Bernardo Silva Biography, Salary, Net Worth, Career, And Transfer History

When you hear the name Bernardo Silva, what comes to mind? For many football lovers, it’s probably his magical dribbling, intelligent movement, or that ability to pop up in the right spaces and unlock defences. If you’ve watched Manchester City over the past few years, you’ll agree with me that Bernardo Silva is one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted “football soldiers.”

But who exactly is Bernardo Silva beyond the pitch? How did he rise from being a young boy in Portugal to becoming one of the best midfielders in world football today? How much does he earn? What’s his net worth? And how has his transfer journey shaped his career? Sit back, relax, and let me walk you through the life and career of this Portuguese maestro in a way that feels like you and I are chatting about football over a plate of suya.

Early Life and Background

Bernardo Mota Veiga de Carvalho e Silva – yes, that’s his full name (quite long, right?) – was born on 10 August 1994 in Lisbon, Portugal. Growing up, football wasn’t just a hobby for him, it was part of his identity. His family noticed very early that Bernardo had a natural gift with the ball at his feet.

Like many Portuguese kids, he grew up idolising legends like Luís Figo and later Cristiano Ronaldo. But unlike Ronaldo, who was all about explosive speed and power, Bernardo was a magician with close control, vision, and football intelligence. At just 8 years old, he joined the Benfica youth academy, which became the perfect breeding ground for his talent.

And let’s be honest: if a kid is already playing for Benfica at that age, you know something special is cooking.

Breaking Through at Benfica

At Benfica, Bernardo Silva quickly became known for his technical brilliance. Coaches often described him as a "little magician," and his small frame actually helped him develop that low center of gravity, making it almost impossible for defenders to steal the ball off him.

In the 2013/14 season, Bernardo made his professional debut for Benfica B in Portugal’s second division. That same year, he earned a few appearances for the senior team, but breaking into the star-studded Benfica squad was no easy task. Still, his performances didn’t go unnoticed.

In fact, it was during his time at Benfica that scouts from around Europe began circling. And soon, Monaco came calling.

Transfer to Monaco – The Big Break

In 2014, Bernardo Silva made the move to AS Monaco, initially on loan. The French club was in a rebuilding phase and wanted young, hungry talents who could grow into stars. Bernardo fit the bill perfectly.

His performances in Ligue 1 were so good that Monaco wasted no time in making his deal permanent for around €15.75 million. At Monaco, Bernardo Silva flourished under coach Leonardo Jardim. He became one of the central figures in Monaco’s midfield, playing alongside other rising stars like Kylian Mbappé, Fabinho, and Thomas Lemar.

And then came the 2016/17 season, the year everything clicked. Monaco shocked the football world by winning Ligue 1, ending PSG’s dominance. Bernardo Silva was one of the creative engines of that side, scoring crucial goals and providing assists that powered Monaco’s title charge.

But winning the French league wasn’t the only highlight. Monaco also reached the Champions League semi-finals, knocking out big teams like Manchester City along the way. That’s when Pep Guardiola himself got a close look at Bernardo Silva – and let’s just say, Pep doesn’t forget players who impress him.

Transfer to Manchester City – A New Chapter

In 2017, Manchester City officially signed Bernardo Silva for a reported fee of £43.5 million. Some people at the time thought that was a lot of money, but looking back now, it was a bargain.

At City, Bernardo quickly adapted to the Premier League, which is not easy at all. Many players come to England and struggle with the intensity, but Bernardo thrived. His versatility made him a perfect Guardiola player – he could play as a winger, central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or even as a false nine when needed.

By the 2018/19 season, Bernardo Silva was arguably City’s best player. That was the year City won the domestic treble – the Premier League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup – and Bernardo was named Manchester City’s Player of the Season. Pep Guardiola himself once described Bernardo as “one of the most intelligent players” he had ever coached. Coming from Pep, that’s not a small compliment.

International Career – Flying the Portuguese Flag

Bernardo Silva has also been a key figure for the Portuguese national team. He made his senior debut in 2015, and since then, he has represented Portugal in major tournaments including the 2018 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2020.

One of his biggest achievements with Portugal came in 2019, when he helped his country win the UEFA Nations League. His creativity, work rate, and leadership made him a vital part of the squad, often linking up with Cristiano Ronaldo to devastating effect.

Playing Style – Why Is Bernardo Silva Special?

If you ask me to describe Bernardo Silva in one word, I’d say: intelligent. He might not be the tallest, strongest, or fastest player, but his brain works faster than most players on the pitch.

His key strengths include:

• Close Control: His dribbling is so smooth, defenders often look silly trying to tackle him.

• Vision: He can see passes others don’t.

• Work Rate: He runs tirelessly, pressing opponents and tracking back when needed.

• Versatility: Midfield, wing, false nine – name it, Bernardo can do it.

He’s that kind of player every manager dreams of having.

Salary and Net Worth

Now, let’s talk about the money side of things (I know you’re curious). As of 2025, Bernardo Silva earns around £150,000 per week at Manchester City. That adds up to roughly £7.8 million per year.

When you factor in bonuses, sponsorships, and endorsements, his estimated net worth is around $20–25 million. Not bad for a boy who started his football journey in Lisbon, right?

Transfer History at a Glance

Here’s a quick look at Bernardo Silva’s transfer history:

• Benfica B → Benfica (2013/14) – Youth promotion

• Benfica → Monaco (2014, Loan → Permanent) – €15.75m

• Monaco → Manchester City (2017) – £43.5m

And since joining Manchester City, he has been linked with moves to Barcelona and PSG several times, but so far, he has remained loyal to Pep Guardiola’s project.

Personal Life – Who Is Bernardo Off the Pitch?

Away from football, Bernardo Silva is a pretty grounded guy. He’s not one of those flashy superstars who always makes headlines for controversial reasons. Instead, he values family, enjoys travelling, and has a quiet lifestyle compared to some of his teammates.

He has been in a long-term relationship with his partner, Ines Degener Tomaz, a Portuguese model. They keep their relationship fairly private but are often spotted together during holidays.

Legacy and Future

At just 30 years old (as of 2025), Bernardo Silva still has plenty of football left in him. Whether he stays at Manchester City for the rest of his career or moves to another big European club, his legacy is already set: he is one of the finest Portuguese midfielders of his generation.

With multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, Carabao Cups, and a Champions League trophy under his belt, Bernardo Silva has already achieved what many players only dream of.

But knowing his competitive nature, he will surely want to win more trophies with City and Portugal in the coming years.

Conclusion

Bernardo Silva’s story is one of talent, hard work, and determination. From the streets of Lisbon to lifting trophies in England, his journey proves that football is not always about physical power – sometimes, intelligence and creativity can make you one of the best.

So, the next time you watch Manchester City play, keep an eye on Bernardo Silva. Watch the way he dribbles, presses, and creates chances. You’ll realise he’s not just a footballer – he’s an artist painting beautiful pictures on the pitch.