Who Is Gilberto Silva? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Gilberto Silva, born on October 7, 1976, in Lagoa da Prata, Brazil, is a celebrated former professional footballer best known for his pivotal role as a defensive midfielder. Rising to fame in the early 2000s, Silva was an integral part of Brazil's national team, helping them clinch the 2002 FIFA World Cup. As of 2025, Silva is 48 years old and continues to impact the football community through his post-retirement endeavors.
| Occupation | Footballer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 7, 1976 |
| Age | 48 Years |
| Birth Place | Lagoa da Prata, Minas Gerais, Brazil |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | Brazil |
Popularity
Gilberto Silva's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing at 6 feet (183 cm) and weighing approximately 176 lbs (80 kg), Gilberto Silva boasts a well-maintained athletic physique even years after his retirement. His height and physicality made him a formidable presence in the midfield during his playing days.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Gilberto Silva is known for keeping his personal life relatively private. As of 2025, he is happily married to his long-time partner, Thais Silva. The couple shares a strong bond and has two children together. While there have been rumors in the past, Silva has consistently focused on his family and career rather than media speculation about his relationships.
As a child, Gilberto lived in the city of Lagoa da Prata with his father (a blacksmith), his mother (a housewife) and three sisters. His family lived in a small house which his father built, in the district of Usina Luciânia.
Despite financial hardship, causing his sisters and him to share a single room, he had a relatively carefree childhood: he describes it as "[a time when] I had no responsibility in my life, I played football on the street with cousins and friends, and we never had any contact with drugs or violence".
In 1988 (aged 12), he got the chance to break out of poverty by playing football, joining América Mineiro as a youth player. It was during these years at América Mineiro that Gilberto was taught defensive discipline by playing as a central defender.
When not playing football, Gilberto was taught furniture-making skills by his father, which he would come to use in the following years. In 1991, Gilberto's father retired leaving the 16-year-old to provide financially for his whole family, a task made more difficult by his mother's ill-health.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Gilberto Silva's estimated net worth is $25 million. This impressive figure stems from his successful football career, endorsements, and various business ventures. During his peak playing days, Silva earned a substantial salary that contributed to his wealth, which continues to grow through investments and brand partnerships.
Because of the low wage at América Mineiro, he was forced to quit football to take various jobs as a labourer, a carpenter, and a worker in a sweet factory. It looked as if this would be the end of his childhood dream. As a factory-worker Gilberto earned the equivalent of about £50 a month by 2002 rates.
Career, Business, and Investments
Gilberto Silva's football career spanned over a decade, during which he played for esteemed clubs such as Atlético Mineiro, Arsenal, and Panathinaikos. After retiring, he shifted his focus towards football management and coaching, alongside entrepreneurial ventures. Silva has established himself as a successful businessman, investing in sports academies, real estate, and other ventures that promote sporting excellence among youth in Brazil.
Born and raised in poverty in the Brazilian municipality of Lagoa da Prata, Gilberto joined the youth academy at local club América Mineiro, where he made his senior debut as a centre-back in 1998.
After starring the following season, where he helped gain the club promotion into the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, he joined city rivals Atlético Mineiro.
During his time at Atlético, Gilberto transitioned into a defensive midfielder under head coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, and flourished in his new role, gaining a call-up to the Brazil national team for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where he featured prominently as his country won the tournament.
Social Network
With a significant online presence, Gilberto Silva maintains an active role on various social media platforms. His Instagram account, with over 1 million followers, showcases his lifestyle, family moments, and advocacy for sports and health. Through social media, he regularly engages with fans and shares insights from his life after football, strengthening his connection with the next generation of athletes.
Gilberto's performance in the 2002 FIFA World Cup caught the attention of many coaches. Gilberto expressed a desire to move to England, saying, "It would be fantastic to play against the likes of David Beckham again." As a result, FA Premier League clubs Aston Villa and Arsenal led the chase to sign him.
In August, while still under contract to Atlético Mineiro, Gilberto joined Arsenal on their pre-season tour of Austria; while he had not yet signed for Arsenal the deal looked set to go ahead. However, complications arose when a transfer embargo was placed on Atlético Mineiro due to unpaid wages to some players at the club, including Gilberto.
There was also an issue of obtaining a UK work permit for Gilberto. Despite the complications, Gilberto ended a summer of speculation and joined Arsenal on 7 August 2002 for a fee of £4.5 million. Upon signing Gilberto, Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger said, "What I like was the fact that he kept things simple.
He can play all across the midfield but the holding role just in front of the defence is what he does best."
Education
Gilberto Silva's passion for football began in his youth, but he also valued education. He attended local Brazilian institutions and pursued further studies in sports management after his playing career. This blend of education and professional experience has equipped him with the necessary skills to navigate the business realm of sports effectively.
As a result of his World Cup performances, Gilberto garnered a move to the Premier League to sign for Arsenal that summer for a fee of £4.5 million. During his six years at Arsenal, Gilberto gained a reputation as a world class defensive midfielder, and starred in a midfield duo alongside Patrick Vieira.
He would feature as a member of the Invincibles, where he captured his first top-flight league title as his team went undefeated the whole season, as well as winning two FA Cups.
Gilberto also holds distinct records at Arsenal, recording their first goal at the Emirates Stadium, as well as their fastest ever goal, scoring in 21 seconds from kickoff against PSV Eindhoven in the 2002–03 UEFA Champions League. After departing Arsenal, Gilberto relocated to Greece, playing for Panathinaikos, where he won a domestic double.
He then returned to Brazil in 2011, signing for Grêmio, where he remained for two years, before returning to Atlético to win the 2013 Copa Libertadores prior to retiring.
