Somália

Silva started his football career playing for small São Paulo-based clubs. Joining Bragantino in 2007, he became noted for his shooting ability. Despite his club's poor form, Silva managed to attract the attention of Botafogo, signing a contract with the club in 2010. His good performances and versatility earned him a five-year contract with the Série A club. He has played all across the pitch for Botafogo.

Fake kidnapping

On January 7, 2011, Silva claimed he had been kidnapped at gunpoint before being robbed of money and jewelry. CCTV footage showed that he was simply late for training, and fabricated the story in order to circumvent the clubs 40% wage drop due to tardiness. Silva was charged with filing a false police report, and on January 19, 2011, he agreed to a deal offered by prosecutors to donate R$22,000 (about US$13,000) to the victims of recent floods in the state of Rio de Janeiro, in order to avoid a possible prison sentence and criminal record.