André Filipe Teixeira da Silva, born on April 28, 2000, was a Portuguese professional footballer who tragically passed away on July 3, 2025, at the age of 25. He was the younger brother of Liverpool star Diogo Jota. André started his football journey at his local club, Gondomar SC, before joining FC Porto’s youth academy, where he developed his skills. After his youth career, he returned to Gondomar SC and later moved on to play for several clubs in Portugal, including Penafiel in the second division, where he made 62 appearances and scored 7 goals.
André played primarily as an attacking midfielder, left winger, or center forward. His agility, vision, and offensive skills made him a promising talent in Portuguese football, and he was known for his technical ability and work rate on the field. Despite his promising career, André remained largely under the radar compared to his famous brother, Diogo Jota, but he had the potential to build a notable career in football.
Tragically, André and his brother Diogo were involved in a fatal car accident on July 3, 2025, while traveling on the A-52 motorway in Cernadilla, Spain. The car they were in, a Lamborghini, reportedly suffered a tire blowout while overtaking another vehicle, causing the car to lose control and crash. The vehicle caught fire, and both brothers lost their lives at the scene. This devastating loss has deeply affected the football community, with tributes pouring in from across the globe for the brothers.
Early Life and Family Background
Born into a family with a deep-rooted passion for football, Silva was introduced to the sport at a young age. His father, Joaquim Silva, was a former footballer, and his mother, Isabel Silva, supported his athletic endeavors. Growing up in Gondomar, a municipality in the Porto District, Silva was immersed in a community where football was more than just a game—it was a way of life.
Silva’s older brother, Diogo Jota, also known as Diogo Jota, is a prominent figure in Portuguese football. Both brothers began their football careers at Gondomar SC, later progressing through the youth systems of FC Porto. Their shared experiences and mutual support have been pivotal in their respective careers.
Youth Career
Silva’s football journey commenced at the age of six when he joined Salgueiros, a local club in Porto. After a brief stint at Boavista, he returned to Salgueiros before moving to Padroense. In 2011, at the age of 15, he joined FC Porto’s youth academy, where he honed his skills and developed his understanding of the game. His performances at the youth level were impressive, leading to his promotion to the senior team.
Professional Career
FC Porto
Silva’s professional debut came in 2013 with FC Porto B, the reserve team of the club. Over three seasons, he made 84 appearances, scoring 24 goals. His consistent performances earned him a spot in the first team, where he made 41 appearances and scored 17 goals. His time at Porto was marked by his ability to find the back of the net and his work ethic on the field.
AC Milan
In 2017, Silva moved to AC Milan for a reported fee of €38 million. His time in Italy was challenging, with Silva struggling to adapt to the Serie A’s tactical demands. Despite this, he managed to score two goals in 25 appearances. His potential was evident, but the fit wasn’t ideal, leading to loan moves in subsequent seasons.
Sevilla (Loan)
During the 2018–2019 season, Silva was loaned to Sevilla. In 27 appearances, he scored nine goals, showcasing his adaptability and ability to perform in different leagues. His time in Spain allowed him to regain confidence and refine his skills.
Eintracht Frankfurt
Silva’s most prolific period came during his time at Eintracht Frankfurt. After a successful loan spell, he signed a permanent contract with the club in 2020. In the 2020–2021 season, he set a club record by scoring 28 goals in the Bundesliga, surpassing Bernd Hölzenbein’s 44-year-old record. This achievement solidified his reputation as a top striker in Europe.
RB Leipzig
In July 2021, Silva transferred to RB Leipzig for a reported fee of €23 million. At Leipzig, he continued to demonstrate his goal-scoring abilities, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive line. His time in Germany has been marked by consistent performances in both domestic and European competitions.
Real Sociedad (Loan)
In August 2023, Silva was loaned to Real Sociedad for the 2023–2024 season. During his time in Spain, he made 19 appearances, scoring three goals. This move provided him with valuable experience in La Liga, further enhancing his versatility as a forward.
Werder Bremen (Loan)
In February 2025, Silva joined Werder Bremen on loan for the remainder of the 2024–2025 season. At Bremen, he made seven appearances, scoring one goal. This stint allowed him to continue playing in the Bundesliga, maintaining his match fitness and contributing to the team’s efforts.
International Career
Silva was a key player for the Portuguese national team at various youth levels, including the U16, U17, U18, U19, U20, and U21 teams. He made his senior debut in 2016 and earned 53 caps over the course of his international career, scoring 19 goals. Silva’s international career included appearances in major tournaments such as the FIFA Confederations Cup, UEFA Euro 2020, and the FIFA World Cup. His contributions to the national team were invaluable, and he played a crucial role in Portugal’s successes on the international stage.
Playing Style
Silva was known for his physical presence on the field, standing at 1.86 meters (6 feet 1 inch) tall. He was a versatile striker, able to play in a variety of attacking roles, including center-forward, winger, and second striker. Silva possessed excellent aerial ability and was proficient with both feet, making him a dangerous player in and around the box.
Personal Life
Silva’s personal life was marked by his close relationship with his family, particularly with his older brother, Diogo Jota. The two shared a deep bond, both on and off the pitch, and were known for supporting each other throughout their careers. Silva was also in a relationship with Maria Rodrigues, who had been supportive of his career and frequently attended matches.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Silva’s estimated net worth was approximately €37.96 million. His salary during his time at Werder Bremen was reported to be €1.5 million per year, which translated to about €28,846 per week. Silva also had various endorsement deals that contributed to his financial standing. His career with top clubs, including RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt, allowed him to accumulate substantial earnings throughout his career.
Death
André Silva tragically passed away on July 3, 2025, in a car accident in Cernadilla, Spain. He and his brother, Diogo Jota, were in a Lamborghini that suffered a tire blowout, causing the car to veer off the road and catch fire. Both brothers were killed in the accident, leaving the football world in mourning. Silva’s death was a tremendous loss to the football community, and tributes poured in from players, clubs, and fans around the world.
Conclusion
André Silva’s life and career were defined by his commitment to football, his talent, and his family. From his humble beginnings in Porto to his rise as a top European striker, Silva’s journey was one of resilience and dedication. His untimely death left a void in the football world, but his legacy lives on in the memories of his teammates, fans, and the impact he had on the sport.
FAQs
What is André Silva’s full name?
His full name was André Miguel Valente da Silva.
Where was André Silva born?
He was born in Baguim do Monte, Portugal.
Which clubs did André Silva play for?
Silva played for FC Porto, AC Milan, Sevilla, Eintracht Frankfurt, RB Leipzig, Real Sociedad, and Werder Bremen.
How many goals did André Silva score for Eintracht Frankfurt?
He scored 28 goals during the 2020–2021 Bundesliga season, setting a club record.
Did André Silva represent Portugal in international tournaments?
Yes, he represented Portugal in the FIFA Confederations Cup, UEFA Euro 2020, and the FIFA World Cup.
What was André Silva’s playing style?
He was known for his physical presence, aerial ability, and versatility in attacking roles.
Who was André Silva’s girlfriend?
His girlfriend was Maria Rodrigues.
What was André Silva’s salary at Werder Bremen?
He earned a gross annual salary of €1.5 million during his time at Werder Bremen.
How did André Silva die?
He died in a car accident in Cernadilla, Spain, on July 3, 2025.
