Rafa Silva’s life and football career are frequently researched on the sports agenda. Rafa Silva, whose full name is Rafael Alexandre Fernandes Ferreira da Silva, was born on May 17, 1993 in Forte da Casa, Portugal. The 32-year-old football player plays on the offensive line. Rafa Silva, who achieved significant success with the Portuguese National Team, achieved one of the greatest successes of his career by taking part in the squad that won the 2016 European Football Championship. Rafa Silva, who played for teams such as Feirense, Braga and Benfica in his club career; He is known for his speed, technical ability and ability to read the game. The experienced football player stands out with his consistent performance at both club and national team levels. So, who is Rafa Silva? How old is Rafa Silva, where is he from, in which teams did he play?
WHO IS RAFA SILVA?
Rafael Alexandre Fernandes Ferreira da Silva (Portekizce telaffuz: [ˈʁafɐ ˈsilvɐ]), known in the football world as Rafa Silva, is a Portuguese national football player who plays in the midfield and forward positions. Rafa Silva, born in Portugal on May 17, 1993, is 32 years old. Originally born in Vila Franca de Xira, the experienced football player grew up in Forte da Casa. He plays for Beşiktaş, one of the Super League teams.
Rafa Silva; He is known for his speed, technical capacity, dribbling ability and ability to read the game. The experienced football player, who is effective behind the forwards and on the wings, is shown as one of the key figures in the offensive organizations.
CLUB CAREER
Feirense
Rafa Silva, who started football in the infrastructure of Povoense and Alverca, one of the Lisbon Region teams, signed a professional contract with Feirense in 2011. He played his first official match against Penafiel in the Taça da Liga on 29 July 2012. He played an important role in his team’s struggle in the Segunda Liga, playing more than 3,200 minutes in his first season.
Braga
Rafa Silva signed a five-year contract with Braga in June 2013. Silva, who attracted attention with his performance here, scored 26 goals in 127 matches. He achieved the first major trophy in his career by winning the Taça de Portugal in the 2015-2016 season. He also stood out on the European stage with the critical goals he scored in the UEFA Europa League.
Benfica
Rafa Silva, who was transferred to Benfica on September 1, 2016 for a transfer fee of 16.4 million Euros, became one of the important players in the club’s history. With Benfica jersey:
3 Primeira Liga titles
1 Portuguese Cup
Won 1 Super Cup. He completed the 2018-2019 season with 17 league goals. Silva, who scored 22 goals in all competitions in his last season at the club, played his last match for Benfica on 12 May 2024.
Besiktas
Rafa Silva signed a 3-year contract with Beşiktaş as a free agent on June 25, 2024. According to the contract, it was announced that the player will be paid a guaranteed fee of 6 million Euros every season.
Rafa Silva, who played his first match with the black and white jersey in the Super Cup final against Galatasaray on August 3, 2024, played an important role in winning the cup by scoring 1 goal and 1 assist in this match. Then, he contributed to the score in Samsunspor and Antalyaspor matches.
NATIONAL TEAM CAREER
Rafa Silva wore the Portuguese National Team jersey 25 times.
In his national team career:
2014 FIFA World Cup
EURO 2016 (Champion)
2019 UEFA Nations League (Champion)
He took part in the EURO 2020 squads. He announced his retirement from the national team on September 19, 2022.