Paulo da Silva

Early career

Born in Asunción, Da Silva started his career in the youth divisions of Atlántida Sport Club, arriving at the club at the age of 13. In 1996, da Silva reached the Primera División Paraguaya with Asunción team Presidente Hayes at the age of 16.

Mexico

Before joining Toluca, da Silva played for Perugia, Venezia and Cosenza of Italy, and Lanús of Argentina. He joined Toluca from Paraguayan Club Libertad for the 2003 Apertura. After making his debut, da Silva was a mainstay in Toluca's defence, starting all but one game that he has played and eventually becoming the team's captain due to his leadership on the field. In 2007, he was chosen for the "Ideal Eleven" squad of South America and in 2008 he led Toluca to the Apertura 2008 title, being chosen as the best overall player of the tournament by the Mexican media.

Sunderland

On 13 July 2009, Da Silva joined English club Sunderland on a three-year deal. Manager Steve Bruce said "I'm delighted to have signed a player of Paulo's experience. He is captain of his country and has played at the highest level in South America, so will bring leadership qualities to our side." His arrival at the Stadium of Light was followed by a long and confusing period in regards to his visa application. Da Silva was granted a work permit to play in England almost immediately, but had to wait for over a month to get his visa before it was eventually granted on 12 August. He made his debut on 24 August against…

In 1994, da Silva was selected for the Paraguay U17 national team barely aged 14. In 2000, da Silva represented Paraguay U23 at the 2000 CONMEBOL Men Pre-Olympic Tournament. He played for Paraguay in 1997 and 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship, but missed the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan. However, he was named in the 23-man squad for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He also played at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, featuring in all five of Paraguay's games in their run to the quarter-finals, and provided an assist for Sunderland teammate Cristian Riveros in their 2–0 win against Slovakia in the group stages.

In 2023, at the end of the season, da Silva was linked to becoming assistant manager next to Uruguayan Sergio Órteman and was announced as such for Sol de América, next to Humberto Ovelar, but, in 2024, he again returned to playing for Atlántida Sport Club in 2024 Primera División B, the club he commenced his career, where the 44-year-old da Silva announced it will be his last season playing.

In December 2015, da Silva became a Mexican citizen. In October 2017, da Silva helped found Asociación Mexicana de Futbolistas (Mexican Footballers Association).