De Gea |date=3 January 2012 |access-date=16 December 2014 |publisher=ESPN |archive-date=16 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216222954/http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/128746.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> After this match, De Gea was dropped and replaced by United's second-choice goalkeeper, Anders Lindegaard.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wallace |first=Sam |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/sam-wallace-manchester-united-are-dogged-by-too-many-problems-6285485.html |title=Manchester United are dogged by too many problems |date=6 January 2012 |access-date=16 December 2014 |newspaper=The Independent |location=London}}</ref> An injury to Lindegaard saw De Gea return to the starting line-up for a 3–3 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 5 February 2012.<ref>{{cite news |last=Williams |first=Richard |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2012/feb/05/premier-league-2011-12-chelsea |title=Manchester United's David de Gea shows true worth in Spanish duel |date=5 February 2012 |access-date=16 December 2014 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London}}</ref> De Gea later cited his last-minute save from Juan Mata during this match as the turning point in his season, as he went on to play the club's last 19 matches, keeping eight clean sheets.<ref>{{cite news |last=Mathieson |first=Stuart |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/david-de-geas-manchester-united-1298775 |title=De Gea's future is still in his hands |date=7 February 2013 |access-date=9 May 2014 |newspaper=Manchester Evening News}}</ref>

After a difficult first season in England, De Gea said, "There have been doubts in the first season but I always had faith in my ability. The pressure at an elite club like United is huge but Ferguson just told me to do what I did at Atlético. You have to be as strong when things go wrong but I don't get nervous. Mistakes are normal; everyone makes them."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/1126483/man-uniteds-david-de-gea-i-always-had-faith-in-my-ability |title=Man Utd's De Gea: 'I always had faith in my ability' |date=23 July 2012 |access-date=15 December 2014 |website=ESPN FC}}</ref> His goalkeeping rival Lindegaard, however, promised to fight for the place he lost via injury, saying, "I want the number one spot because I am the best. I am sure he is a bit in front right now because he did well last season, so I need to take every chance I get to prove myself worthy of the number one spot."<ref>{{cite news |last=Stone |first=Simon |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/anders-lindegaard-plans-to-usurp-david-de-gea-as-manchester-united-number-one-7962092.html |title=Anders Lindegaard plans to usurp David de Gea as Manchester United number one |date=20 July 2012 |access-date=15 December 2014 |newspaper=The Independent |location=London}}</ref> De Gea later admitted that he thought about leaving after the first season.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hirst |first=Paul |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/manchester-united-transfer-news-david-de-gea-considered-leaving-united-after-difficult-start-to-life-at-old-trafford-9778799.html |title=David de Gea considered leaving United after 'difficult' start to life at Old Trafford |date=7 October 2014 |access-date=16 December 2014 |newspaper=The Independent |location=London}}</ref>

====2012–13 season==== Due to his involvement in the 2012 Olympics, De Gea missed Manchester United's pre-season tour, but nevertheless returned to the starting line-up for the opening match of the season against Everton. Despite some "outstanding" saves from De Gea, United lost 1–0.<ref>{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |authorlink= Phil McNulty |title=Everton 1–0 Man Utd |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19240566 |website=BBC Sport |date=20 August 2012 |access-date=29 August 2012}}</ref> In the next match, a 3–2 win at home to Fulham, he made some noteworthy saves from Mladen Petrić, Mousa Dembélé and Bryan Ruiz. However, in attempting to claim a cross from Matthew Briggs, a misunderstanding with Nemanja Vidić led to the Serbian defender putting the ball in his own net for Fulham's second goal.<ref>{{cite news |last=Magowan |first=Alistair |title=Man Utd 3–2 Fulham |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19304316 |website=BBC Sport |date=25 August 2012 |access-date=29 August 2012}}</ref>

{{Quote box | width = 25% | align = right | quoted = 1 | quote = I've no doubts that David De Gea can be a top goalkeeper, one of the best in the world. He's physically going to mature in the next 18 months and he needs a championship. | salign = right | source = — Gary Neville in 2013.<ref name="NevCriticism">{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11662/8422165/gary-neville-says-manchester-united-players-will-demand-more-of-david-de-gea-after-tottenham-error |title=Gary Neville says Manchester United players will demand more of David De Gea after Tottenham error |date=22 January 2013 |access-date=15 December 2014 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> }} On 9 December, De Gea made back-to-back saves from Manchester City's Carlos Tevez and David Silva, helping United to a 3–2 Manchester Derby win at the City of Manchester Stadium.<ref>{{cite news |last=McCauley |first=Kevin |title=Manchester City vs. Manchester United: Final score 3–2, Robin van Persie wins match marred by crowd trouble |url=https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2012/12/9/3746476/man-city-vs-manchester-united-final-score-result-match-report-2012-epl |website=SB Nation |date=9 December 2012 |access-date=14 December 2012}}</ref> In the next match, a 3–1 win against Sunderland at Old Trafford, De Gea produced an important double-save from Craig Gardner and Stéphane Sessègnon's follow-up.<ref>{{cite news |first=Stuart |last=Mathieson |title=Manchester United 3 Sunderland 1: Premier League match report |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/manchester_united/s/1596257_manchester-united-3-sunderland-1-premier-league-match-report |newspaper=Manchester Evening News |date=15 December 2012 |access-date=16 December 2012 |archive-date=19 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219004957/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/manchester_united/s/1596257_manchester-united-3-sunderland-1-premier-league-match-report |url-status=dead }}</ref>

De Gea received criticism from former United captain Gary Neville for a punch that allowed Tottenham to score a stoppage time equaliser in a 1–1 draw at White Hart Lane on 20 January 2013, saying, "You've got to learn the hard way and he's learning in a very unforgiving environment where he's judged continuously at the highest level. There's a theory that he saved Manchester United because he made two or three great saves, but unfortunately that's a waste of time. He played well yesterday, but playing well for 92-and-a-half minutes and then doing that in the 93rd is a problem at a club like that."<ref name="NevCriticism"/> Ferguson responded by saying De Gea's critics were "idiots".<ref>{{cite news |last=Jackson |first=Jamie |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/jan/25/manchester-united-alex-ferguson-david-de-gea |title=Manchester United's Alex Ferguson calls David de Gea's critics 'idiots' |date=26 January 2013 |access-date=9 May 2014 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London}}</ref> On 13 February 2013, De Gea made several saves to help United to a 1–1 draw against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in the first leg of the last 16 of the Champions League, and was praised by manager Sir Alex Ferguson for his "excellent" performance,<ref>{{cite news |last=McNulty |first=Phil |authorlink= Phil McNulty |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21454728 |title=Sir Alex Ferguson praises David de Gea |website=BBC Sport |date=13 February 2013 |access-date=14 February 2013}}</ref> one which was said to have turned him from "villain to hero" and made him "come of age".<ref>{{cite news |last=Ogden |first=Mark |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/9871206/Manchester-United-goalkeeper-David-De-Gea-transported-from-villain-to-hero-in-90-minutes-in-Madrid.html |title=Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea transported from villain to hero in 90 minutes in Madrid |date=14 February 2013 |access-date=20 December 2014 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Herbert |first=Ian |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/did-manchester-united-goalkeeper-david-de-gea-come-of-age-against-real-madrid-8496184.html |title=Did Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea come of age against Real Madrid? |date=14 February 2013 |access-date=20 December 2014 |newspaper=The Independent |location=London}}</ref>

{{Quote box | width = 25% | align = right | quoted = 1 | quote = You bring a boy into the Premier League at 20, it's not easy. He's learning in the toughest environment in the world. But the one thing he has is fantastic inner strength. We teach him that the calmest man on the field has to be the goalkeeper. And one of his great strengths is his calmness. | salign = right | source = — goalkeeping coach Eric Steele in 2013.<ref>{{cite news |last=Taylor |first=Daniel |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/feb/14/david-de-gea-manchester-united |title=David de Gea looking the part in Manchester United's glove department |date=14 February 2013 |access-date=15 December 2014 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London}}</ref> }}

On 23 February, De Gea recorded his second consecutive clean sheet for United, stopping a Loïc Rémy shot and a Christopher Samba header to help United to a 2–0 victory over Queens Park Rangers.<ref>{{cite news |last=Magowan |first=Alistair |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21482798 |title=QPR 0–2 Manchester United |website=BBC Sport |date=23 February 2013 |access-date=7 May 2013}}</ref> This was followed by a 4–0 win at Old Trafford against Norwich City on 2 March.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ornstein |first=David |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21556837 |title=Manchester United 4–0 Norwich |website=BBC Sport |date=2 March 2013 |access-date=7 May 2013}}</ref> Another clean sheet came on 16 March in a 1–0 victory against Reading.<ref>{{cite news |last=Magowan |first=Alistair |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21724400 |title=Manchester United 1–0 Reading |website=BBC Sport |date=16 March 2013 |access-date=7 May 2013}}</ref> De Gea was on the receiving end of a controversial aerial challenge by West Ham United striker Andy Carroll that left him "poleaxed", with Ferguson expressing his disbelief at the lack of a red card.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hytner |first=David |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/apr/18/manchester-united-ferguson-west-ahm-allardyce |title=Manchester United bemoan lack of red card for Andy Carroll of West Ham |date=18 April 2013 |access-date=15 December 2014 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London}}</ref>

De Gea's form throughout the season was recognised by his peers, culminating in being voted into the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/news/12040/8679063/ |title=Manchester United dominate PFA team of the year |website=Sky Sports |date=28 April 2013 |access-date=15 December 2014}}</ref> He ended the season with his first Premier League winner's medal with United, making 28 appearances and keeping 11 clean sheets, as the team topped the Premier League table by 11 points. This placed him joint-fifth in the race for the Premier League Golden Glove.

====2013–14 season==== {{Quote box | width = 25% | align = right | quoted = 1 | quote = He has huge faith in himself, which is a really important virtue. He doesn't let anything affect him. The day he makes a mistake he knows he has made a mistake but it never sinks him. He uses it to make sure that he doesn't make the mistake next time. It's a great quality. | salign = right | source = — Juan Mata in 2014.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lowe |first=Sid |authorlink= Sid Lowe |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/may/14/manchester-united-juan-mata-david-de-gea |title=Man Utd's Juan Mata: David de Gea is so calm he is 'almost unconscious' |date=14 May 2014 |access-date=15 December 2014 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London}}</ref> }}

De Gea's season began with a clean sheet in the 2–0 win over Wigan in the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rostance |first=Tom |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23565298 |title=Man Utd 2–0 Wigan |date=11 August 2013 |access-date=26 June 2014 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref> On 5 October 2013, De Gea's save to deny Sunderland's Emanuele Giaccherini during a 2–1 away win was described by former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel as one of the best saves ever seen in the Premier League.<ref>{{cite news |last=Oscroft |first=Tim |url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/Peter-Schmeichel-praises-David-De-Gea-save-against-Sunderland |title=Peter Schmeichel praises David De Gea save against Sunderland |date=5 October 2013 |access-date=6 October 2013 |publisher=Manchester United F.C.}}</ref> Manager David Moyes agreed with Schmeichel's assessment, describing the save was a "turning point" in a match in which they were losing 1–0 at the time,<ref>{{cite news |last=Murray |first=Ewan |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/oct/06/david-de-gea-manchester-united-sunderland |title=David de Gea's saves give Manchester United a platform at Sunderland |date=6 October 2013 |access-date=15 December 2014 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London}}</ref> and said De Gea "is improving all the time".<ref>{{cite news |last=Bailey |first=Graeme |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11667/8962022/david-moyes-hails-form-of-manchester-united-goalkeeper-david-de-gea |title=David Moyes hails form of Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea |date=7 October 2013 |access-date=15 December 2014 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref>

On 1 December, De Gea made his 100th appearance for Manchester United in a 2–2 draw against Tottenham.<ref>{{cite news |last=Anderson |first=David |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-uniteds-david-de-gea-2787284 |title=Manchester United's David De Gea looking for more as he closes in on his 100th appearance |date=13 November 2013 |access-date=15 December 2014 |newspaper=Daily Mirror |location=London}}</ref> He received the backing of teammate Darren Fletcher, when, in the League Cup semi-final second leg against Sunderland on 22 January 2014, De Gea was deemed to be at fault when he let a weak Phil Bardsley shot past him deep into extra time;<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jan/23/darren-fletcher-backs-david-de-gea |title=Darren Fletcher backs David de Gea following semi-final mistake |date=23 January 2014 |access-date=20 December 2014 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11667/9129333/manchester-uniteds-darren-fletcher-backs-goalkeeper-david-de-gea |title=Manchester United's Darren Fletcher backs goalkeeper David de Gea |date=23 January 2014 |access-date=20 December 2014 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> a Javier Hernández goal soon after left the aggregate score at 3–3, resulting in a penalty shoot-out, where De Gea's penalty saves from Steven Fletcher and Adam Johnson were not enough to help United advance, losing 2–1.<ref>{{cite news |last=De Menezes |first=Jack |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/the-worst-penalty-shootout-ever-penaltybypenalty-analysis-of-sunderlands-capital-one-cup-victory-over-manchester-united-9080850.html |title=The worst penalty shoot-out ever? Penalty-by-penalty analysis of Sunderland's Capital One Cup victory over Manchester United |date=23 January 2014 |access-date=20 December 2014 |newspaper=The Independent |location=London}}</ref> On 19 March, whilst playing against Olympiacos in the first knockout stage of the Champions League as United came from 2–0 down to win 3–2 on aggregate, De Gea made a crucial double-save before half-time which was said to have defied "all known laws of physics and physiology" in a performance described as "magnificent".<ref>{{cite news |last=White |first=Jim |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/10710956/Manchester-United-goalkeeper-David-De-Gea-stands-tall-as-his-side-progress-to-Champions-League-quarter-finals.html |title=Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea stands tall as his side progress to Champions League quarter-finals |date=20 March 2014 |access-date=19 December 2014 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London}}</ref> Teammate Phil Jones claimed that "he's up there with the best goalkeepers in the world".<ref>{{cite web |last=Thompson |first=Gemma |url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/phil-jones-hails-world-class-david-de-gea |title=De Gea is world class |date=20 March 2014 |access-date=19 December 2014 |publisher=Manchester United F.C.}}</ref> De Gea's performances throughout the season saw him named as both the club's Players' Player of the Year and Fans' Player of the Year.<ref>{{cite news |last=Richards |first=Chris |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/david-de-gea-named-manchester-3515935 |title=David de Gea named Manchester United Player of the Year AND Players' Player of the Year |date=8 May 2014 |access-date=9 May 2014 |newspaper=Daily Mirror |location=London}}</ref>

====2014–15 season==== {{Quote box | width = 25% | align = right | quoted = 1 | quote = We are now seeing a huge improvement in his game. And he is winning United match after match, which is what I expect from a United goalkeeper. He has now become a great goalkeeper. | salign = right | source = — Gary Neville in 2014.<ref>{{cite news |last=Neville |first=Gary |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/29326/9608317/premier-league-manchester-united8217s-david-de-gea-8216has-now-become-a-great-goalkeeper8217-says-gary-neville |title=Manchester United's David de Gea 'has now become a great goalkeeper', says Gary Neville |date=16 December 2014 |access-date=16 December 2014 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> }} De Gea helped United secure back-to-back victories for the first time under their new manager Louis van Gaal in a home victory against Everton on 5 October 2014. During the match, De Gea made three important saves, including one penalty from Leighton Baines, to help United secure a 2–1 win in which he was voted by Manchester United fans as man of the match.<ref>{{cite web |last=Grant |first=Ryan |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2014/Oct/David-De-Gea-named-Man-of-the-Match-against-Everton.aspx |title=David De Gea named Man of the Match |date=5 October 2014 |access-date=15 December 2014 |publisher=Manchester United F.C.}}</ref> He became the first goalkeeper to stop a penalty from Baines, who had previously converted all of his 14 Premier League penalties.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-united-vs-everton-leighton-baines-misses-first-penalty-of-his-premier-league-career-9775336.html |title=Manchester United vs Everton: Leighton Baines misses first penalty of his Premier League career |date=5 October 2014 |access-date=20 December 2014 |newspaper=The Independent |location=London}}</ref> After several vital stops against Everton, West Brom and Chelsea, he was named Manchester United's Player of the Month for October.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Froggatt |first1=M |last2=Tuck |first2=J |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2014/Oct/david-de-gea-wins-manchester-united-player-of-the-month-award-for-october-2014.aspx |title=De Gea is October Player of the Month |date=31 October 2014 |access-date=1 December 2014 |publisher=Manchester United F.C.}}</ref> On 14 December, De Gea was awarded the man of the match for his "outstanding" performance against Liverpool,<ref>{{cite news |last=Wallace |first=Sam |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-united-vs-liverpool-report-david-de-gea-outstanding-as-clinical-united-make-liverpool-suffer-9924030.html |title=David De Gea outstanding as clinical United make Liverpool suffer |date=14 December 2014 |access-date=15 December 2014 |newspaper=The Independent |location=London}}</ref> making eight saves in a 3–0 victory,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/man-utd-3-0-liverpool-which-only-game-de-geas-made-more-premier-league-saves |title=Which is the only game De Gea's made more Premier League saves in? |date=14 December 2014 |access-date=20 December 2014 |magazine=FourFourTwo}}</ref> a performance rated as the best of the Premier League season.<ref>{{cite news |last=Syed |first=Matthew |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/david-de-geas-wizardry-stops-opponents-and-admirers-in-tracks-3ntshmm0gwj |title=David de Gea's wizardry stops opponents and admirers in tracks |date=15 December 2014 |access-date=15 December 2014 |newspaper=The Times |location=London |url-access=subscription}}</ref> He was hailed by Van Gaal as "unbelievable" for his performances,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/30778/9744574/newcastles-jonas-gutierrez-moved-with-reception-on-his-return-to-action-after-fight-with-cancer |title=David de Gea is an unbelievable goalkeeper, says Louis van Gaal |date=5 March 2015 |access-date=13 April 2015 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> and was called the "saving grace" for being the one constant in the team throughout the season.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wilson |first=Paul |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/mar/14/david-de-gea-manchester-united-goalkeeper-tottenham |title=David de Gea is saving grace of Manchester United's confusing season |date=14 March 2015 |access-date=13 April 2015 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London}}</ref> Amid rumours of a departure, he said he was "proud" to play for United, and was prompted by Peter Schmeichel and Gary Neville to sign a new contract with the club.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.espnfc.co.uk/manchester-united/story/2316773/david-de-gea-deal-would-send-a-signalsays-man-utd-legend-peter-schmeichel |title=David De Gea deal would send a signal&nbsp;– Man Utd legend Peter Schmeichel |date=24 February 2015 |access-date=13 April 2015 |website=ESPN FC}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Orr |first=James |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/david-de-gea-says-he-is-proud-to-be-a-red-as-gary-neville-warns-the-club-must-keep-the-goalkeeper-at-all-costs-10173003.html |title=David De Gea says he is 'proud to be a red' as Gary Neville warns Manchester United must keep the goalkeeper at all costs |date=13 April 2015 |access-date=13 April 2015 |newspaper=The Independent |location=London}}</ref>

At the end of the season, De Gea was shortlisted for the PFA Players' Player of the Year and the PFA Young Player of the Year, before losing out to Eden Hazard and Harry Kane respectively.<ref>{{cite news |last=Luckhurst |first=Samuel |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-united-goalkeeper-de-gea-9060846 |title=Manchester United goalkeeper De Gea nominated for PFA Player of the Year award |date=16 April 2015 |access-date=16 April 2015 |newspaper=Manchester Evening News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/32342000 |title=PFA awards: Kane, Hazard, De Gea, Coutinho on both shortlists |date=16 April 2015 |access-date=16 April 2015 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Chelsea's Eden Hazard named PFA Player of the Year|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/32472834|access-date=27 April 2015|website=BBC Sport|date=26 April 2015}}</ref> On 26 April 2015, De Gea was named in the PFA Team of the Year as its goalkeeper and its only Manchester United player.<ref>{{cite news |title=PFA Team of the Year: Chelsea have six players selected |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/32472834 |website=BBC Sport |date=26 April 2015 |access-date=26 April 2015}}</ref> He also won both Fans' Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year awards for the second consecutive season.<ref>{{cite news |first=Mark |last=Froggatt |title=De Gea is Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2015/May/POTY-David-De-Gea-wins-Sir-Matt-Busby-Player-of-the-Year-award.aspx |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |date=19 May 2015 |access-date=20 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Mark |last=Froggatt |title=David De Gea wins Players' Player of the Year prize|url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2015/May/POTY-David-De-Gea-wins-Players-Player-of-the-Year-award.aspx |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |date=19 May 2015 |access-date=20 May 2015}}</ref> His save against Everton was voted as Premier League Save of the Season by ''Match of the Day'', the second consecutive year he won the award.<ref>{{cite web |title=What was your Premier League save of the season? |url=http://vote.tectonicinteractive.com/?22#/show-answers/16475 |website=BBC Sport |date=17 May 2015 |access-date=20 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150516185523/http://vote.tectonicinteractive.com/?22#/show-answers/16475 |archive-date=16 May 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

====2015–16 season==== thumb|upright|De Gea playing for Manchester United in 2016

On 7 August 2015, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal confirmed that De Gea would not be considered for selection for United's Premier League opener against Tottenham the following day, due to the uncertainty surrounding his future.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/33816902 |title=Man Utd: David De Gea not the same as last season&nbsp;– Van Gaal |website=BBC Sport |date=7 August 2015 |access-date=8 August 2015}}</ref> On 13 August, Van Gaal revealed that De Gea had requested to goalkeeping coach Frans Hoek that he be left out of the team.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Jolly|first1=Richard|title=Louis van Gaal says David De Gea agreed to be left out against Spurs|url=http://www.espnfc.com/barclays-premier-league/story/2562108/van-gaal-says-david-de-gea-agreed-to-sit-vs-tottenham|website=ESPN FC |access-date=14 August 2015|date=13 August 2015}}</ref> De Gea claimed he never expressed a desire not to play, but trained with the reserves soon after.<ref>{{cite web|last=Roan|first=Dan|title=Man Utd: David De Gea is surprised at being left out|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/33935204|website=BBC Sport|access-date=14 August 2015|date=14 August 2015}}</ref> On 31 August, after a summer of speculation, an agreement for a transfer was reached between Manchester United and Real Madrid worth £29&nbsp;million, including the part-exchange of fellow goalkeeper Keylor Navas. The deal, however, collapsed due to paperwork not being submitted before the transfer window in Spain closed.<ref>{{cite news |title=David De Gea: Man Utd deny blame for failed Real Madrid deal |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34117354 |website=BBC Sport |date=1 September 2015}}</ref> After the transfer window closed, Spanish head coach Vicente del Bosque admitted that it would be difficult for him to select De Gea in Spain's European Championship squad if Manchester United continued not to select him.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vicente del Bosque warns David de Gea over Euro 2016 spot |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9976084/vicente-del-bosque-david-de-gea-must-play-to-earn-place-in-spain-squad |website=Sky Sports |date=2 September 2015 |access-date=11 September 2015}}</ref>

On 11 September, De Gea signed a new four-year deal with Manchester United, with an option to extend it for a further year.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2015/Sep/David-De-Gea-signs-new-contract-at-Manchester-United.aspx |title=De Gea signs new United contract |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |date=11 September 2015}}</ref> Twelve days later, in the third round of the League Cup, De Gea captained Manchester United for the first time, wearing the armband for the final nine minutes of their win over Ipswich Town.<ref>{{cite news|first=Richard|last=Jolly|date=24 September 2015|title=David De Gea 'proud' to captain Man United after Real Madrid transfer saga|access-date=13 January 2016|url=http://www.espnfc.co.uk/manchester-united/story/2629446/david-de-gea-proud-to-captain-man-utd-after-real-madrid-saga|publisher=ESPN FC}}</ref> In April 2016, while leading the race for the Premier League Golden Glove with 14 clean sheets, De Gea was the sole Manchester United player named in the PFA Team of the Year.<ref>{{cite news|title=PFA awards: Leicester and Spurs dominate Premier League team|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36106596|access-date=21 April 2016|website=BBC Sport|date=21 April 2016}}</ref> On 23 April, in a 2–1 win over Everton in the FA Cup semi-finals, he saved a penalty from Romelu Lukaku.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wilson|first1=Paul|title=Anthony Martial takes Manchester United past Everton to final at the last|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/apr/23/everton-manchester-united-fa-cup-match-report|access-date=23 April 2016|newspaper=The Observer |location=London |date=23 April 2016}}</ref>

In May 2016, De Gea became the first player ever to win Manchester United's Player of the Year for a third consecutive season.<ref>{{cite news|title=David de Gea wins Manchester United Player of the Year for record third time|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11667/10267586/david-de-gea-wins-manchester-united-award-for-record-third-time|access-date=18 May 2016|website=Sky Sports|date=3 May 2016}}</ref> During the same month, he also won BBC ''Match of the Day'' Save of the Season for the third consecutive year, for his save against Watford on 21 November 2015.<ref>{{cite news|title=BBC MOTD Save of the Season|work=BBC Sport |date=8 May 2016 |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/live/football/36230500|access-date=18 May 2016}}</ref> In the last league match of the season, a 3–1 win over AFC Bournemouth, De Gea was denied the chance to share the Premier League Golden Glove with Arsenal's Petr Čech due to a stoppage-time own goal by Chris Smalling.<ref>{{cite news|title=Petr Cech wins Premier League Golden Glove award|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10286338/petr-cech-wins-premier-league-golden-glove-award|access-date=18 May 2016|website=Sky Sports|date=18 May 2016}}</ref>

====2016–17 season==== Under new Manchester United manager José Mourinho, De Gea made his first appearance of the season in the FA Community Shield against Premier League winners Leicester City. The match ended in a 2–1 victory for United.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/36934956|title=Jose Mourinho began his reign as Manchester United manager with a trophy |website=BBC Sport |date=7 August 2016}}</ref> De Gea started the Premier League season by keeping 2 clean sheets in his first 3 games against Southampton and Hull City.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.premierleague.com/results?co=1&se=54&cl=12|title=Premier League Football Scores, Results & Season Archives|publisher=Premier League |access-date=14 August 2019}}</ref> De Gea was part of the Manchester United team which lost 4–0 to Chelsea, their heaviest Premier League defeat since the 6–1 loss against Manchester City in October 2011.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37670362|title=Chelsea 4-0 Manchester United|publisher=BBC Sport|date=23 October 2016|access-date=14 August 2019}}</ref> On 26 February 2017, he won his first EFL Cup title after a 3–2 victory over Southampton in the final.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/feb/26/manchester-united-southampton-efl-cup-final-match-report|title=Ibrahimovic takes Manchester United to EFL Cup final win over Southampton|work=The Guardian|date=26 February 2017}}</ref>

On 20 April 2017, De Gea was selected as a goalkeeper in the PFA Team of the Year for the fourth time in his career.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/chelsea-tottenham-dominate-pfa-premier-league-team-year|title=Chelsea, Tottenham dominate PFA Premier League Team of the Year|date=20 April 2017|magazine=FourFourTwo}}</ref> On 24 May, he won his third trophy of the season, as Manchester United beat Ajax 2–0 in the Europa League final,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.manutd.com/en/videos/detail/highlights-of-2017-europa-league-final-man-utd-2-ajax-0|title=Highlights of 2017 Europa League final Man Utd 2 Ajax 0|publisher=Manchester United|date=May 2017}}</ref> despite being an unused substitute to Sergio Romero in that match.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/premier-league/articles/david-de-gea-wont-play-europa-league-final-co|title=David De Gea Won't Play Europa League Final Confirms Jose Mourinho|publisher=beIN SPORTS|date=12 May 2017}}</ref>

====2017–18 season==== thumb|De Gea (in black) playing for Manchester United in 2017

On 17 September 2017, at the fifth match of the Premier League against Everton, De Gea made his fourth clean sheet of the season and 100th overall for Manchester United.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Features/2017/Sept/Video-David-De-Gea-reaches-century-of-clean-sheets-for-Manchester-United.aspx |title=David De Gea's Century of Clean Sheets |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |date=17 September 2017 |access-date=18 September 2017 |last=Higgins |first=Adam}}</ref>

On 2 December 2017, in a 3–1 win over Arsenal, De Gea recorded 14 saves and equalled the mark that was shared by Tim Krul and Vito Mannone as the Premier League record for the greatest number of saves in a single game and he also won the Man of the Match award.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/de-gea-equals-record-for-most-saves-in-a-premier-league-game/a4e0puwgjqfa1r8jh881rzla6|title=De Gea equals record for most saves in a Premier League game|website=Goal.com|date= 2 December 2017|access-date=25 May 2018}}</ref>

On 18 April 2018, De Gea was selected as a goalkeeper in the PFA Team of the Year for the fifth time as the only Manchester United player.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/de-gea-equals-record-for-most-saves-in-a-premier-league-game/a4e0puwgjqfa1r8jh881rzla6|title=De Gea equals record for most saves in a Premier League game|website=Goal.com|date=2 December 2017|access-date=2 December 2017|last=Vertelney|first=Seth}}</ref>

On 11 May 2018, after a 0–0 draw against West Ham, De Gea earned his 18th clean sheet of the season and also secured his first Premier League Golden Glove since he joined Manchester United in 2011.<ref>{{cite news|title=Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea dedicates Golden Glove award to teammates|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37553778/manchester-united-goalkeeper-david-de-gea-dedicates-golden-glove-award-teammates|work=ESPN|date=10 May 2018}}</ref>

====2018–19 season==== The 2018–19 season began with De Gea keeping just five clean sheets in his first 25 appearances. The start of 2019, however, saw him manage the same number in just eight appearances, including a 1–0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on 13 January 2019, in which he made 11 saves to keep Spurs off the scoresheet, the second most by a goalkeeper in any one Premier League match, behind only his 14 saves against Arsenal a year earlier.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tottenham vs Manchester United: David de Gea puts his best foot forward to reach new heights |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/tottenham-hotspur-vs-manchester-united-result-final-score-david-de-gea-saves-video-epl-a8726441.html |newspaper=The Independent |date=14 January 2019 |access-date=25 February 2019}}</ref> His clean sheet against Liverpool on 24 February was his 100th for Manchester United in the Premier League, making him the seventh goalkeeper to reach that milestone for a single club in the competition and the second for Manchester United after Peter Schmeichel.<ref>{{cite news |first=Chris |last=Bevan |title=Liverpool held to goalless draw by injury-hit Man United |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47268878 |website=BBC Sport |date=24 February 2019 |access-date=25 February 2019}}</ref> In March and April, De Gea suffered a run of poor form; being criticised by fans and pundits for mistakes made in losses to Arsenal,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/what-the-hell-was-flappy-hands-doing-de-gea-ridiculed-after/18cyu9crvu6311tsvztjiukx4p|title=David de Gea mistake vs Arsenal: 'What the hell was flappy hands doing?' - Man Utd goalkeeper ridiculed after howler from Granit Xhaka's shot &#124; Goal.com|website=Goal.com}}</ref> Barcelona,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://metro.co.uk/2019/04/17/barcelona-fans-mocked-david-de-gea-howler-camp-nou-9225866/|title=How Barcelona fans mocked David De Gea after howler at the Camp Nou|date=17 April 2019|newspaper=Metro|access-date=28 April 2019}}</ref> Everton,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://metro.co.uk/2019/04/21/paul-robinson-questions-david-de-gea-man-uniteds-4-0-thrashing-everton-9281538/|title=Paul Robinson questions David De Gea after Man United's 4-0 thrashing by Everton|date=21 April 2019|newspaper=Metro|access-date=28 April 2019}}</ref> Manchester City,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-derby-player-ratings-bernardo-14576715|title=Manchester Derby player ratings from City victory at Old Trafford|last=McDonnell|first=David|date=24 April 2019|newspaper=Daily Mirror|access-date=28 April 2019}}</ref> and a 1–1 draw against Chelsea.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1120129/Man-Utd-David-de-Gea-error-fans-Old-Trafford-Chelsea-top-four|title=What Man Utd fans did as David de Gea walked off Old Trafford pitch after Chelsea error|last=Powers|first=Adam|date=28 April 2019|newspaper=Daily Expres|access-date=28 April 2019}}</ref> De Gea ended the season with just 7 clean sheets in 38 Premier League appearances,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://footystats.org/players/spain/david-de-gea|title=David de Gea - Clean Sheets & Stats|website=footystats.org|access-date=13 August 2019}}</ref> his lowest tally during his time at Manchester United, and kept only 10 clean sheets all season for the club.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.stretford-end.com/2019/06/2018-19-season-ending-player-review-david-de-gea/|title=2018-19 Season Ending Player Review: David De Gea|last=Aravena|first=Juan Pablo|date=25 June 2019|website=Stretty Rant|access-date=13 August 2019}}</ref>

====2019–20 season==== On 3 July 2019, ahead of the 2019–20 season, De Gea was offered a new contract.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48854483|title=David de Gea: Man Utd offer improved new deal to stay|date=3 July 2019|website=BBC Sport}}</ref> By 15 July 2019, the negotiations were ongoing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48996919|title=David de Gea: Man Utd talks continue over goalkeeper's long-term future|date=15 July 2019|website=BBC Sport}}</ref> On 11 August 2019, De Gea started in Manchester United's opening Premier League match against Chelsea and kept his first clean sheet of the season, as United beat Chelsea 4–0.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11661/11782873/manchester-united-4-0-chelsea-frank-lampard-thrashed-on-pl-managerial-debut|title=Manchester United 4-0 Chelsea: Frank Lampard thrashed on PL managerial debut|website=Sky Sports|access-date=13 August 2019}}</ref> On 16 September 2019, Manchester United confirmed that De Gea had signed a four-year contract renewal, keeping him at the club until at least June 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/David-De-Gea-signs-new-contract-with-Manchester-United|title=David De Gea signs new long-term contract at Man Utd|publisher=Manchester United F.C.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49719629|title=David de Gea: Manchester United goalkeeper signs new deal at Old Trafford|date=16 September 2019|website=BBC Sport}}</ref>

In October 2019 he became an injury doubt for the North-West derby after being injured in a game for Spain.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50064128|title=David de Gea: Injured keeper a doubt for Man Utd v Liverpool|date=15 October 2019|website=BBC Sport}}</ref> Despite this, De Gea started the game which ended in a 1–1 draw.<ref>{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |authorlink= Phil McNulty |title=Man Utd 1-1 Liverpool: Adam Lallana saves Reds' unbeaten start |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50030956 |website=BBC Sport |date=20 October 2019 |access-date=5 March 2021}}</ref>

In Manchester United's first game after the break in the season enforced by COVID-19 against Tottenham Hotspur, De Gea made an error leading to a goal that cost United the win.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/06/19/tottenham-vs-man-united-premier-league-live-score-latest-goal/|title=Bruno Fernandes atones for David de Gea's error as Manchester United salvage point at Tottenham|first=Rob|last=Bagchi|date=19 June 2020|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph}}</ref> This came after a series of errors earlier in the season against Crystal Palace,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11793173/manchester-united-1-2-crystal-palace-david-de-gea-error-costs-hosts|title=Manchester United 1-2 Crystal Palace: David de Gea error costs hosts|website=Sky Sports}}</ref> Watford,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://talksport.com/football/646641/david-de-gea-mistake-watford-goal-manchester-united-clean-sheet/|title=De Gea shows Christmas spirit by gifting Watford opening goal with howler |publisher=talkSPORT |date=22 December 2019}}</ref> and Everton.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://talksport.com/football/676979/david-de-gea-arrogant-man-united-goalkeeper-mistake-everton/|title='David de Gea is arrogant' - Man United keeper slammed after latest big blunder |publisher=talkSPORT |date=2 March 2020}}</ref> This error spell, like last season, resulted in calls from fans for Dean Henderson to be made Manchester United's first choice goalkeeper. Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær backed De Gea saying, "one day [Henderson will] be England's and United's Number 1" but that De Gea was currently "the best goalkeeper in the world".<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/jun/23/solskjaer-de-gea-worlds-best-dean-henderson-future-manchester-united-england-no1|title=Manchester United 'not too far away' from title contention, says Solskjær|date=23 June 2020|newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref> However, de Gea continued his error-prone season in United's FA Cup Semi-final tie against Chelsea, where he was directly responsible for one of the goals in a 3–1 defeat.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/jul/19/de-geas-decline-continues-as-uniteds-fa-cup-chance-evades-his-grasp|title=De Gea's decline continues as United's FA Cup chance evades his grasp|first=Jonathan|last=Wilson|authorlink=Jonathan Wilson (writer)|date=19 July 2020|newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53467353|title='Solskjaer says De Gea is best in world - he's not even best in Manchester'|work=BBC Sport }}</ref> This came one week after reaching a number of landmarks and records for United including becoming the most capped non-British or Irish player to play for United, achieved on 9 July, and reaching 400 appearances for the club on 13 July.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/the-best-david-de-gea-stats-as-he-reaches-400-appearances|title=The best David De Gea stats as he reaches 400 appearances|publisher=Manchester United F.C.}}</ref> On 16 July 2020, he also kept his 112th PL clean sheet against Crystal Palace, equalling Peter Schmeichel's club record in the top flight.<ref>{{cite web |date=17 July 2020 |title=Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea equals Peter Schmeichel's clean sheet record as Red Devils continue remarkable away form |url=https://talksport.com/football/733667/manchester-united-david-de-gea-peter-schmeichel-clean-sheet-record/ |access-date=17 July 2020 |publisher=talkSPORT}}</ref> On the last day of Premier League, De Gea kept his 113th PL clean sheet against Leicester City and surpassed Schmeichel's record.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carney |first=Sam |date=26 July 2020 |title=The best stats from the King Power Stadium |url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/the-best-stats-after-man-utd-beat-leicester-to-secure-top-four-spot |access-date=28 July 2020 |publisher=Manchester United F.C.}}</ref>

==== 2020–21 season ==== The return of Dean Henderson from an extended loan spell at Sheffield United meant De Gea went into the 2020–21 season with a true competitor for Manchester United's number 1 jersey for the first time since joining the club.<ref>{{cite news |first=Andy |last=Hunter |title=Dean Henderson aiming to oust David de Gea as Manchester United's keeper |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/sep/02/dean-henderson-oust-david-de-gea-manchester-united-keeper |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=2 September 2020 |access-date=10 May 2021}}</ref> De Gea began the season as first-choice, missing just two of the club's first 26 league matches: he was left out of the squad for the match against West Ham United on 5 December 2020 after aggravating an injury suffered in the club's previous league game against Southampton,<ref>{{cite news |first=Lars Magnus |last=Igland Røys |title=Ole explains De Gea absence |url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/ole-gunnar-solskjaer-explains-david-de-gea-injury-pre-west-ham-v-man-utd-5-december-2020 |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |date=5 December 2020 |access-date=10 May 2021}}</ref> while Henderson was preferred against Sheffield United on 17 December.<ref>{{cite news |first=Joe |last=Ganley |title=Ole: Why I selected Henderson over De Gea |url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/ole-gunnar-solskjaer-explains-why-dean-henderson-was-selected-to-start-against-sheffield-united |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |date=17 December 2020 |access-date=10 May 2021}}</ref> On 2 February 2021, De Gea played the full 90 minutes and kept a clean sheet in Manchester United's Premier League record-equalling 9–0 home win against Southampton.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Simon|last=Stone|title=Man Utd beat nine-man Southampton 9-0|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55806211|website=BBC Sport|date=2 February 2021|access-date=3 February 2021}}</ref>

De Gea also started five of Manchester United's six Champions League group matches, but after the team finished third in their group and dropped down to the Europa League, Henderson was preferred in goal for the Europa League knockout phase. At the start of March 2021, De Gea returned to Spain for the birth of his first child, which meant Henderson was able to take over as first-choice goalkeeper in the league and De Gea started to be preferred in the Europa League; he kept clean sheets in the two matches against Granada in the quarter-finals, and on 6 May, he made nine saves in a 3–2 away defeat to Roma in the second leg of UEFA Europa league semi-final, as United progressed to the final with an 8–5 aggregate victory.<ref>{{Cite news|date=6 May 2021|title=Edinson Cavani sends Manchester United into final despite Roma scare|url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/may/06/roma-manchester-united-europa-league-semi-final-second-leg-match-report|access-date=10 May 2021|newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref> On 26 May, in the 2021 UEFA Europa League final, De Gea missed his team's last penalty in an 11–10 penalty shoot-out defeat after the match finished 1–1 after extra time to hand Spanish side Villarreal their first ever European title.<ref name="2021 Europa League Final summary">{{cite web |title=Full Time Summary Final – Villarreal v Manchester United |url=https://www.uefa.com/newsfiles/uefacup/2021/2029909_fr.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526220616/https://www.uefa.com/newsfiles/uefacup/2021/2029909_fr.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 May 2021 |publisher=UEFA |access-date=26 May 2021}}</ref>

====2021–22 season==== thumb|left|De Gea playing for Manchester United in 2021|234x234px De Gea started the league season against Leeds United, in which he conceded a goal in a 5–1 home win.<ref>{{cite news |first=Simon |last=Stone |title=Manchester United 5–1 Leeds United: Bruno Fernandes hat-trick earns hosts thumping win |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58124893 |website=BBC Sport |date=14 August 2021 |access-date=14 August 2021 }}</ref> He earned his first clean sheet of the season in a 1–0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers.<ref>{{cite news |first=Neil |last=Johnston |title=Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-1 Manchester United: Mason Greenwood hits winner |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58295875 |website=BBC Sport |date=29 August 2021 |access-date=29 August 2021 }}</ref> In the fifth gameweek of the season, De Gea saved his first penalty for Manchester United since a 2016 FA Cup tie against Everton as he denied Mark Noble of West Ham United from the spot in the last action of the game, ensuring a 2–1 victory for the Reds after a late goal from Jesse Lingard.<ref>{{cite news |first=Rob |last=Smyth |title=West Ham v Manchester United: Premier League - Live! |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2021/sep/19/west-ham-united-v-manchester-united-premier-league-live |website=The Guardian |date=19 September 2021 |access-date=19 September 2021 }}</ref>

====2022–23 season==== thumb|265x265px|De Gea playing for Manchester United in 2022 On 16 October 2022, he played his 500th match for Manchester United in all competitions, in a goalless draw against Newcastle United.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cristiano Ronaldo and David De Gea to be honoured prior to Newcastle game |url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/cristiano-ronaldo-and-david-de-gea-to-be-honoured-prior-to-newcastle-game |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |date=16 October 2022 |access-date=6 November 2022 }}</ref> On 12 February 2023, he played his 400th Premier League match for Manchester United, with no non-British player making more for one club.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burton |first=Chris |date=12 February 2023 |title=Man Utd goalkeeper David de Gea makes history with 400th Premier League appearance |url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/man-utd-goalkeeper-david-de-gea-history-400-premier-league-appearance/blt7fe1c63d672573c3 |access-date=12 February 2023 |website=Goal}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 February 2023 |title=De Gea makes 400th Premier League appearance |url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/david-de-gea-makes-400th-premier-league-appearance-in-leeds-game |access-date=12 February 2023 |publisher=Manchester United F.C.}}</ref> On 26 February, he broke Peter Schmeichel's record for the most clean sheets in Manchester United's history, after a 2–0 win over Newcastle United in the 2023 EFL Cup final marked his 181st.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/david-de-gea-breaks-peter-schmeichels-clean-sheet-record-26-february-2023|title=De Gea breaks record|publisher=Manchester United F.C. |date=26 February 2023|access-date=26 February 2023|language=en}}</ref> On 20 May, he won the Premier League Golden Glove for the first time since the 2017–18 season.<ref>{{Cite web |author=The Athletic Staff |title=De Gea wins Premier League Golden Glove award |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4537460/2023/05/20/de-gea-premier-league-golden-glove/ |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=The Athletic |date=20 May 2023 |language=en}}</ref> On 3 June, he played his last match for Manchester United in a 2–1 defeat against Manchester City in the FA Cup final.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://talksport.com/football/fa-cup/1444860/david-de-gea-gundogan-goal-fa-cup-man-utd-fans/ |title=Manchester United fans blame David de Gea for goal which lost FA Cup in possible last appearance |publisher=talkSPORT |date=3 June 2023 }}</ref>

De Gea's contract at Manchester United expired on 1 July 2023 as negotiations over a new contract broke down, leaving him a free agent while discussions continued.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Man Utd keeper De Gea becomes free agent |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66053069 |access-date=2023-06-30}}</ref> His departure from the club was confirmed on 8 July 2023.<ref>{{cite news|title=De Gea departs Manchester United |url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/david-de-gea-leaves-man-utd-after-12-years-as-number-one-goalkeeper-8-july-2023 |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |date=8 July 2023 |access-date=8 July 2023 }}</ref> De Gea left Manchester United as their seventh all-time appearance maker, having played in 545 games in all competitions for the club.<ref>{{cite news|title=De Gea confirms Man United departure after 12 years at club |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/37978521/de-gea-confirms-man-united-departure-12-years-club |publisher=ESPN |date=8 July 2023 |access-date=8 July 2023 }}</ref> At the time of his departure, he became the last player from the Sir Alex Ferguson era to leave Manchester United.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/david-de-gea-manchester-united-ferguson-b2372488.html|title=David de Gea, Sir Alex Ferguson's last player, ends 88 years of Manchester United history|date=10 July 2023|work=The Independent}}</ref> However, the club would re-sign former defender and Premier League winner Jonny Evans that same summer, meaning this was no longer the case.

===Fiorentina=== After spending the entirety of the 2023–24 season as a free agent, on 9 August 2024, De Gea signed for Serie A club Fiorentina.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.acffiorentina.com/en/news/all/news-men-first-team/2024-08-09/de-gea-signs-for-fiorentina|title=De Gea signs for Fiorentina|website=ACF Fiorentina|date=9 August 2024|accessdate=9 August 2024}}</ref> On 22 August, he made his debut for the club in a 3–3 draw against Puskás Akadémia in the 2024–25 UEFA Conference League play-off round.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.acffiorentina.com/en/news/all/news-men-first-team/2024-08-22/full-time-fiorentina-3-3-puskas|title=FULL TIME: Fiorentina 3-3 Puskas|website=ACF Fiorentina|date=22 August 2024|accessdate=23 August 2024}}</ref> Later that year, on 6 October, he saved two penalty kicks, securing a 2–1 win over AC Milan.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-07 |title=Former United Goalkeeper David De Gea Shines At New Club Fiorentina - Simple Football |url=https://fotbalsimplu.com/former-united-goalkeeper-david-de-gea-shines-at-new-club-fiorentina/ |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=fotbalsimplu.com |language=en-US |archive-date=7 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007110048/https://fotbalsimplu.com/former-united-goalkeeper-david-de-gea-shines-at-new-club-fiorentina/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 31 May 2025, De Gea signed a new contract with Fiorentina, keeping him at the club until 2028.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-31 |title= David de Gea agrees new long-term Fiorentina deal |url= https://www.tribalfootball.com/article/soccer-serie-a-david-de-gea-agrees-new-long-term-fiorentina-deal-08c5d3fb-86c1-4c6b-a948-89ffec2aacd1 |website=Tribal Football |language=en-US}}</ref>

==International career == ===Youth=== [[File:David de Gea at the UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship - 20110622.jpg|thumb|right|De Gea with Spain U21 in 2011|190x190px]] De Gea helped Spain's under-17 team win the 2007 European Championship,<ref>[http://archivo.marca.com/edicion/marca/futbol/seleccion/es/desarrollo/992385.html La selección española sub'17 se proclama campeona de Europa] [The Spain under-17 team is proclaimed European champion], Marca (in Spanish), 13 May 2007</ref><ref name="destiny">{{cite news |last=Bandini |first=Nicky |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2011/may/25/david-de-gea-manchester-united |title=The 'New van der Sar' fulfils his destiny |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=25 May 2011 |access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> and finish second at the 2007 World Cup.<ref name="factfile"/> In early May 2010, courtesy of solid Atlético performances, he was named by senior squad manager Vicente del Bosque in a provisional 30-man squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup;<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.marca.com/2010/05/10/futbol/seleccion/1273509662.html |title=Valdés, De Gea, Azpilicueta, Javi Martínez y Pedro entran en la preselección de 30 |trans-title=Valdés, De Gea, Azpilicueta, Javi Martinez and Pedro are short listed 30 |date=10 May 2010 |access-date=16 December 2014 |newspaper=Marca|location=Madrid |language=es}}</ref> however, he did not make the final cut.<ref name="factfile"/> In 2011, he was part of the Spain under-21 team that won the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2011/6/29/united-hope-de-gea-will-add-to-keeping-legacy|title=United hope De Gea will add to keeping legacy|date=29 June 2011|access-date=9 April 2024|website=Al Jazeera}}</ref> and was named in UEFA's Squad of the Tournament.<ref name="tott">{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/under21/news/0283-1876f534fb25-e069a027749d-1000--2023-under-21-euro-team-of-the-tournament/|title=2023 Under-21 EURO Team of the Tournament|date=11 July 2023|access-date=9 April 2024|website=UEFA}}</ref>

On 15 May 2012, De Gea was called up for to the Spanish senior team for two matches against Serbia and China.<ref name="factfile"/> He was in consideration for Del Bosque's Euro 2012 squad, but did not make the final 23-man group. He was selected, however, to play at the 2012 Summer Olympics,<ref>{{cite news |title=Euro 2012 trio Mata, Alba & Martinez in Spain Olympic squad |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/olympics/18693622 |website=BBC Sport |date=5 July 2012 |access-date=8 July 2012}}</ref> and played all three matches as the nation was eliminated in the group stage. De Gea was part of the Spain under-21 team that retained their European title in 2013 and was named in the Squad of the Tournament for the second time.<ref name="tott"/>

===Senior=== On 13 May 2014, De Gea was selected in Spain's 30-man provisional squad for the 2014 World Cup, and later made the final squad. He made his first senior international appearance against El Salvador in a 2–0 friendly victory on 8 June in preparation for the tournament, replacing Iker Casillas for the last seven minutes of the match at the FedExField in Washington D.C.<ref>{{cite news |title=El Salvador 0–2 Spain |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27383467|access-date=14 June 2014|website=BBC Sport |date=3 June 2014}}</ref> As third-choice goalkeeper behind Casillas and Pepe Reina, De Gea was the only member of the squad not to feature at that World Cup, in which Spain were eliminated in the group stage.

On 4 September 2014, he made his first start for Spain, playing the whole 90 minutes against France in a friendly match and conceding a goal from Loïc Rémy to lose 1–0.<ref>{{cite news |title=France beat Spain 1–0 in Paris courtesy of a Loic Remy goal |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/323819/report |date=4 September 2014 |access-date=12 October 2014|website=Sky Sports}}</ref> He played his first competitive international on his third cap on 12 October, keeping a clean sheet in a 4–0 win away to Luxembourg in UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying.<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 October 2014 |title=Luxembourg 0-4 Spain |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/29588735 |access-date=22 September 2023}}</ref>

Many tipped De Gea to succeed Casillas as the long-term number one goalkeeper,<ref name="Future"/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.espnfc.com/spain/story/2080939/david-de-gea-should-replace-iker-casillas-as-spains-no-1-marca-poll |title=David De Gea should replace Iker Casillas as Spain's No. 1 - Marca poll |date=10 October 2014 |access-date=15 December 2014 |website=ESPN FC}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Balague |first=Guillem |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12087/9515709/spain-guillem-balague-says-david-de-gea-has-toppled-iker-casillas-as-no-1 |title=David De Gea has toppled Iker Casillas as No. 1 |date=13 October 2014 |access-date=15 December 2014 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> including Casillas himself.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/casillas-tips-de-gea-greatness |title=Casillas tips De Gea for greatness |date=2 June 2011 |access-date=15 December 2014 |magazine=FourFourTwo}}</ref> On 31 May 2016, he was named to Vicente del Bosque's final 23-man Spanish squad for UEFA Euro 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/36416575|title=Euro 2016: Arsenal's Hector Bellerin in Spain squad after injury forces out Dani Carvajal|website=BBC Sport|date=31 May 2016|access-date=1 June 2016}}</ref> He started their opening match against the Czech Republic in Toulouse, keeping a clean sheet in a 1–0 victory.<ref>{{cite news|title=Gerard Pique heads late winner as holders Spain edge past Czech Republic|url=http://sport.bt.com/football/euro-2016/gerard-pique-heads-late-winner-as-holders-spain-edge-past-czech-republic-S11364067719337|access-date=13 June 2016|website=BT Sport|date=13 June 2016|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416131127/http://sport.bt.com/football/euro-2016/gerard-pique-heads-late-winner-as-holders-spain-edge-past-czech-republic-S11364067719337|url-status=dead}}</ref> He followed up with another clean sheet against Turkey as Spain won 3–0.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/live/football/36335617 |title=Spain 3-0 Turkey |website=BBC Sport |first=Tom |last=Rostance |date=17 June 2016 |access-date=9 July 2018}}</ref> The following match, however, he conceded twice to Croatia as his team lost 2–1.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/36524210 |title=Croatia 2-1 Spain |website=BBC Sport |first=Mandeep |last=Sanghera |date=21 June 2016 |access-date=9 July 2018}}</ref> Spain was eliminated in the round of 16 on 27 June, with their opponent Italy scoring the only two goals of the match.<ref>{{cite news |first=Jim |last=Foulerton |title=Dominant Italy brush aside champions Spain |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d81b24e0059-7534c6d3e771-1000--dominant-italy-brush-aside-holders-spain-in-euro-2016-first/ |publisher=UEFA |date=27 June 2016 |access-date=27 June 2016}}</ref> [[File:ESP-RUS (13).jpg|thumb|De Gea with Spain at the 2018 FIFA World Cup|317x317px]] On 21 May 2018, De Gea was called up to Spain's squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2777080-david-de-gea-isco-headline-spains-full-2018-world-cup-provisional-squad-roster|title=David De Gea, Isco Headline Spain's Full 2018 World Cup Provisional Squad Roster|website=Bleacher Report|first=Christopher |last=Simpson|date=21 May 2018|access-date=22 May 2018}}</ref> In Spain's first game of the tournament on 15 June, he was at fault for Portugal's second goal, letting a Cristiano Ronaldo shot slip through his grasp; Ronaldo completed a hat-trick during the 3–3 draw, with his first goal coming from a penalty, and his third from a free-kick, which were Portugal's only other shots on target.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/105/main/2018/06/16/45555222/portugal-3-spain-3-brilliant-ronaldo-hat-trick-earns|title=World Cup report: Portugal 3 Spain 3|access-date=14 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/world-cup/news/spain-vs-portugal-final-score-crazy-draw-as-ronaldo-becomes-oldest-to-score-world-cup-hat-trick/amp/|title=Spain vs. Portugal final score: Crazy draw as Cristiano Ronaldo becomes oldest to score World Cup hat trick|website=cCBS Sports |access-date=16 June 2018}}</ref> In Spain's second group match against Iran on 20 June, he kept a clean-sheet in a 1–0 victory.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44439093 |title=Iran 0-1 Spain |website=BBC Sport |first=Luke |last=Reddy |date=20 June 2018 |access-date=9 July 2018}}</ref> De Gea continued to struggle in Spain's final group match against Morocco on 25 June, however, which ended in a 2–2 draw;<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44439235 |title=Spain 2-2 Morocco |website=BBC Sport |first=Mike |last=Whalley |date=25 June 2018 |access-date=9 July 2018}}</ref> his unsteady performances in the group stage drew criticism in the media, who noted that he had only made one save in the tournament.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.marca.com/en/world-cup/2018/06/26/5b320cb0468aeb97738b4620.html |title=De Gea: One save and a thousand doubts |newspaper=Marca |first=Javier |last=Estepa |date=26 June 2018 |access-date=9 July 2018}}</ref> On 1 July, De Gea also failed to make a save during Spain's 4–3 penalty shootout loss to hosts Russia in the Round of 16; the match had ended in a 1–1 draw after extra-time, with De Gea being beaten by an Artem Dzyuba penalty in the first half.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Coleman |first1=Joe |title=ABSOLUTE DISGRACE' Fans turn on Manchester United star David De Gea after shock World Cup exit for Spain |date=July 2018 |url=https://talksport.com/football/393451/spain-manchester-united-david-de-gea-world-cup/ |publisher=talkSPORT |access-date=1 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/live/football/43976553 |title=Catch-up: Fifa World Cup - Spain v Russia |website=BBC Sport |first=Stephan |last=Shemilt |date=1 July 2018 |access-date=9 July 2018}}</ref> 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.<ref name="auto"/> De Gea criticised the Adidas Telstar 18 official match ball, calling it "really strange" and claiming that "it could have been made a lot better."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/worldcup/fifa-world-cup-2018-ball-adidas-telstar-18-football-a-problem-for-goalkeepers-a3864336.html|title=Fifa World Cup 2018 ball: Adidas Telstar 18 football 'a problem for goalkeepers'|newspaper=Evening Standard|first=Jaime|last=Teather|date=15 June 2018|access-date=15 July 2018}}</ref>

On 24 May 2021, De Gea was included in Luis Enrique's 24-man squad for UEFA Euro 2020,<ref>{{cite news|date=24 May 2021|title=Spain Euro 2020 squad: The complete line-up for Euro 2020|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/spain-euro-2020-squad-the-complete-line-up-for-marchs-internationals|access-date=19 November 2021|website=FourFourTwo.com}}</ref> where he served as backup to Unai Simón. He was later excluded entirely from the Spain squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with Simón, David Raya and Robert Sánchez selected as the three goalkeepers.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ramos, Thiago, De Gea left out of Spain's World Cup 2022 squad |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2022/11/12/no-ramos-thiago-or-de-gea-as-spain-name-young-world-cup-squad |website=Al Jazeera|date=12 November 2022|access-date=5 February 2023}}</ref>

==Style of play== [[File:Boutaib goal against De Gea.jpg|thumb|left|221x221px|De Gea making a save with his feet against Morocco at the 2018 FIFA World Cup]] De Gea was regarded as a promising goalkeeper in his youth.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/de-gea-makes-manchester-united-claim|title=De Gea makes Manchester United claim|website=FourFourTwo|date=10 December 2010|access-date=17 January 2018}}</ref> He developed into a professional goalkeeper. <ref name="best in world">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/11295641/Wayne-Rooney-Man-Utd-can-win-title-with-best-in-world-David-de-Gea.html |title=Wayne Rooney: Man Utd can win title with 'best in world' David de Gea|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |last=Ogden |first=Mark|date=15 December 2014 |access-date=15 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="best goalkeeper">{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/11294620/David-de-Geas-performance-sparks-best-goalkeeper-in-the-world-debate-but-who-would-you-vote-for.html |title=David de Gea's performance sparks 'best goalkeeper in the world' debate|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=15 December 2014|access-date=15 December 2014}}</ref> grew up playing futsal as an outfield player until the age of 14. He has incorporated futsal goalkeeping techniques into his playing style, including the use of his feet to make saves.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11667/11621314/david-de-gea8217s-futsal-technique-is-changing-goalkeeping|title=David de Gea's futsal technique is changing goalkeeping|website=Sky Sports|access-date=15 August 2019}}</ref>{{Tone inline|date=April 2026}}

De Gea has been complemented for his reflexes, agility, and is well known for making saves with his feet.<ref name="main man">{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/15115/9745310/the-stats-suggest-david-de-gea-is-manchester-uniteds-main-man-under-louis-van-gaal-this-season|title=The stats suggest David de Gea is Manchester United's main man under Louis van Gaal this season|website=Sky Sports|first=Adam |last=Bate|date=5 March 2015|access-date=17 January 2018}}</ref><ref name="eye">{{cite web|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/de-geas-saves-may-well-catch-eye-theres-so-much-more-his-triumphant-rise|title=De Gea's saves may well catch the eye, but there's so much more to his triumphant rise|website=FourFourTwo|first=Seb|last=Stafford-Bloor|date=16 April 2015|access-date=17 January 2018}}</ref><ref name="legend">{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/12104579/Manchester-United-goalkeeper-David-de-Gea-well-on-his-way-to-club-legend-status.html|title=Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea well on his way to club legend status|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Alan|last=Smith|date=17 January 2016|access-date=17 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/12/09/forget-great-attacking-players-david-de-gea-andederson-secrets/ |title=Forget the great attacking players, David De Gea and Ederson are the secrets behind Manchester clubs' success |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |first=Sam |last=Wallace |date=9 December 2017 |access-date=21 January 2019}}</ref> In 2018 Shay Given called De Gea the best shot-stopper in the world.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/04/06/ederson-vs-david-de-gea-shay-given-compares-premier-leagues/ |title=Ederson vs David De Gea: Shay Given compares the Premier League's two best goalkeepers |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |first=Shay |last=Given |date=6 April 2018 |access-date=21 January 2019}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/dec/02/david-de-gea-manchester-united-arsenal-onslaught|title=David de Gea brings greatness to bear for United to repel Arsenal onslaught|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Barney|last=Ronay|date=3 December 2017|access-date=17 January 2018}}</ref>

Due to De Gea's slender frame, he initially struggled at defending high balls as a youngster, often punching balls away rather than holding on to them, and was at times reluctant to come off his line. He has since shown improvements in his aerial prowess, handling, command of his area, decision making, and ability to come out and claim crosses, in particular after he developed physically and gained more experience, even being described as a "strong presence in the box" by Kyle Diller in 2012.<ref name="eye" /><ref name="legend" /><ref name="De Gea and Henderson">{{cite news |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-united-de-gea-henderson-19896184 |title=Man United fans identify difference between David de Gea and Dean Henderson |newspaper=Manchester Evening News |last1=Jackson |first1=Elliott |date=23 February 2021 |access-date=4 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1082190-david-de-gea-did-criticism-actually-benefit-the-manchester-united-goalkeeper |title=David De Gea: Did Criticism Actually Benefit the Manchester United Goalkeeper? |website=Bleacher Report |last1=Diller |first1=Kyle |date=27 February 2012 |access-date=4 April 2021}}</ref> However, in later seasons, his inability to come off his line and deal with crosses was once again cited as a weakness in his game, in particular in comparison to teammate Dean Henderson.<ref name="De Gea and Henderson" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/news/david-dea-and-dean-henderson-compared-as-battle-to-be-man-utd-number-one-hots-up-1617450243000 |title=David Dea and Dean Henderson compared as battle to be Man Utd number one hots up |website=FourFourTwo |date=3 April 2021 |access-date=4 April 2021}}</ref> thumb|De Gea passing the ball whilst playing for Spain in 2019 De Gea is highly regarded for his speed when rushing off his line in one on one situations, which also enables him to function as a sweeper-keeper.<ref name="United confirm signing"/><ref name="corsport"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/club/manchester-united/360/blog/post/2788922/manchester-united-gk-david-de-gea-superb-in-win-v-liverpool|title=David De Gea superb for Manchester United in triumph at Liverpool|publisher=ESPN |first=Musa|last=Okwonga|date=17 January 2016|access-date=17 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/club/name/360/blog/post/2201494/headline|title=How David De Gea has become one of the Premier League's best goalkeepers |publisher=ESPN |first=Michael|last=Cox|date=17 December 2014|access-date=17 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/peter-schmeichel-hails-mental-strength-of-manchester-united-goalkeeper-david-de-gea-8352571.html|title=Peter Schmeichel hails mental strength of Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea|newspaper=The Independent|first=Simon|last=Stone|date=26 November 2012|access-date=17 January 2018}}</ref> In later seasons, however, Adam Bate of Sky Sports noted in 2019 that De Gea mainly stayed in his area and would come out to sweep up the ball less frequently than other leading keepers in the Premier League; his change in style also drew criticism from Mark Ogden of ''ESPN'' in 2020,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11667/11703131/david-de-geas-form-whats-up-with-manchester-uniteds-goalkeeper |title=David de Gea's form: What's up with Manchester United's goalkeeper? |website=Sky Sports |last1=Bate |first1=Adam |date=25 April 2019 |access-date=4 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://tribuna.com/en/news/manutd-2020-06-09-de-gea-hardly-leaves-his-penalty-area-espn-expert-mark-ogden-urges-united-star-to-take-in/ |title='De Gea hardly leaves his penalty area': ESPN expert Mark Ogden urges United star to take inspiration from Alisson |publisher=Tribuna.com |date=9 June 2020 |access-date=4 April 2021 }}</ref> while that same year, Mark Critchley of ''The Independent'' opined that De Gea "has never been especially comfortable playing behind a high line, regularly coming out second-best in one-on-ones with opposition strikers."<ref name="danger">{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-united-news-david-de-gea-everton-dean-henderson-a9367726.html |title=David de Gea in no danger of losing United place yet |newspaper=The Independent |last1=Critchley |first1=Mark |date=2 March 2020 |access-date=4 April 2021}}</ref> Jonathan Wilson in a 2020 article for the ''Irish Times'', also noted that sweeping was not a natural part of his game, and that his tendency to sit deeper with Manchester United in comparison to his position with Spain, who play with a higher line, was one of his reasons for his loss of form since his poor and error–prone performances at the 2018 World Cup.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/english-soccer/david-de-gea-s-decline-evident-since-2018-world-cup-1.4308638 |title=David de Gea's decline evident since 2018 World Cup |newspaper=The Irish Times |last1=Wilson |first1=Jonathan |authorlink=Jonathan Wilson (writer)|date=20 July 2020 |access-date=4 April 2021}}</ref>

In addition to his goalkeeping abilities, De Gea possesses excellent ball control, vision, and distribution with either foot, which enables him to start attacking plays from the back;<ref name="corsport">{{cite news|url=http://www.corrieredellosport.it/calcio/talent_scout/2011/07/01-181512/Ecco+De+Gea,+lo+United+ha+l%E2%80%99erede+di+Van+der+Sar|title=Ecco De Gea, lo United ha l'erede di Van der Sar|newspaper=Il Corriere dello Sport|first=Stefano|last=Chioffi|language=it|date=1 July 2011|access-date=28 January 2016|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205023009/http://www.corrieredellosport.it/calcio/talent_scout/2011/07/01-181512/Ecco+De+Gea,+lo+United+ha+l%E2%80%99erede+di+Van+der+Sar|archive-date=5 February 2016}}</ref><ref name="come of age">{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/did-manchester-united-goalkeeper-david-de-gea-come-of-age-against-real-madrid-8496184.html|title=Did Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea come of age against Real Madrid?|newspaper=The Independent|first=Ian|last=Herbert|date=14 February 2013|access-date=17 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jul/09/goalkeeper-david-de-gea-petr-cech-iker-casillas|title=Why the importance of a goalkeeper cannot be overestimated|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Jonathan|last=Wilson|authorlink=Jonathan Wilson (writer)|date=9 July 2015|access-date=17 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/man-utd-news-de-gea-11543576|title=Manchester United star De Gea proved Sir Alex Ferguson wrong over Hart|newspaper=Manchester Evening News|first=Samuel|last=Luckhurst|date=30 June 2016|access-date=17 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-united-news-de-gea-12259967|title=Former Manchester United coach reveals David De Gea and Real Madrid transfer truth|newspaper=Manchester Evening News|first=Ciaran|last=Kelly|date=2 December 2016|access-date=17 January 2018}}</ref> in 2014, he credited his goalkeeping coach under Louis van Gaal, Frans Hoek, for helping him to develop this aspect of his game,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eurosport.com/football/premier-league/2012-2013/de-gea-considered-leaving-man-united_sto4429794/story.shtml |title=De Gea considered Man Utd exit |publisher=Europsport |date=6 October 2014 |access-date=4 April 2021}}</ref> which Mark Critchley of ''The Independent'' had initially criticised as being "average".<ref name="danger"/> However, in 2020 his distribution was once again described as being "limited" by Critchley, especially in comparison to other ball-playing goalkeepers in the Premier League,<ref name="danger"/> while in a 2018 article for ''The Guardian'', Wilson felt that De Gea's unremarkable passing and lack of confidence with the ball at his feet was one of the reasons for the contrast between his performances with Manchester United and Spain.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2018/sep/07/david-de-gea-manchester-united-spain-goalkeeper |title=Why is David de Gea exceptional for United and indifferent for Spain? |newspaper=The Guardian |last1=Wilson |first1=Jonathan |authorlink=Jonathan Wilson (writer)|date=7 September 2018 |access-date=4 April 2021}}</ref> In addition, De Gea's effectiveness at stopping penalties has also been put into question in recent years, despite having saved penalties from specialists such as Leighton Baines, Diego Milito, Steven Gerrard and former teammate Robin van Persie throughout his career; he did not save a single penalty between April 2016 and September 2021.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://talksport.com/football/986272/man-united-de-gea-watford-penalty/ |title=DAVE SAVES David de Gea didn't save a penalty for FIVE YEARS but has now saved three in a row after superb double stop against Watford striker Ismaila Sarr in Premier League |date=20 November 2021 |newspaper=talkSPORT}}</ref> During that period, De Gea conceded 40 penalties, including all the eleven he conceded in the 2021 UEFA Europa League final shootout defeat to Villarreal.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/david-de-gea-penalty-save-record-man-utd-b937654.html |title=David De Gea penalty record makes grim reading for Manchester United fans |newspaper=Evening Standard |last1=Doyle |first1=Tom |date=27 May 2021 |access-date=29 May 2021}}</ref>

==Personal life== In January 2012, De Gea was confirmed as farsighted, although this is not thought to have affected his performances.<ref>{{cite news |last=Taylor |first=Daniel |title=Manchester United's error-prone David de Gea may need eye surgery |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/jan/19/manchester-united-david-de-gea-eye-surgery |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=19 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/131972.html |title=United keeper De Gea facing eye surgery |date=20 January 2012 |access-date=15 December 2014 |publisher=ESPN |archive-date=16 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216093008/http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/131972.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> De Gea has stated that he is a fan of heavy metal music, with Avenged Sevenfold being one of his favourite bands.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/man-united-goalkeeper-david-de-gea-meets-favourite-band-avenged-sevenfold-1949685|title=Man United goalkeeper David De Gea meets Avenged Sevenfold &#124; NME|website=NME |date=18 January 2017|access-date=14 January 2020}}</ref> He has been in a relationship with Spanish singer Edurne since 2010,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/transfer-news/david-de-geas-wife-hints-16193876|title=David de Gea's wife hints Man Utd keeper is considering his future|date=24 May 2019|newspaper=Irish Mirror|access-date=14 January 2020}}</ref> whom he married in Menorca on 1 July 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/soccer/futbol/news/david-de-gea-and-wife-edurne-share-wedding-photos |title=David De Gea And Wife Edurne Share Wedding Photos |publisher=si.com |date=2 July 2023 }}</ref> On 4 March 2021, the couple had their first child, a daughter named Yanay.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/solskjaer-confirms-de-gea-absence-following-birth-of-child|title=Solskjaer confirms De Gea absence following birth of child|date=5 March 2021|publisher=Manchester United F.C. |access-date=5 March 2021}}</ref> He also founded an esports team under the name Rebels Gaming in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why De Gea's founded an esports team |url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/david-de-gea-esports-rebels-gaming-feature-in-inside-united-may-2022 |access-date=15 April 2022 |publisher=Manchester United F.C.}}</ref>

==Career statistics== ===Club=== {{updated|match played 17 May 2026}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" |+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes Copa del Rey, FA Cup, Coppa Italia}} !colspan="2"|League cup{{efn|Includes Football League/EFL Cup}} !colspan="2"|Europe !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |Atlético Madrid B |2008–09<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j12499.html?temp=2008-09 |title=De Gea: Matches: 2008–09 |website=BDFutbol |access-date=13 September 2020}}</ref> |Segunda División B |35||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||35||0 |- |rowspan=3|Atlético Madrid |2009–10<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j12499.html?temp=2009-10 |title=De Gea: Matches: 2009–10 |website=BDFutbol |access-date=13 September 2020}}</ref> |La Liga |19||0||7||0||colspan="2"|—||9{{efn|One appearance in UEFA Champions League, eight appearances in UEFA Europa League}}||0||colspan="2"|—||35||0 |- |2010–11<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j12499.html?temp=2010-11 |title=De Gea: Matches: 2010–11 |website=BDFutbol |access-date=13 September 2020}}</ref> |La Liga |38||0||5||0||colspan="2"|—||5{{efn|name=UEL|Appearances in UEFA Europa League}}||0||1{{efn|name=USC|Appearance in UEFA Super Cup}}||0||49||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !57||0||12||0||colspan="2"|—||14||0||1||0||84||0 |- |rowspan=13|Manchester United |2011–12<ref>{{soccerbase season|52432|2011|access-date=10 September 2016}}</ref> |Premier League |29||0||1||0||0||0||8{{efn|Four appearances in UEFA Champions League, four appearances in UEFA Europa League}}||0||1{{efn|name=FACS|Appearance in FA Community Shield}}||0||39||0 |- |2012–13<ref>{{soccerbase season|52432|2012|access-date=10 September 2016}}</ref> |Premier League |28||0||5||0||1||0||7{{efn|name=UCL|Appearances in UEFA Champions League}}||0||colspan="2"|—||41||0 |- |2013–14<ref>{{soccerbase season|52432|2013|access-date=10 September 2016}}</ref> |Premier League |37||0||0||0||4||0||10{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||1{{efn|name=FACS}}||0||52||0 |- |2014–15<ref>{{soccerbase season|52432|2014|access-date=10 September 2016}}</ref> |Premier League |37||0||5||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||43||0 |- |2015–16<ref>{{soccerbase season|52432|2015|access-date=10 September 2016}}</ref> |Premier League |34||0||6||0||1||0||8{{efn|Six appearances in UEFA Champions League, two appearances in UEFA Europa League}}||0||colspan="2"|—||49||0 |- |2016–17<ref>{{Soccerbase season|52432|2016|access-date=25 November 2017}}</ref> |Premier League |35||0||1||0||5||0||3{{efn|name=UEL}}||0||1{{efn|name=FACS}}||0||45||0 |- |2017–18<ref>{{soccerbase season|52432|2017|access-date=11 August 2018}}</ref> |Premier League |37||0||2||0||0||0||6{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||1{{efn|name=USC}}||0||46||0 |- |2018–19<ref>{{soccerbase season|52432|2018|access-date=31 December 2022}}</ref> |Premier League |38||0||0||0||0||0||9{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||colspan="2"|—||47||0 |- |2019–20<ref>{{soccerbase season|52432|2019|access-date=16 August 2020}}</ref> |Premier League |38||0||1||0||2||0||2{{efn|name=UEL}}||0||colspan="2"|—||43||0 |- |2020–21<ref>{{soccerbase season|52432|2020|access-date=26 May 2021}}</ref> |Premier League |26||0||0||0||0||0||10{{efn|Five appearances in UEFA Champions League, five appearances in UEFA Europa League}}||0||colspan="2"|—||36||0 |- |2021–22<ref name=sb2122>{{soccerbase season|52432|2021|access-date=22 May 2022}}</ref> |Premier League |38||0||1||0||0||0||7{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||colspan="2"|—||46||0 |- |2022–23<ref>{{soccerbase season|52432|2022|access-date=3 June 2023}}</ref> |Premier League |38||0||6||0||2||0||12{{efn|name=UEL}}||0||colspan="2"|—||58||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !415||0||28||0||16||0||82||0||4||0||545||0 |- |rowspan="3"|Fiorentina |2024–25<ref>{{soccerbase season|52432|2024|access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> |Serie A |35||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||7{{efn|name=UECL|Appearances in UEFA Conference League}}||0||colspan="2"|—||42||0 |- |2025–26<ref>{{soccerbase season|52432|2025|access-date=22 June 2025}}</ref> |Serie A |37||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||9{{efn|name=UECL}}||0||colspan="2"|—||46||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !72||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||16||0||colspan="2"|—||88||0 |- !colspan="3"|Career total !579||0||40||0||16||0||112||0||5||0||752||0 |} {{notelist}}

===International=== {{updated|match played 13 October 2020}}<ref>{{NFT player |id=55716 |name=David de Gea |access-date=31 December 2022}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" |+ Appearances and goals by national team and year |- !National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan="7"|Spain |2014||3||0 |- |2015||4||0 |- |2016||11||0 |- |2017||7||0 |- |2018||13||0 |- |2019||3||0 |- |2020||4||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total||45||0 |}

==Honours== '''Atlético Madrid''' *UEFA Europa League: 2009–10<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8675486.stm |title=Atletico Madrid 2–1 Fulham |first=Phil |last=McNulty |authorlink= Phil McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=12 May 2010 |access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref> *UEFA Super Cup: 2010<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefasupercup/match/2002327--inter-vs-atleti/ |title=Slick Atlético seal Super Cup success |publisher=UEFA |date=27 August 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024171105/https://www.uefa.com/uefasupercup/matches/season=2010/round=2000123/match=2002327/index.html |archive-date=24 October 2018}}</ref>

'''Manchester United''' *Premier League: 2012–13<ref name="PremProfile">{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/4330/David-de-Gea/overview |title=David de Gea |publisher=Premier League |access-date=8 July 2023}}</ref> *FA Cup: 2015–16<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36292265 |title=Crystal Palace 1–2 Manchester United |first=Phil |last=McNulty |authorlink= Phil McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=21 May 2016 |access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref> *EFL Cup: 2016–17,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39018813 |title=Manchester United 3–2 Southampton |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=26 February 2017 |access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref> 2022–23<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64693810 |title=Manchester United 2–0 Newcastle United |first=Phil |last=McNulty |authorlink= Phil McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=26 February 2023 |access-date=26 February 2023}}</ref> *FA Community Shield: 2011,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14420151 |title=Manchester City 2–3 Manchester United |first=Chris |last=Bevan |website=BBC Sport |date=7 August 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001222113/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/14420151 |archive-date=1 October 2013}}</ref> 2013,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23565298 |title=Man Utd 2–0 Wigan |first=Tom |last=Rostance |website=BBC Sport |date=11 August 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114040746/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23565298 |archive-date=14 January 2016}}</ref> 2016<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36934956 |title=Leicester City 1–2 Manchester United |first=Chris |last=Bevan |website=BBC Sport |date=7 August 2016 |access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref> *UEFA Europa League: 2016–17<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40004559 |title=Ajax 0–2 Manchester United |first=Phil |last=McNulty |authorlink= Phil McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=24 May 2017 |access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref>

'''Spain U17''' *UEFA European Under-17 Championship: 2007<ref name="Honours">{{cite news|title=David de Gea&nbsp;– UEFA|url=http://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/players/player=1901746/profile/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100407180031/http://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/players/player=1901746/profile/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 April 2010|publisher=UEFA |date=29 July 2013|access-date=21 June 2016}}</ref> *FIFA U-17 World Cup runner-up: 2007<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/teams/te29214/spain/squad/|title=Spain [U17] - Squad U17 World Cup 2007 South Korea|website=worldfootball.net|date=20 May 2016 }}</ref>

'''Spain U21''' *UEFA European Under-21 Championship: 2011, 2013<ref name="Honours"/>

'''Spain''' *UEFA Nations League runner-up: 2020–21<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/match/2030761--spain-vs-france/ |title=France beat Spain to win Nations League |publisher=UEFA |date=10 October 2021 |access-date=10 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007210504/https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/match/2030761--spain-vs-france/ |archive-date=7 October 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

'''Individual''' *Premier League Golden Glove: 2017–18, 2022–23<ref name="PremProfile"/> *Premier League Player of the Month: January 2022<ref name="PremProfile"/> * Premier League Save of the Month: February 2023<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/3100474 |title=De Gea claims February Castrol Save of the Month award |publisher=Premier League |date=10 March 2023 |access-date=8 July 2023}}</ref> *PFA Team of the Year: 2012–13 Premier League,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/22331030 |title=Gareth Bale wins PFA Player of Year and Young Player awards |website=BBC Sport |date=28 April 2013 |access-date=25 April 2018}}</ref> 2014–15 Premier League,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/32472834 |title=Chelsea's Eden Hazard named PFA Player of the Year |website=BBC Sport |date=26 April 2015 |access-date=25 April 2018}}</ref> 2015–16 Premier League,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36106596 |title=PFA awards: Leicester and Spurs dominate Premier League team |website=BBC Sport |date=21 April 2016 |access-date=25 April 2018}}</ref> 2016–17 Premier League,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39648483 |title=PFA teams of the year: Chelsea and Tottenham dominate Premier League XI |website=BBC Sport |date=20 April 2017 |access-date=25 April 2018}}</ref> 2017–18 Premier League<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43810017 |title=Manchester City players dominate PFA team of the year |website=BBC Sport |date=18 April 2018 |access-date=25 April 2018}}</ref> *PFA Fans' Premier League Player of the Month: November 2014<ref>{{cite news |title=Man Utd's David De Gea wins PFA Fans' Player of the Month for November |newspaper=Daily Express |location=London |url=http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/542415/Man-Utd-David-De-Gea-PFA-Fans-Player-November |access-date=1 December 2014}}</ref> *''Match of the Day'' Save of the Season: 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18<ref>{{cite news |title=Man Utd's De Gea has won save of the season every year since it began|url=http://metro.co.uk/2016/05/28/manchester-united-ace-david-de-gea-has-now-won-save-of-the-season-award-every-year-since-it-began-5909807/|newspaper=Metro |location=London |date=28 May 2016|access-date=14 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/de-gea-spain-are-in-great-shape |title=De Gea: Spain are in great shape |date=4 May 2018 |publisher=FIFA |access-date=27 May 2018}}</ref> *UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season: 2015–16<ref>{{cite web |date=20 May 2016 |title=UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/022d-0e946a347208-55be5902368b-1000--uefa-europa-league-squad-of-the-season/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024114904/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/newsid=2366628.html |archive-date=24 October 2016 |url-status=live |publisher=UEFA}}</ref> *UEFA European Under-21 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2011,<ref>[https://www.uefa.com/under21/news/0254-0d7caecaa0cb-d2351f519df8-1000--u21-all-star-squad-named-by-uefa-technical-team/ U21 all-star squad named by UEFA technical team]</ref> 2013<ref>{{cite news |title=Thiago leads all-star squad dominated by Spain |publisher=UEFA |url=https://www.uefa.com/under21/news/0252-0cd3add5c6c6-33fdf8fdc07a-1000--thiago-leads-all-star-squad-dominated-by-spain/ |access-date=21 June 2013}}</ref> *FIFA FIFPro World11: 2018<ref>{{cite web |date=24 September 2018 |title=De Gea, Kante and Mbappe in World 11 |url=https://www.fifpro.org/news/de-gea-kante-mbappe-in-world-11/en/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925025843/https://www.fifpro.org/news/de-gea-kante-mbappe-in-world-11/en/ |archive-date=25 September 2018 |access-date=25 September 2018 |publisher=FIFPro}}</ref> *Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year: 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18<ref>{{cite web |first1=Ryan |last1=Grant |first2=Nathan |last2=Thomas |title=David de Gea wins third successive Player of the Year award |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2016/May/POTY-Manchester-United-goalkeeper-David-De-Gea-named-Sir-Matt-Busby-Player-of-the-Year-for-2015-16.aspx |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |date=2 May 2016 |access-date=3 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first1=Adam |last1=Higgins |title=De Gea wins Player of the Year award |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2018/May/David-De-Gea-named-Sir-Matt-Busby-Player-of-the-Year-for-2017-18.aspx |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |date=1 May 2018 |access-date=1 May 2018}}</ref> *Manchester United Players' Player of the Year: 2013–14, 2014–15, 2017–18, 2021–22<ref>{{cite web |first=Mark |last=Froggatt |title=David De Gea wins Players' Player of the Year prize |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2015/May/POTY-David-De-Gea-wins-Players-Player-of-the-Year-award.aspx |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |date=19 May 2015 |access-date=2 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Joe |last=Ganley|title=De Gea voted star man by United players |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2018/Apr/David-De-Gea-wins-Manchester-United-Players-Player-of-the-Year-award.aspx |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |date=1 May 2018 |access-date=1 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Joe |last=Nelson |title=United's Players' Player of the Year announced |url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/david-de-gea-named-man-utd-players-player-of-the-year-for-2021-22-03-june-2022 |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |date=3 June 2022 |access-date=3 June 2022 }}</ref> *Sports Illustrated Premier League Team of the Decade: 2010–2019<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 December 2019 |title=Premier League Team of the 2010s: The Decade's Best |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2019/12/30/premier-league-best-team-decade-2010s |website=si.com |language=}}</ref> *Serie A Team of the Season: 2024–25<ref name=":11">{{cite news |date=24 May 2025 |title=EA Sports FC 25 – Serie A Team of the Season |url=https://www.ea.com/games/ea-sports-fc/fc-25/tots/serie-a|access-date=24 May 2025 |publisher=Serie A}}</ref>

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== {{Commons category}} * [https://www.manutd.com/en/players-and-staff/detail/de-gea Profile] at the Manchester United F.C. website * [https://rfef.es/es/selecciones/jugadores/david-de-gea Profile] at the Royal Spanish Football Federation website {{in lang|es}} * {{FIFA player}} * {{UEFA player}}

{{ACF Fiorentina squad}} {{Navboxes | title = Spain squads | bg = #db000d | fg = #fbea0e | bordercolor = black | list1 = {{Spain men's football squad 2012 Summer Olympics}} {{Spain squad 2014 FIFA World Cup}} {{Spain squad UEFA Euro 2016}} {{Spain squad 2018 FIFA World Cup}} {{Spain squad UEFA Euro 2020}} }} {{Navboxes | title = Awards | bg = gold | fg = navy | list1 = {{2012–13 Premier League PFA Team of the Year}} {{2014–15 Premier League PFA Team of the Year}} {{2015–16 Premier League PFA Team of the Year}} {{2016–17 Premier League PFA Team of the Year}} {{2017–18 Premier League PFA Team of the Year}} {{Premier League Golden Glove}} {{Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year}} }} {{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gea, David de}} Category:1990 births Category:Living people Category:Footballers from Madrid Category:Spanish men's footballers Category:Men's association football goalkeepers Category:Atlético Madrileño players Category:Atlético Madrid footballers Category:Manchester United F.C. players Category:ACF Fiorentina players Category:Segunda División B players Category:La Liga players Category:Premier League players Category:Serie A players Category:UEFA Europa League–winning players Category:Spain men's youth international footballers Category:Spain men's under-21 international footballers Category:Spain men's under-23 international footballers Category:Spain men's international footballers Category:2014 FIFA World Cup players Category:UEFA Euro 2016 players Category:2018 FIFA World Cup players Category:UEFA Euro 2020 players Category:Olympic footballers for Spain Category:Footballers at the 2012 Summer Olympics Category:Spanish expatriate men's footballers Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Italy Category:Spanish expatriate sportspeople in England Category:Spanish expatriate sportspeople in Italy Category:21st-century Spanish sportsmen