Silva’s Captaincy and Contract Status
Bernardo Silva, the 30-year-old Portuguese playmaker, has been appointed Manchester City’s captain for the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup, starting with their match against Wydad AC on June 18, 2025, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Speaking at a press conference, Silva confirmed he will stay with City for the 2025/26 season, the final year of his contract, but hinted at a possible departure in June 2026. “I know what I’m going to do, but it’s not the time to talk,” he said. “This season will be with Man City. I’m going to stay.”
Commitment Amid Options
Silva, who joined City from AS Monaco in 2017 for £43m, has been a cornerstone for Pep Guardiola, with 421 appearances, 76 goals, and 7 Premier League titles. Despite interest from clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona in previous summers, he reiterated his commitment to City for the upcoming season. “I’ve had options in the past, like last year and this year, but my option is to stay at Man City,” he stated. His 87% pass accuracy and 1.8 key passes per game in 2024/25 underline his importance, despite City’s trophyless campaign.
Grueling Schedule and Club World Cup
Addressing the demanding schedule, with City potentially playing just 34 days after a Club World Cup final due to the Premier League’s August 16 start, Silva said, “We’re very used to it. It’s been like this for years.” He expressed enthusiasm for the competition, noting, “It’s a beautiful competition with teams from all around the world. We’ll respect it and give our best to win.” City’s squad, bolstered by Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Ait-Nouri, aims to leverage their 65% possession style, though Jack Grealish’s omission from the squad, deemed “best” by Guardiola, sparked debate.
What’s Next?
Silva, with 88 Portugal caps, will lead City against Wydad, aiming to advance in Group C, which includes Al-Hilal and PSG. His captaincy, following Kevin De Bruyne’s departure to Napoli, signals trust from Guardiola, who likened Silva’s versatility to Phil Foden’s. Post-tournament, Silva’s future will dominate headlines, with his £50m valuation potentially attracting suitors like PSG, per Sky Sports. City’s Premier League opener against Wolves on August 16, 2025, looms, with fans on X praising Silva’s loyalty but anxious about his 2026 exit. The Club World Cup offers a chance to cement his legacy before contract talks intensify.
