Bernardo Silva Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 16, 2025
In the high-octane world of modern football, where physicality often overshadows finesse, Bernardo Silva stands as a masterclass in intelligence, agility, and understated brilliance.
A key architect of Manchester City’s historic dominance, the Portuguese midfielder has evolved from a fleet-footed winger in Lisbon to one of the most versatile and intelligent players in world football.
With his low center of gravity, relentless work rate, and uncanny ability to glide through tight spaces, Bernardo Silva has become indispensable to both club and country.
Then: The Humble Beginnings – A Diamond in the Rough (1994–2017)
1. Early Life and Benfica Academy
Born on August 10, 1994, in Lisbon, Portugal, Bernardo Mota Veiga de Carvalho e Silva grew up in a middle-class family with a deep love for football.
Inspired by legends like Luís Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo, he joined SL Benfica’s famed youth academy at just 13 years old.
At Benfica’s Seixal academy—known for producing technically gifted players—Bernardo stood out not for physical dominance, but for his vision, close control, and football IQ.
Coaches described him as “small but fearless,” a player who could navigate tight spaces with the calm of a veteran.
2. Breakthrough with Benfica B and Loan to AS Monaco
Despite his talent, Bernardo struggled to break into Benfica’s star-studded first team. In 2013, he made his senior debut but saw limited action.
Seeking playing time, he was loaned to AS Monaco in Ligue 1 in 2014—a move that would change his career.
Under manager Leonardo Jardim, Bernardo flourished:
- Played a key role in Monaco’s midfield and attack
- Helped the club finish third in Ligue 1 in 2014–15
- Developed a reputation for dribbling, pressing, and tactical flexibility
His performances earned a permanent transfer in 2015, and he soon became a central figure in one of Europe’s most exciting young teams.
3. Rise to Stardom at Monaco (2015–2017)
The 2016–17 season was Bernardo’s breakout year. As part of a young, dynamic Monaco squad that included Kylian Mbappé and Tiémoué Bakayoko, he helped the club:
- Win the Ligue 1 title, ending PSG’s dominance
- Reach the UEFA Champions League semifinals
- Deliver thrilling football with speed, energy, and flair
Bernardo was everywhere—dribbling past defenders, pressing relentlessly, and creating chances.
He recorded 9 goals and 14 assists that season, earning widespread acclaim and attracting interest from Europe’s elite clubs.
Related: Neymar Jr. Then and Now
Now: The Manchester City Era – A Masterpiece in Motion (2017–2025)
1. Move to Manchester City – A Perfect Fit
In July 2017, Bernardo Silva joined Manchester City for £43 million under manager Pep Guardiola—a reunion with the coach who had once rejected him as a youth player at Barcelona.
Guardiola knew exactly what he was getting: a versatile, intelligent, and technically elite midfielder who could thrive in his possession-based system.
From the start, Bernardo adapted seamlessly. Though initially deployed as a right-winger, he soon evolved into a central midfielder, false winger, and hybrid playmaker, becoming one of the most tactically flexible players in the game.
2. A Pillar of City’s Golden Era
Bernardo has been central to Manchester City’s unprecedented success:
- 6 Premier League titles (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025) – a record
- UEFA Champions League winner (2023) – played a crucial role in the campaign
- FA Cup winner (2019, 2023)
- EFL Cup winner (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021)
- FIFA Club World Cup winner (2023)
He was instrumental in City’s historic 2022–23 treble (Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League), delivering consistent performances in high-pressure matches.
3. Tactical Genius and Playing Style
Bernardo’s game is defined by:
- Exceptional close control and dribbling in tight spaces
- Relentless pressing and defensive contribution
- Vision and ability to break lines with passes
- Tactical intelligence and positional awareness
He often drops deep to receive the ball, draws defenders in, and threads pinpoint passes. His low center of gravity allows him to weave through challenges like a slalom skier.
Pep Guardiola has called him “the best player in the world at his position” and praised his “unbelievable football brain.”
4. Record-Breaking Seasons and Individual Accolades
By 2024, Bernardo had achieved remarkable milestones:
- Over 50 goals and 70 assists for Manchester City
- Premier League Player of the Season (2022–23) – a rare honor for a non-striker
- Playmaker of the Season (2020, 2022)
- Included in the PFA Team of the Year multiple times
- Top 10 finisher in Ballon d’Or voting (2023) – his highest-ever placement
His 2022–23 season was particularly historic:
- Scored 11 goals and 10 assists
- Played every single minute of City’s Premier League campaign
- Delivered in Champions League knockout stages
He became the first player in Premier League history to play every minute of a title-winning season while contributing double-digit goals and assists.
Related: Luka Modrić Then and Now
International Career: Pride of Portugal
1. Key Figure in the Seleção
Bernardo has been a mainstay for the Portugal national team since his debut in 2015. With over 90 caps, he’s played in:
- UEFA Euro 2016 – Portugal’s historic championship win
- FIFA World Cup 2018 and 2022
- UEFA Euro 2020 and Euro 2025
- UEFA Nations League (2019 champions)
Though often playing in the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo is widely regarded as Portugal’s most consistent performer in midfield.
2. Leadership and Evolution
As Ronaldo ages, Bernardo has stepped into a leadership role, guiding younger players and embodying the team’s work ethic. His performance in Euro 2024, despite Portugal’s early exit, was hailed as world-class.
He’s known for his selflessness, discipline, and ability to adapt—whether playing wide, centrally, or in a double pivot.
Related: Harry Kane Then and Now
Personal Life and Character
Bernardo Silva is famously private and humble. Married to Inês Henriques, a Portuguese model and childhood friend, they have two children. The family lives quietly in Cheshire, England.
Despite his fame, Bernardo remains grounded:
- Rarely engages in social media drama
- Known for his professionalism and punctuality
- Often the first to arrive and last to leave training
- Speaks multiple languages: Portuguese, English, French, and basic Spanish
He’s also known for his dry sense of humor—famously posting a self-deprecating meme during a controversy over a tweet about teammate Raheem Sterling, which sparked debate but also admiration for his ability to laugh at himself.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Bernardo Silva represents a new archetype in football:
- Not the loudest, but the smartest
- Not the fastest, but the most effective
- Not the flashiest, but the most consistent
He’s a symbol of technical excellence, tactical intelligence, and quiet resilience. In an era obsessed with physicality and pace, Bernardo proves that brains, balance, and bravery can dominate the game.
He’s also a role model for smaller players—proof that stature doesn’t define impact.
Related: Lionel Messi Then and Now
Conclusion: Bernardo Silva – Then and Now
- Then: A technically gifted but physically slight teenager, overlooked by Barcelona, fighting for minutes at Benfica.
- Now: A six-time Premier League champion, Champions League winner, Ballon d’Or contender, and widely regarded as one of the most intelligent midfielders in football history.
Bernardo Silva’s journey is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the power of football intelligence. He didn’t just survive in the modern game—he reinvented it.
As he continues to glide past defenders, dictate tempo, and lift trophies, one thing is clear:
Bernardo Silva isn’t just a player.
He’s a masterpiece in motion.
🧠 “I don’t need to be the biggest or the fastest. I just need to be one step ahead.” – Bernardo Silva
Related: Cristiano Ronaldo Then and Now