LAFC defender Danilo Silva today announced his retirement from professional soccer. Silva, 33, concludes a 16-year career that saw him play for six different teams in the United States, Brazil and Ukraine.
“We want to thank Danilo for his contributions during his time representing the Black & Gold and congratulate him on a distinguished 16-year professional career,” said LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington. “Not only was Danilo a consummate professional on the field, but he also brought a sense of leadership and served as a mentor to our core group of young players. I have no doubt he will succeed in his next phase of life, and on behalf of everyone at LAFC, we would like to wish Danilo and his family all the best.”
Silva was initially acquired by LAFC on a five-month loan from Brazilian club Internacional on July 30, 2018. The 6-foot-2 defender would then sign with the Black & Gold on a permanent move ahead of the 2019 campaign.
In three years in Los Angeles, Silva saw action in 21 regular season matches (12 starts), logging 1,043 minutes. He would tally his only goal for LAFC during the 3-2 postseason loss against Real Salt Lake on November 1, 2018.
“As I look back on the last 16 years, I’m very proud of my career and have nothing but happy memories that will last a lifetime,” said Silva. “I’m beyond grateful to all my coaches, teammates, staff members and fans for their support and for helping me become the best player I can be. Finally, I want to thank my wife and kids for joining me on this ride and for allowing me to chase my dreams.”
Silva began his professional career in MLS in 2005, playing in five matches for coach Bob Bradley and the MetroStars. A season later, Silva returned to Brazil where he would go on to play for Guarani (2006-08), São Paulo (2007; loan), and Internacional (2009-10).
From 2010-17, Silva won six trophies with Ukrainian side Dynamo Kiev, registering three goals and 19 assists in 222 matches across all competitions. Silva then rejoined Internacional in Brazil’s top flight for two seasons before signing with LAFC.
LAFC (4-5-3; 15 points) returns to Banc of California Stadium for a two-game homestand to wrap up the month of September. The Black & Gold will take on the Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Wednesday, September 23 (7:30 p.m. PT) and San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday, September 27 (7:30 p.m. PT). Both contests will be broadcast on YouTube TV, Estrella TV, ESPN LA 710 AM and KFWB 980 AM.
