Francisco Silva is a celebrated Chilean footballer known for his defensive midfield prowess.
Silva is considered one of the greatest Chilean defensive midfielders of all time.
He began his professional career at Universidad Católica, where he established himself as a key player.
Biography
Early Life
Francisco Andrés 'Gato' Silva Gajardo, born in Quillota, Chile, is a renowned professional footballer celebrated for his role as a defensive midfielder. He began his football journey at a young age, joining the youth setup of Universidad Católica in 2000 when he was just 14 years old. Silva made his senior debut in 2005 while on loan at Deportes Ovalle, marking the start of a prolific career.
Club Career
Silva's club career took off after returning to Universidad Católica, where he became a regular player and scored his first goal in 2009. His talent caught the attention of international clubs, leading to a loan to CA Osasuna in 2013, where he made a significant impact. Silva later played for Club Brugge KV before moving to Chiapas F.C. in 2015. Throughout his career, he has been recognized as one of the greatest Chilean defensive midfielders, contributing to his teams with both skill and leadership.
International Career
On the international stage, Silva debuted for the Chile national team in 2011. He played a crucial role in Chile's success at the Copa América, notably scoring the winning penalty in the 2016 final against Argentina, which secured Chile's second consecutive title. His contributions to the national team have solidified his legacy as a key player in Chilean football history.
Legacy
Silva's career is marked by numerous honors, including multiple Chilean Primera División titles and two Copa América victories. His journey from a young talent in Quillota to a celebrated footballer exemplifies dedication and skill, making him a respected figure in the world of football.
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Gallery
Career & Clubs
Silva made his main squad debut on 22 January 2011, starting in a 1–1 draw against United States at Home Depot Center. Silva was not initially named in Chile's 2015 Copa America squad but was added to the team due to an injury to Edson Puch. Silva scored the winning goal in the 4–2 penalty shoot-out win against Argentina in the Copa América Centenario Final on 26 June 2016.
Born in Quillota, Silva joined Universidad Católica's youth setup in 2000, aged 14. In 2005, he made his senior debuts, while on loan at lowly Deportes Ovalle, and appeared twice for the first-team in the following year. In 2007, he joined Osorno, also on loan, where he was ever-present in the promotion campaign. After his return, Silva established himself as a regular for the UC, and scored his first goal on 7 November 2009, in a 4–1 home routing over Universidad Concepción.
Lecce
In the 2010 summer Silva was linked to Lecce, but due to reductions in the non-EU registration quota (two for one during the summer) the deal collapsed, as the club already signed Rubén Olivera.
Osasuna
On 22 January 2013, Silva was loaned to La Liga strugglers CA Osasuna until June. He made his debut abroad on 2 February, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 1–0 home win over Celta de Vigo. On 8 March Silva netted his first goal for Osasuna, but in a 1–2 loss at Real Betis; on 4 June the Navarrese side exercised the buyout clause, paying €1.2 million for his services. He featured regularly for the club during the 2013–14 campaign, which ended in relegation.
Club Brugge
On 29 August 2014, Silva was loaned to Club Brugge KV, in a season-long deal with a buyout clause. On 13 July of the following year he was transferred to Chiapas.
Retirement and return to play
In September 2021, Silva announced his retirement while he was a player of Universidad…
- Club
- Club Deportivo Universidad Católica (2005–2013)
- Club
- Deportes Ovalle (2005–2005)
- Club
- Provincial Osorno (2007–2007)
- Club
- Club Atlético Osasuna (2013–2015)
- Club
- Club Brugge K.V. (2014–2015)
- Club
- Chiapas F.C. (2015–)
- Club
- Chile men's national football team (2007–)
- National team
- Chile
Legacy
Provincial Osorno
Primera B de Chile: 2007 Universidad Católica
Chilean Primera División: 2010, 2019, 2020 Copa Chile: 2011 Supercopa de Chile: 2020 Club Brugge
Belgian Cup: 2014–15 Independiente
Suruga Bank Championship: 2018 Chile
Copa América: 2015, 2016 FIFA Confederations Cup runner-up: 2017
Clubs
- Chile men's national football team2007current
- Chiapas F.C.2015current
- Club Deportivo Universidad Católica2005–2013
- Deportes Ovalle2005–2005
- Provincial Osorno2007–2007
- Club Atlético Osasuna2013–2015
- Club Brugge K.V.2014–2015
Played together with
- Aarón PadillaChiapas F.C. · 2008–2009
Abde EzzalzouliClub Atlético Osasuna · 2022–2023
Abdoulay DiabyClub Brugge K.V. · 2015–2018
Adama BoiroClub Atlético Osasuna · 2014–2021- Adnan UğurClub Brugge K.V.
Adolfo BautistaChiapas F.C. · 2007–2009- Adolfo NefClub Deportivo Universidad Católica · 1981–1981
- Adrian García AriasChiapas F.C. · 2003–2005
- Adrián CruzClub Atlético Osasuna · 2015
Adrián López ÁlvarezClub Atlético Osasuna · 2019–2021- Adrián Marín LugoChiapas F.C. · 2014
Adán GodoyClub Deportivo Universidad Católica · 1965–1967
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Francisco Andrés 'Gato' Silva Gajardo, known as Francisco Silva, is a Chilean professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder. He is considered one of the greatest Chilean defensive midfielders of all time. His winning penalty in Copa America Centenario gave Chile their second consecutive Copa America title.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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