Born on 10 August 1994 in Lisbon, Portugal, Bernardo Silva developed through Benfica's youth academy before breaking into senior football with Benfica B in 2013. He earned the Segunda Liga's Breakthrough Player of the Year award that season and was part of Benfica's domestic treble-winning side in 2013–14, though his first-team minutes were limited.
A loan move to Monaco in 2014 became permanent in January 2015, and Silva flourished in Ligue 1. He finished the 2016–17 season with 11 goals and 12 assists across all competitions, helping Monaco claim the Ligue 1 title and reach the Champions League semi-finals — performances that caught the eye of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
City signed him for a reported £43.5 million in the summer of 2017. He went on to win five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four EFL Cups, and the 2022–23 UEFA Champions League with the club. In 2018–19, he was named Manchester City's Player of the Year and included in the PFA Team of the Year after scoring 13 goals and adding 14 assists in all competitions. He provided the assist for Rodri's winning goal in the 2023 Champions League final against Inter Milan. He was appointed club captain ahead of the 2025–26 season.
A technically gifted, versatile midfielder capable of playing across the front line and in central positions, Silva combines precise dribbling with consistent defensive effort. He made his senior Portugal debut in March 2015 and has represented his country at two World Cups and two European Championships, also winning the UEFA Nations League in 2019, when he was named Player of the Tournament.