David Villa: World Cup-winning footballer accused of sexual harassment by former New York City FC intern

2010 World Cup winner alleged to have touched a female intern inappropriately during his four years in New York

David Villa has been accused of sexual harassment during his time at New York City FC (Getty)

World Cup winner David Villa has been accused of sexual harassment during his time at New York City FC.

The 38-year-old former footballer has been accused of inappropriately touching an intern while with the MLS club, who was forced to change her career due to the harassment she experienced while working there.

A woman by the name of Skyler B wrote on Twitter last week that her complaints of suffering sexual harassment were ignored because her bosses thought it was “great comedic material”, having raised her concerns regarding the former Barcelona striker’s conduct.

Writing in a series of posts, Skyler B said: “The harassment I went through at NYCFC was so bad that now the idea of professional sports terrifies me.

“Staying in the field of athletics terrifies me. I’m changing my entire career because the shit they did to me ruined my dreams.

“I thought I was getting the opportunity of a life time when I got that internship.

“What I got was David Villa touching me every f****** day and my bosses thinking it was great comedic material. Women brave enough to tell their stories this loudly are my heroes. Someday.

“I still find it hilarious that I was constantly told I had a terrible attitude at that job like I wasn’t showing up everyday knowing I was gonna be groped or mocked or two hand shoved in the back. Of f****** course I had a bad attitude!!”

The Independent has contacted Villa’s management agency and New York City FC for comment.

Villa was part of Spain’s all-conquering international side that won the 2010 World Cup as well as the 2008 and 2012 European Championship, and became one of the most prolific goalscorers in Europe during his time with Valencia, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

In 2014, Villa became New York City FC’s first signing following their inclusion into the MLS, and captained them until his departure in 2018. After a brief stint in Japan with Vissel Kobe, Villa retired in 2019.