Hello, Football fans! If you love following the Football and admire world-class, Bernardo Silva is a name you’ll recognize instantly. Bernardo Silva stands as one of the Premier League’s most accomplished midfielders and a cornerstone of Manchester City’s dynasty under Pep Guardiola. Now approaching the twilight years of his elite career at age 31, the Portuguese international has evolved into not just a world-class playmaker but also the newly appointed captain of Manchester City for the 2025-26 season. This comprehensive guide delves deep into every aspect of his life, career, earnings, and achievements.
Bernardo Silva’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Bernardo Mota Veiga de Carvalho e Silva |
| Nicknames | Pastilha (Bubblegum), Messizinho (Little Messi) |
| Date of Birth | August 10, 1994 |
| Age | 31 years old |
| Birthplace | Lisbon, Portugal |
| Nationality | Portuguese |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Height | 173 cm (5’8″) |
| Weight | 65 kg (145 lbs) |
| University | University of Lisbon |
| Turned Professional | November 2012 |
| Current Club | Manchester City |
| Jersey Number | #20 (Manchester City), #11 (Portugal) |
| Position | Midfielder, Right Winger, Attacking Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Net Worth | Approximately £35 million |
| Annual Salary | £15.6 million |
| Spouse | Inês Degener Tomaz |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Children | 1 daughter – Carlota |
| @bernardocarvalhosilva |
Early Career
Bernardo Silva’s journey began when he joined Benfica’s youth academy at just eight years old, where he was discovered by legendary coach Helena Costa. Despite his diminutive size and initial struggles with physicality, Silva’s technical abilities were undeniable. His breakthrough came in 2012 when he was named player of the tournament at a youth competition in Germany. On August 10, 2013, he made his debut for Benfica B against Trofense in the Portuguese second division, quickly establishing himself as a rising talent.
In 2014, he earned the Segunda Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year award. After limited opportunities with Benfica’s senior team, Silva moved on loan to AS Monaco in August 2014, marking the beginning of a transformative period in his career where he would finally get consistent playing time to showcase his immense potential.
Professional Career
Bernardo Silva’s professional journey truly crystallized at AS Monaco from 2014 to 2017, where he became a focal point of their attacking play. Playing in Ligue 1, he made 147 appearances and scored 28 goals, establishing himself as one of the league’s most exciting talents. His performances caught the attention of top European clubs, and in May 2017, Manchester City secured his services for a reported £43 million on a five-year contract. At City, Silva has become one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted players, amassing over 430 appearances and contributing 73 goals.
He’s been instrumental in winning six Premier League titles, one Champions League trophy, two FA Cups, four League Cups, three Community Shields, and a FIFA Club World Cup. His intelligent movement, technical excellence, and tireless work ethic have made him indispensable to Guardiola’s system. Remarkably, no player has featured more under Guardiola than Bernardo, highlighting his consistency and reliability over nearly a decade at the club.
Wife
Bernardo Silva married his long-time girlfriend Inês Degener Tomaz on July 1-2, 2023, in an intimate ceremony at Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo in the Douro wine region of Portugal. The wedding was attended by close family and many of his Manchester City teammates, making it a memorable occasion for the couple. Inês is a Portuguese model and social media influencer with a substantial following of over 200,000 on Instagram (@ines.degenertomaz), where she shares lifestyle and fashion content.
The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Carlota, in 2023, just a few weeks after their wedding. Bernardo has spoken fondly about fatherhood, describing how special it is watching Inês excel as a mother. The family divides their time between Manchester and Portugal, where they’re building their dream home in Lisbon, the city where Bernardo and Inês first met. Their combined net worth is estimated at over £36 million, reflecting both his successful football career and her flourishing modeling and influencer ventures.
Bernardo Silva’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Bernardo Silva’s net worth stands at approximately £35 million, making him one of the wealthier players in world football. The vast majority of his wealth comes from his Manchester City contract, which sees him earn £15.6 million annually (£300,000 per week). Beyond his base salary, Silva generates additional income through performance bonuses tied to goals, assists, and trophy wins. His endorsement deal with Adidas, which has been ongoing since 2015, contributes significantly to his revenue stream, with additional earnings from appearance fees in video games like FIFA/EA Sports FC and other commercial partnerships.
His wife Inês Degener Tomaz also contributes to their household wealth through her modeling career and sponsored social media posts, earning approximately £800 per sponsored Instagram post depending on the campaign. The couple’s combined net worth, including real estate investments and other assets, exceeds £36 million, positioning them as one of football’s more affluent couples off the pitch.
Contract Details
Bernardo Silva’s current contract with Manchester City was extended on August 23, 2023, keeping him at the club until June 30, 2026. The extension was announced as a one-year deal by Manchester City, marking his continued commitment to the club after nearly a decade of success. Under this contract, he earns a weekly salary of £300,000, translating to approximately £15.6 million annually, making him one of the Premier League’s highest earners.
His agent, Jorge Mendes, handles his negotiations and potential moves. With his contract set to expire in the summer of 2026, Silva has already been linked with several top European clubs including Barcelona, Juventus, Real Madrid, and his boyhood club Benfica. There have also been reports of interest from Saudi Arabia’s Pro League. However, as of January 2026, Manchester City remains his club, and he continues to be a vital player in Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Career Earnings
| Season | Club | Salary (Weekly) | Salary (Annual) | Competition |
| 2013-14 | Benfica B | £1,612 | £83,843 | Portuguese Second Division |
| 2014-15 | AS Monaco | £13,606 | £707,536 | Ligue 1 |
| 2015-16 | AS Monaco | £13,771 | £716,092 | Ligue 1 |
| 2016-17 | AS Monaco | £20,714 | £1,077,128 | Ligue 1 |
| 2017-18 | Manchester City | £98,481 | £5,120,992 | Premier League |
| 2018-19 | Manchester City | £150,000 | £7,800,000 | Premier League |
| 2019-20 | Manchester City | £150,000 | £7,800,000 | Premier League |
| 2020-21 | Manchester City | £150,000 | £7,800,000 | Premier League |
| 2021-22 | Manchester City | £150,000 | £7,800,000 | Premier League |
| 2022-23 | Manchester City | £150,000 | £7,800,000 | Premier League (Treble) |
| 2023-24 | Manchester City | £300,000 | £15,600,000 | Premier League |
| 2024-25 | Manchester City | £300,000 | £15,600,000 | Premier League |
| 2025-26 | Manchester City | £300,000 | £15,600,000 | Premier League |
Endorsements & Sponsorships
- Adidas – Primary kit and boot sponsorship since 2015; ranked #10 among Adidas football athletes globally in 2026; wears Adidas Copa Pure III Elite boots
- FIFA/EA Sports FC – Featured in the annual FIFA and EA Sports FC video game series; appears in promotional campaigns and player ratings updates
- Manchester City Official Partners – Features in club-related commercial campaigns and promotional materials
- Social Media Partnerships – Earns additional income through Instagram sponsored posts and brand collaborations
- Portuguese National Team – Represents Portugal in international competitions with associated sponsorship and appearance fees
Career Records
| Achievement | Statistics/Details |
| Total Career Appearances | 620+ matches |
| Total Career Goals | 109 goals |
| Manchester City Appearances | 432+ matches (as of Jan 1, 2026) |
| Manchester City Goals | 74+ goals |
| Champions League Appearances | 83 matches |
| Champions League Goals | 15 goals |
| Portugal Caps | 107 appearances (as of Nov 2025) |
| Portugal Goals | 14 goals |
| Premier League Appearances | 285+ matches |
| Premier League Goals | 43+ goals |
| vs Real Madrid Record | 10 appearances; memorable 4-0 semi-final second leg (2023) with 2 goals |
| vs Bayern Munich | Multiple Champions League encounters during City’s runs |
| vs Paris Saint-Germain | Important European matches in Champions League campaigns |
| vs Chelsea | High-pressure Premier League and cup encounters |
| vs Manchester United | Local derbies with several goals scored |
| vs Liverpool | Key Premier League battles |
| Trophies Won | 14 major honors at Manchester City |
| 400 Appearances Milestone | Reached in May 2025; 16th player ever to do so for City |
| Distance Covered (Premier League) | Topped City stats in 4 of last 5 seasons (~12km per 90 minutes) |
| Goal of the Season | 2021/22 volley vs Aston Villa |
| Most Used by Pep Guardiola | No player has featured more under Guardiola than Bernardo |
| Treble-Winning Campaign | 55 appearances in 2022-23 season; 13 Champions League matches |
| Real Madrid Champions League Semi-Final (2023) | Became 3rd player ever to score twice in CL semi-final vs Real Madrid after Messi (2011) and Lewandowski (2013) |
FAQs
1. When Did Bernardo Silva Join Manchester City?
Bernardo Silva joined Manchester City in May 2017 from AS Monaco on a five-year contract for a reported fee of around £43 million. This transfer marked the beginning of what would become one of the most successful chapters of his career, playing under Pep Guardiola’s management for nearly a decade now.
2. How Many Trophies Has Bernardo Silva Won?
Bernardo Silva has won 14 major trophies with Manchester City, including six Premier League titles (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024), one UEFA Champions League (2023), two FA Cups (2019, 2023), four League Cups (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021), three FA Community Shields (2018, 2019, 2024), one FIFA Club World Cup (2024), and one UEFA Super Cup. He also won two UEFA Nations League titles with Portugal (2019, 2025) and one Ligue 1 title with Monaco (2016-17).
3. What Is Bernardo Silva’s Playing Style and Position?
Bernardo Silva typically plays as an attacking midfielder, central midfielder, or right winger, depending on the tactical setup. His playing style is characterized by exceptional technical ability, intelligent movement off the ball, tireless pressing, and the capacity to play simple, accurate passes that maintain team shape. Pep Guardiola has praised him for his ability to keep possession under pressure and his game intelligence, making him one of the most reliable players in the squad.
4. How Is Bernardo Silva Related to His Wife Inês?
Bernardo Silva married Inês Degener Tomaz on July 1-2, 2023, in the Douro wine region of Portugal. The couple met in Lisbon, where both are from. Bernardo proposed in May 2022, and they now have a daughter named Carlota, born in 2023. Inês is a model and social media influencer with over 200,000 followers on Instagram.
5. What Are Bernardo Silva’s Biggest Achievements in His Career?
Beyond his trophy collection, Bernardo’s greatest achievements include being named in the PFA Team of the Year twice (2018/19, 2021/22), being included in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season (2022/23), and making the FIFA/FIFPro World XI in 2023. He was also Manchester City’s Player of the Year in 2018/19 and won the Goal of the Season in 2021/22 for his stunning volley against Aston Villa.
6. Why Is Bernardo Silva Called “Messizinho”?
Bernardo Silva earned the nickname “Messizinho” (which means “Little Messi” in Portuguese) early in his career due to his similar playing style to Lionel Messi. His diminutive stature (5’8″), left-footed preference, dribbling ability, and technical brilliance drew natural comparisons to the Argentine legend. Another nickname, “Pastilha” (Bubblegum), was given by his Benfica academy teammates because the ball seemed to stick to his feet.
7. What Is Bernardo Silva’s Contract Situation?
Bernardo Silva’s current contract with Manchester City expires on June 30, 2026. He signed a one-year extension in August 2023. With his contract set to expire in the summer of 2026, he has been linked with several top clubs including Barcelona, Juventus, Real Madrid, Benfica, and Saudi Arabian teams. However, as of January 2026, he remains committed to Manchester City.
8. How Many Appearances Has Bernardo Silva Made for Manchester City?
As of January 1, 2026, Bernardo Silva has made 432+ appearances for Manchester City, scoring 74+ goals. He reached the 400-appearance milestone in May 2025, becoming only the 16th player in the club’s history to achieve this feat. He continues to be one of the most important players in Pep Guardiola’s squad, with no player featuring more frequently under the manager’s tenure.
9. What Are Bernardo Silva’s Major Injuries or Fitness Concerns?
Bernardo Silva has been remarkably consistent and injury-free throughout his Manchester City career. He has managed to play at least 50 matches in five of his seven complete seasons with the club, demonstrating excellent durability. His busiest season was 2022/23 during the Treble-winning campaign when he appeared in 55 of 61 possible matches.
10. Will Bernardo Silva Return to Benfica?
Bernardo Silva has long expressed love for his boyhood club Benfica, even getting a tattoo of the club’s motto “E Pluribus Unum.” With his Manchester City contract expiring in June 2026, a return to Benfica is plausible, though Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, and Saudi clubs have also shown interest. Agent Jorge Mendes has dismissed suggestions of an immediate return to Benfica, stating “too soon,” indicating Bernardo may have other options before considering a homecoming.