WILL BERNARDO SILVA PLAY IN THE 2026 WORLD CUP?

The Path of a Portuguese Genius

Bernardo Mota Veiga de Carvalho e Silva was born on August 10, 1994, in Lisbon, Portugal. From childhood, his talent with the ball was evident. Developed in Benfica's youth academy, he demonstrated exceptional technique, but his short stature and slight build raised doubts among coaches at the time. However, Bernardo earned respect through intelligence, sacrifice, and a quality few possess.

His big break came when he was loaned to AS Monaco in 2014. There, under the guidance of Leonardo Jardim, he transformed into a jewel of European football. He was one of the key figures on the team that surprised the world by reaching the 2016-17 Champions League semi-finals, alongside Mbappé and Fabinho. His vision, ability to move between the lines, and surgical precision in his passing made him one of the most sought-after midfielders on the continent. From Monaco to Manchester City: the leap to the elite. In 2017, Pep Guardiola requested his signing for Manchester City, and since then Bernardo has become one of the pillars of the English team. His ability to adapt to different positions—from right winger to creative midfielder—made him indispensable. Guardiola has described him as “one of the most intelligent players I have ever coached.” He has won more than 15 titles with Manchester City, including the 2022-23 Champions League. He has made over 350 appearances for the Citizens. He has been named to the Premier League Team of the Year multiple times. He has averaged over two key passes per game since 2021. His combination of effort and talent has made him a symbol of modern football: a player who works as hard as anyone, but who can also decide matches with a single play. Bernardo Silva doesn't just play beautifully: he plays intelligently. And that, at 31 years old (in 2025), keeps him as a world-class player with his sights set on the next World Cup.

His present and the possibilities heading into the 2026 World Cup

In 2025, Bernardo Silva remains one of the driving forces behind Manchester City and the Portuguese national team. Although he has already passed the age of 30, his physical and mental performance remains at an extremely high level. He is a player who understands the game better than many, and that intelligence compensates for the loss of speed that comes with age.

With Portugal, he has been part of a golden generation that includes Bruno Fernandes, João Félix, Rúben Dias, and, of course, the ever-present Cristiano Ronaldo. After Euro 2024, coach Roberto Martínez has made it clear that Bernardo remains part of his project, highlighting his leadership on and off the field. In the recent qualifiers, he has been a regular starter and captain in several matches.

Statistics and current performance

During the 2024-2025 season, Bernardo Silva has maintained enviable consistency. His numbers in the Premier League and Champions League support him as one of the most consistent midfielders in Europe. Furthermore, his influence in the Portuguese dressing room has grown: he is now a voice of experience and balance. 1.9 key passes per game in the Premier League. 83% pass accuracy in the attacking half. Over 80 international appearances for Portugal. Directly involved in 10 goals in the 2024-25 season. The Portuguese midfielder remains fundamental to the tactical scheme of both his club and country. At City, Guardiola uses him as an inside forward or false winger, depending on the opponent, while with Portugal he usually occupies a freer role behind the striker. That versatility is his best asset for arriving at the 2026 World Cup in top form. Physically, Bernardo has taken care of his body and avoided serious injuries. His playing style, more technical than physical, allows him to remain competitive. If nothing unexpected happens, everything points to Bernardo Silva being present in North America, playing in his third World Cup and possibly the last of his career.

Curiosities, Style, and Legacy of a Ball Artist

Bernardo Silva is not only an exceptional player on the field, but also a beloved figure for his humility and sense of humor. He is one of those footballers who earn respect not only for what they do, but for how they do it. In a world full of egos, Bernardo stands out for his simplicity and love for the game.

A Footballing Brain

Bernardo is a midfielder of control and composure. His ability to read the game and move between the lines makes him the team's metronome. He is capable of transforming a complex play into something simple, always choosing the right pass. Guardiola has described him as “the player who never loses the ball.” His childhood idol was Rui Costa, another Portuguese midfield genius. He speaks Portuguese, English, French, and Spanish fluently. He is known for constantly playing pranks on his teammates at City. During the pandemic, he helped raise funds for hospitals in Lisbon. A curious anecdote: as a child, Bernardo used to watch Benfica matches with his grandfather and promised that one day he would wear the Portugal jersey. Years later, he not only fulfilled that dream but became one of the leaders of the national team. His story is an example of perseverance, talent, and love for football. His style is a perfect blend of technique, vision, and sacrifice. Unlike other attacking midfielders, Bernardo is also capable of tracking back to win the ball, pressing, and covering vast distances for the team. This commitment has earned him the affection of the fans and the respect of rivals and teammates. Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, his role could be twofold: a footballing leader and a mentor for new Portuguese talents. Alongside figures like João Neves or Vitin...