Who is Antonio Silva, the Man Utd target who 'pocketed' Lionel Messi?

Updated: 2 Oct 2023 12:32 BST
4 min read

Not many would have heard of Antonio Silva a year ago but the Benfica wonderkid is being tipped to become one of the most expensive defenders ever after a meteoric rise to stardom.

Having only made his debut for Benfica in August 2022, Silva has ended up ‘pocketing’ the likes of Dusan Vlahovic, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi in his first few games as a professional.

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With Manchester United and Real Madrid among the clubs tracking the youngster, just who is the player already being called the new Ruben Dias?

What position does Antonio Silva play?

Antonio Silva is a right-footed centre back.

How good is Antonio Silva?

Antonio Silva has been described as ‘something special’ by those who have watched him and the defender was thrust into the spotlight after excelling in Benfica’s 2-1 win over Juventus in the Champions League.

Silva had previously played a major role in Benfica’s under-19 side winning the UEFA Youth League in 2022, prompting manager Robert Schmidt to call him up to the senior side.

He made his first appearance for the senior team in Benfica’s 3-0 win over Boavista after a number of defenders were absent and he has ended up keeping his place in the side since, conceding just five times in his first nine games.

Silva has been compared to former Benfica defender Ruben Dias and he recently made his debut for Portugal’s under-21 side, having featured for his country at every level from the under-16s as well as captaining the under-19s team.

Following his rapid progression, Benfica handed Silva a new contract in September with a reported release clause of €100 million.

Antonio Silva in the UEFA Champions League this season:

3 games
39 passes
84% pass accuracy
1.3 tackles won per 90
1.7 interceptions per 90
4.7 clearances per 90
75% of aerial duels won
64% of all duels won

18 years of age. He made his pro debut 1,5 months ago. Crazy. 🦅 pic.twitter.com/sQR4FlnfuO
— Football Talent Scout - Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) October 5, 2022

When does Antonio Silva contract expire?

Antonio Silva recently signed a contract extension with Benfica until 2027.

A host of top European sides have sent their scouts to watch Silva and reporter Fabrizio Romano claimed that Premier League sides have been the most active in pursuing the youngster.

Manchester United were believed to have scouts watching Silva during Benfica’s 1-1 draw against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, although Real Madrid have also been credited with an interest. In January, Liverpool were linked to the centre-back, while this summer, further reports of Man Utd's interest has been made clear.