David Silva Signs for Hong Kong Premier League Newcomers Supreme Sha Tin
David Silva has ended his retirement to join Hong Kong Premier League newcomers Supreme Sha Tin, with the former Spain and Manchester City midfielder set to begin training after arriving in the city.
Silva returns for Hong Kong challenge
Supreme Sha Tin confirmed the signing of the 40-year-old through social media, announcing that the celebrated Spanish midfielder had joined the club.
Silva will first settle in Hong Kong and work with the squad to regain full match sharpness before making his competitive debut. He has agreed a short-term deal running through the rest of the season.
In a message released by his new club, Silva said he was delighted to take on the experience and was eager to discover Hong Kong, including the culture, people, food in Sha Tin and the local football scene.
Retirement reversed after knee injury
The 125-cap Spain international stepped away from professional football in 2023 after suffering a serious ACL injury during his time at Real Sociedad. His return comes more than three years after that decision.
Silva brings one of the most decorated CVs ever seen in the Hong Kong game. Before moving to Real Sociedad, he won a major haul of honours during his Manchester City career.
- Four Premier League titles
- Two FA Cups
- Five League Cups
- 125 appearances for Spain
He was also a key member of Spain’s dominant international generation between 2008 and 2012.
Supreme seek immediate lift
Supreme Sha Tin are in their first top-flight campaign following promotion and have made a major statement by recruiting Silva. The side is coached by Englishman Tom Ballantyne and owned by Jim Wong Chi-chuen.
The club have started with one win and three defeats from four league matches, leaving Silva’s experience potentially crucial both in the dressing room and on the pitch.
| Supreme Sha Tin start | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches played | 4 |
| Wins | 1 |
| Defeats | 3 |
What happens next
Silva could be available as soon as October 18, when Supreme Sha Tin host HKFC at Hammer Hill Road Sports Ground, although his involvement will depend on his fitness build-up.
Hong Kong’s top division has previously attracted established names, including Diego Forlan at Kitchee, while Spaniards Asier Illarramendi and Victor Camarasa are among the notable current players. Silva’s arrival, however, gives the promoted club one of the most recognisable players ever to enter the league.
