In 2000, he joined América de Cali in the first division, helping the team win three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002 before moving to Brazilian club Atletico Paranaense in 2005.

He also appeared in the first-ever USA-Brazil Challenge game against his soon-to-be team FC Dallas in Curitiba, Brazil on March 7, 2007.

From February to June 2008, David was on loan to club Al-Shabab in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, making 12 appearances and helping the team win the league title before returning to Atletico Paranaense.

He was named MLS league MVP on November 19, 2010, after scoring eight goals and adding 13 assists during the regular season.

David is the father of Jesús Ferreira, who plays professionally for Seattle Sounders FC and the United States national team.