Marco Silva

Born in Lisbon, Silva developed into a professional footballer with local Belenenses. In a 15-year career he only appeared in two Primeira Liga games, one with that club and another with Campomaiorense. From 2000 to 2005 he alternated between the second and third divisions, representing Trofense, Rio Ave, Braga B, Salgueiros and Odivelas. In the 2005 off-season, Silva joined Estoril, where he remained until his retirement six years later, always in the second tier. He played his last match on 2 January 2011, a 0–1 home loss against Penafiel in the group stage of the Taça da Liga. Silva retired in June at the age of 34, amassing second-division totals of 152 games and two goals for three clubs.

Estoril

On 10 June 2011, immediately after retiring, Silva was appointed director of football at Estoril. However, early into the season, he replaced Vinícius Eutrópio as manager, with the Cascais team ranking tenth in the second tier. His first game in charge was a 3–1 defeat at Penafiel and, after losing only three matches in 24, he helped the club return to the top flight after seven years, as champions. He ultimately was chosen as the league's Manager of the Year. Silva made his debut in the Portuguese top division on 17 August 2012, in a 2–1 away defeat to Olhanense. Estoril overachieved for a second best-ever fifth place in the table, with the subsequent qualification for the UEFA Europa League, also a first. Highlights included not losing any of the games against Sporting CP (3–1 at home, 2–2 away), and drawing 1–1 at Benfica. On 23 February 2014, Estoril achieved an historic first-time win at the Estádio do Dragão, the 1–0 victory – where he was sent off midway through the second half – being Porto's first home defeat since the 2–3 against Leixões in 2008. He left his position on 12 May, after leading his team to the fourth position.

Sporting CP

Silva agreed to a four-year contract with Sporting on 21 May 2014, replacing Leonardo Jardim who left for Monaco. He led the team to the third place in the championship, also winning the Taça de Portugal by beating Braga 3–1 on penalties after a 2–2 draw in the final– this was the club's first piece of…

Manager

Estoril

Segunda Liga: 2011–12 Sporting CP

Taça de Portugal: 2014–15 Olympiacos

Super League Greece: 2015–16 Fulham

EFL Championship: 2021–22 Individual

Segunda Liga Coach of the Year: 2011–12 EFL Championship Manager of the Month: August 2021, January 2022 EFL Championship Manager of the Year: 2021–22