Born on August 10, 1994, Bernardo Mota Veiga de Carvalho e Silva, commonly known as Bernardo Silva, is a Portuguese professional footballer renowned for his role as an attacking midfielder or right winger for Manchester City in the Premier League and the Portugal national team.
Acknowledged as one of the world’s premier midfielders, Silva is distinguished for his exceptional creativity, dribbling skills, stamina, versatility, and commendable work ethic. Pep Guardiola, his manager at Manchester City, has lauded Silva as “one of the best players” he has ever witnessed.
Silva’s international career commenced in 2015 when he made his senior debut for Portugal. Before that, he had represented the nation’s youth teams at under-19 and under-21 levels. Notably, Silva has been a key figure in Portugal’s squads for major tournaments, including the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, 2018 FIFA World Cup, 2019 UEFA Nations League Finals, UEFA Euro 2020, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His contributions played a pivotal role in Portugal’s triumph at the 2019 UEFA Nations League, where he was also honored with the Player of the Tournament accolade.
Early Life of Bernardo Silva
Born in Lisbon, Portugal, on August 10, 1994, Bernardo Silva’s introduction to football began in a city deeply entrenched in football culture. His early years were shaped by a profound passion for the game, nurtured by the rich footballing atmosphere of Lisbon. From a young age, Silva displayed both determination and natural talent, setting the stage for a remarkable journey in the world of football.
The foundation of Silva’s character and work ethic can be attributed to his upbringing. Raised in a supportive family, his love for football was not only acknowledged but actively encouraged. His family played a crucial role in fostering his dreams and aspirations.
The initial chapters of Silva’s footballing journey unfolded in the youth academies of Benfica, marking a formative period in his development as a player. This early experience laid the groundwork for the notable achievements that would follow on the football field.
Clubs: The Footballing Journey
Benfica
A product of the youth system at S.L. Benfica, Bernardo Silva emerged as a notable talent within the club’s ranks. In 2013, he contributed to their victory in the 2012–13 Portuguese Juniors Championship. Silva’s debut for Benfica B occurred on August 10, 2013, during a Segunda Liga match against Trofense.
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His first appearance for the senior Benfica team took place on October 19, 2013, at the age of 19, during a 2013–14 Taça de Portugal third-round clash against C.D. Cinfães. Silva entered the match in the 80th minute, contributing to a 1–0 away victory. Recognized for his impressive performances with Benfica B in the 2013–14 Segunda Liga, he earned the Breakthrough Player of the Year award. Despite playing limited minutes, Silva was part of Benfica’s triumphant squad in the 2013–14 season, securing a domestic treble by winning the league, cup, and the league cup, although he featured for only 31 minutes across three matches.
Monaco
On August 7, 2014, Bernardo Silva embarked on a one-year loan deal with Monaco. His debut for the club occurred on August 17 in a Ligue 1 away fixture against Bordeaux, where he substituted Lucas Ocampos in the second half. He secured his first start on September 21, contributing to a 1–0 home victory against Guingamp. Silva showcased his scoring prowess on December 14, netting the sole goal in a home win against Marseille.
The course of Silva’s career took a significant turn on January 20, 2015, when Benfica announced the sale of his economic and sports rights to Monaco for €15.75 million. This move was accompanied by a contract extension with Monaco, binding Silva to the club until June 2019. Noteworthy performances continued, with Silva scoring twice in a 3–0 away triumph against Caen on April 10, 2015. Subsequently, on August 10, 2015, he further extended his contract by one year, committing to Monaco until June 2020.
In the 2016–17 Champions League group stage clash against CSKA Moscow on October 18, 2016, Silva played a pivotal role, scoring Monaco’s equalizer in the 87th minute, leading to a 1–1 draw. He continued to make significant contributions, including a brace in a 4–1 away victory over Marseille on January 15, 2017. Notably, on January 29, Silva scored a crucial added-time equalizer in a 1–1 draw against reigning league champions Paris Saint-Germain, placing Monaco at the league’s summit. His prolific season concluded with impressive stats, including 8 goals and 9 assists in the league and a total of 11 goals and 12 assists in 58 matches across all competitions.
Manchester City
From 2017 to 2021, Bernardo Silva made a significant impact at Manchester City, demonstrating his prowess as an attacking midfielder and right winger. His journey with the club began after catching the eye of Pep Guardiola and his staff during impressive performances for Monaco in the UEFA Champions League. Manchester City officially signed Silva on a five-year contract in May 2017, with the transfer fee reported to be around €50 million (£43.5 million) and potential add-ons increasing it to €70 million.
Silva swiftly showcased his skills, scoring his debut Champions League goal for City in February 2018 and contributing to crucial victories in the Premier League. His consistency and work rate stood out, making him a linchpin for the team during the 2017–18 season, where City achieved a record 100 points in the Premier League and clinched the EFL Cup.
The 2018–19 season saw Silva continue his stellar performances, playing a pivotal role in City’s triumph in the Premier League. He scored 13 goals and provided 14 assists in 51 appearances across all competitions. His notable performances, including a crucial goal in the Manchester Derby against Manchester United, earned him recognition in the PFA Team of the Year and the Manchester City Player of the Season award.
The 2019–20 season had its highs and lows for Silva. On the field, he displayed his football prowess with a hat-trick against Watford. However, off the field, he faced controversy due to a tweet directed at teammate Benjamin Mendy, resulting in a one-match ban and a fine. Despite this, Silva’s talent was evident, and he was nominated for the Ballon d’Or.
In the 2020–21 season, Silva continued to shine, scoring a brace in the FA Cup and securing victories in the Premier League and the Champions League. His versatility was highlighted as he adapted to various positions on the field, contributing significantly to City’s success. The season ended with Silva scoring crucial goals in the Champions League, helping Manchester City secure their first-ever Champions League trophy and completing a continental treble.
The 2021–22 season started with speculation about Silva’s desire to leave Manchester City, but his impressive performances silenced doubters. He played a pivotal role in significant victories against Arsenal, Leicester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea. Silva’s stellar displays earned him the Manchester City Player of the Month for two consecutive months.
As the season progressed, Silva continued to excel, contributing to important wins in the Champions League. His exceptional performance against Sporting CP in the round of 16, where he scored a brace and provided an assist, showcased his skill and versatility. Silva’s ability to adapt to different positions, including central midfielder, center forward, and defensive midfielder, added a dynamic element to Manchester City’s gameplay.
On May 17, 2023, Silva played a crucial role in the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid, scoring a brace in a 4–0 win. His contributions didn’t stop there, as he provided a crucial assist in the Champions League final against Inter Milan, securing Manchester City’s historic win and completing a continental treble.
Recognizing his outstanding performances, Silva was selected in the 2022–23 UEFA Champions League team of the tournament. Bernardo Silva’s jersey number is 20.
The Present (2023)
Silva’s commitment to the club was affirmed on August 23, 2023, when he extended his contract with Manchester City until 2026, solidifying his status as a key player in the team’s pursuit of further success.
On October 29, Silva received praise for his contributions to a commanding 3–0 triumph over Manchester United in the Premier League.
Bernardo Silva and His Family
Exploring Bernardo Silva’s family dynamics reveals the significance of finding solace and encouragement amid a demanding career. Despite maintaining a degree of privacy around his personal life, Silva’s marital bond with Ines Tomaz, forged in Portugal, serves as a source of inspiration. The steadfast support and understanding from his spouse, family, and close friends create a bedrock of love and resilience that proves uplifting in both the challenges on the field and those encountered in everyday life.
Additionally, his cousin Matilde Fidalgo, who shares the same birth year of 1994, has proudly represented Portugal and played for the women’s teams of Manchester City.
Bernardo Silva’s family includes Mota Veiga Silva as his father and Maria João Silva as his mother, forming a support network that plays a vital role in his personal and professional journey.
Net Worth
As of 2023, Bernardo Silva’s net worth is reported to be $30 million, primarily stemming from his lucrative football career. Playing for Manchester City, he commands an impressive £7.80 million gross salary per season, equivalent to £150,000 weekly.
His career earnings, accumulated solely from football salaries spanning from 2013 to the 2022-23 season, are estimated to surpass £46.83 million, underscoring the financial success he has achieved through his professional endeavors.
Currently, Silva has two years remaining on his contract with Manchester City, set to conclude at the end of the 2024-25 season. This two-year contract is valued at £15.6 million.
In addition to his football earnings, Silva enjoys an endorsement deal with Adidas, further contributing to his income. For the 2023-24 season, he is set to sport the Adidas Copa Pure.1 soccer cleats as part of his affiliation with the renowned sportswear brand.
Bernardo Silva Injury
Man City star Bernardo Silva has no injury concerns as of now.
Career and Stats:
Club:
| Club | Season | Apps | Goals |
| Benfica | 2013-14 | 38 | 7 |
| Benfica B | 2013-14 | 3 | 0 |
| Monaco (loan) | 2014-15 | 21 | 3 |
| Monaco | 2014-15 | 24 | 7 |
| 2015–16 | 44 | 7 | |
| 2016–17 | 58 | 11 | |
| Manchester City | 2017–18 | 53 | 9 |
| 2018–19 | 51 | 13 | |
| 2019–20 | 52 | 8 | |
| 2020–21 | 45 | 5 | |
| 2021–22 | 50 | 13 | |
| 2022–23 | 55 | 7 | |
| 2023–24 | 13 | 3 | |
| Total | 2013-24 | 507 | 93 |
International:
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
| Portugal | 2015 | 5 | 0 |
| 2016 | 4 | 1 | |
| 2017 | 12 | 1 | |
| 2018 | 12 | 1 | |
| 2019 | 10 | 3 | |
| 2020 | 8 | 1 | |
| 2021 | 13 | 1 | |
| 2022 | 14 | 0 | |
| 2023 | 7 | 3 | |
| 2024 | 2 | 1 | |
| Total | 87 | 12 | |
Throughout Bernardo Silva’s illustrious football career, he has garnered an impressive array of honors and individual accolades. Beginning at Benfica, he secured Primeira Liga, Taça de Portugal, and Taça da Liga triumphs during the 2013–14 season. His success continued at Monaco, where he played a pivotal role in clinching the Ligue 1 title in the 2016–17 campaign.
Since joining Manchester City, Silva has been a linchpin in their domestic and international successes. He contributed significantly to five Premier League victories (2017–18, 2018–19, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23), added FA Cup titles in 2018–19 and 2022–23, and played a crucial role in EFL Cup triumphs in 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20, and 2020–21. Additionally, he was instrumental in securing the UEFA Champions League title in the 2022–23 season, reaching the final in 2020–21.
On the international stage, Silva was part of the Portugal U21 team that finished as runners-up in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2015. His contributions to the senior national team include winning the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and achieving third place in the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2017.
Individually, Silva’s prowess has been recognized with awards such as the Segunda Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year, inclusion in various UEFA and PFA Teams of the Tournament, and distinctions like the UEFA Nations League Finals Player of the Tournament in 2019. His consistent excellence has earned him a place in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season for 2022–23, underscoring his impact at the highest levels of the sport.
Ultimately, Bernardo Silva emerges not just as an extraordinary football talent but also as a symbol of resilience and enduring spirit. May his narrative serve as an ongoing source of inspiration, his legacy casting a radiant glow, and the echoes of his artistic contributions resounding through the annals of football history.