SL Benfica - Manu Silva, #16
CompareShare Card
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
Season Statistics: 2025/26
12
Appearances
3 Starts • 9 Sub In • 1 Sub Out
304
Minutes
In the Pitch
0
Goals
0 Assists
0/0
Bookings
Yellow / Red Cards
Matches During 2025/26
| Date | Competition | Venue | Opponent | Result | Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
16 MAY SAT 20:30 |  Liga Portugal BetclicMatchday 34 | A | Estoril Praia | 1 - 3 | 80' |
25 APR SAT 18:00 | Liga Portugal BetclicMatchday 31 | H | Moreirense FC | 4 - 1 | 90' |
21 MAR SAT 18:00 | Liga Portugal BetclicMatchday 27 | H | Vitoria SC | 3 - 0 | 85' |
13 FEB FRI 18:30 | Liga Portugal BetclicMatchday 22 | A | Santa Clara | 1 - 2 | 90' |
17 JAN SAT 20:30 | Liga Portugal BetclicMatchday 18 | A | Rio Ave FC | 0 - 2 | 90' |
7 JAN WED 20:00 |  Allianz CupSemi-Final | N | SC Braga | 1 - 3 | Started 46' |
3 JAN SAT 18:00 | Liga Portugal BetclicMatchday 17 | H | Estoril Praia | 3 - 1 | Started |
22 DEC MON 20:45 | Liga Portugal BetclicMatchday 15 | H | FC Famalicao | 1 - 0 | 87' |
17 DEC WED 20:45 |  Taça de PortugalRound of 16 | A | SC Farense | 0 - 2 | Started |
14 DEC SUN 18:00 | Liga Portugal BetclicMatchday 14 | A | Moreirense FC | 0 - 4 | 82' |
5 DEC FRI 20:15 | Liga Portugal BetclicMatchday 13 | H | Sporting CP | 1 - 1 | 88' |
25 NOV TUE 17:45 |  UEFA Champions LeagueMatchday 5 | A | Ajax | 0 - 2 | 90+2' |
W: 10
D: 1
L: 1