Dídac Vilà

Espanyol

Born in Mataró, Barcelona, Catalonia, Vilà joined local RCD Espanyol's youth system at the age of 10, making his senior debut in 2008–09 and helping the reserves promote from the Tercera División, as champions. He was promoted to the first team by manager Mauricio Pochettino, making his La Liga debut on 30 January 2010 in a 1–0 home win against Athletic Bilbao (which, in his own words, came as a "surprise") and ending his first professional season with 11 league games, starting and playing all the minutes in every match as the Pericos finished in mid-table. Previously, he appeared with the main squad in the 2008 final of the Copa Catalunya, lost 2–1 to UE Sant Andreu, and signed a five-year contract with the club shortly after. After missing the first months of the 2010–11 campaign due to physical problems, Vilà once again gained first-choice status, taking over longtime incumbent – and fellow youth graduate – David García.

AC Milan

On 28 January 2011, Vilà was bought by AC Milan in Serie A for a reported €3 million. After only one competitive appearance for the Italians, the 0–0 draw away to Udinese Calcio, and subsequently being highly critical of coach Massimiliano Allegri, he returned to Espanyol in early June 2011 in a season-long loan. He only missed one match during the league campaign, scoring twice but in as many away losses. Vilà was set to join Valencia CF on loan at the beginning of 2012–13 with the option of making the move permanent…

In 2011, Vilà received his first Spain under-21 call-up. That year, he was selected by manager Luis Milla to the UEFA European Championship in Denmark, playing all the matches and minutes for the eventual champions.

As of 1 July 2021

Espanyol B

Tercera División: 2008–09 AC Milan

Serie A: 2010–11 AEK Athens

Greek Football Cup: 2015–16 Espanyol

Segunda División: 2020–21 Spain U21

UEFA European Under-21 Championship: 2011 Spain U20

Mediterranean Games: 2009