SL Benfica - Manu Silva, #16
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Raised in Santa Maria da Feira and the son of former professional Jorge Silva, the towering defensive midfielder was formed at União de Lamas before completing his development at Feirense.
Promoted to the senior squad in 2020, he made his professional debut in Liga Portugal 2 in August 2021 and quickly grew into one of the division's most promising young midfielders. In January 2023 he stepped up to the Primeira Liga with Vitória SC, where two seasons of consistent performances, including European competition, brought him to Benfica's attention.
On 20 January 2025 Silva signed for Benfica on a contract until June 2030, debuting for the Encarnados days later. A serious knee injury sustained in February 2025 interrupted his first months at the club, but he completed his comeback in November 2025, returning to action in the UEFA Champions League against Ajax.
Standing 1.90m, he combines aerial dominance and physical strength with a composed passing range from the base of midfield.
Promoted to the senior squad in 2020, he made his professional debut in Liga Portugal 2 in August 2021 and quickly grew into one of the division's most promising young midfielders. In January 2023 he stepped up to the Primeira Liga with Vitória SC, where two seasons of consistent performances, including European competition, brought him to Benfica's attention.
On 20 January 2025 Silva signed for Benfica on a contract until June 2030, debuting for the Encarnados days later. A serious knee injury sustained in February 2025 interrupted his first months at the club, but he completed his comeback in November 2025, returning to action in the UEFA Champions League against Ajax.
Standing 1.90m, he combines aerial dominance and physical strength with a composed passing range from the base of midfield.
Position Map
DM
CM
CB
Preferred FootRight
SquadSENIOR
Statistics
CompareShare CardLatest Appearances
| Date | Competition | Venue | Opponent | Result | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
23 JUL THU 19:00 |  UEFA Europa LeagueQualifying Round 2 (1st Leg) | A | FC St.Gallen | 2 - 1 | S 84' 85' |
16 MAY SAT 20:30 |  Liga Portugal BetclicMatchday 34 | A | Estoril Praia | 1 - 3 | 80' 12' |
25 APR SAT 18:00 | Liga Portugal BetclicMatchday 31 | H | Moreirense FC | 4 - 1 | 90' 5' |
21 MAR SAT 18:00 | Liga Portugal BetclicMatchday 27 | H | Vitoria SC | 3 - 0 | 85' 8' |
13 FEB FRI 18:30 | Liga Portugal BetclicMatchday 22 | A | Santa Clara | 1 - 2 | 90' 6' |
Latest Matches Where the Player Has Assisted on One or More Goals
| Date | Competition | Venue | Opponent | Result | Assists | Assist Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 FEB SUN 20:30 | Liga Portugal BetclicMatchday 20 | A | Estrela Amadora | 2 - 3 | 1 | 34' |
Latest Matches Where the Player Has Been Booked
| Date | Competition | Venue | Opponent | Result | Yellow Cards | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 FEB SUN 20:30 | Liga Portugal BetclicMatchday 20 | A | Estrela Amadora | 2 - 3 | 1 | 37' |