Bernardo Silva grew up in Lisbon and came through Benfica’s academy before moving to Monaco in 2014. He was part of the team that won Ligue 1 and reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2016/17.
Manchester City signed him in 2017, and he became one of the most versatile and consistent players of Pep Guardiola’s era. He won six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League.
Bernardo won the UEFA Nations League with Portugal in 2019 and 2025. He joined Real Madrid on a free transfer in summer 2026.
Playing style
Bernardo is a technically brilliant, versatile midfielder who can play on the right, in central midfield or as a No. 10. He has exceptional close control and dribbling, and he is one of the hardest-working players in world football, pressing relentlessly. His intelligence allows him to adapt to different roles and systems, which made him invaluable to Pep Guardiola. He is also known for his loyalty and leadership, having been a vice-captain at City.
International career
Bernardo has won more than 90 caps for Portugal. He has played at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, Euro 2016, Euro 2020 and Euro 2024. He won the UEFA Nations League in 2019, when he was named player of the finals, and again in 2025.
Career in numbers
Bernardo’s senior club career, which began in 2013/14, has so far brought 616 appearances and 104 goals for 4 clubs. The 2018/19 season, with 13 goals from 51 matches for Manchester City, remains his highest tally. His busiest campaign was 2016/17, with 58 appearances. So far in 2026/27 he has made 6 appearances for Real Madrid. The full season-by-season record is in the Stats section of this profile.
