Interview
Fabio Silva's hopes for 2026 – and why he knows the Bundesliga so well
Between their last match of 2025 and the start of their training camp in Marbella, the BVB first-team squad had 13 days off from training. Fabio Silva, however, didn't take that long of a break. “After two or three days, your body wants to do something again – that's important as a professional; you can't do nothing for ten days,” says the striker, who spent Christmas with family and friends. This, he explains, is “the most important thing to help you come back with full energy.”
Silva has returned to his BVB teammates not only with renewed energy but also with new body art. “I got my first tattoo when I was 17 – back then I only wanted that one and thought that would be it,” says Silva with a grin – now his body is covered in tattoos. “Each one relates to a specific time in my life. I like seeing the tattoos on my body and then immediately knowing when and why I got them.”
Silva had plenty of reasons to get tattoos – at just 23 years old, Germany is already the seventh stop in his professional career (see profile). German football wasn't new to the Portuguese player, however, thanks primarily to his father. “The Bundesliga is my father's favorite league; we watched a lot of games." So Fabio Silva was already familiar with Borussia Dortmund and SIGNAL IDUNA PARK – and dreamed of playing there. But that wasn't his only connection to Germany: Tiago Tomas from VfB Stuttgart and Xavi Simons (who played for RB Leipzig from 2023 to 2025) are among his closest friends.
Despite his deep connection to the club, Silva's start in Black & Yellow wasn't easy. “A new country, a new culture, different weather, or food are no longer a problem for me.” What did make the situation somewhat different and more complicated last summer, however, was his injury. “Neither I nor the club had envisioned it like this.” But Silva knew how to handle the situation. “I had help from people both inside and outside the club. I know how to take care of my body – if I'm not fit, I can't give 100 percent on the pitch.” Silva is grateful that BVB placed their trust in him during this time – and he has repaid that trust. “I'm in my best form now. I think people can see that when I'm on the pitch.”
Despite the fact that his start to life in Black & Yellow wasn't easy, the Portuguese striker hasn't let himself be derailed. “There are always ups and downs, you have to deal with them.” Fabio Silva knows he has to enjoy the good times and that bad phases will pass: “I always try to focus on my strengths and qualities.”
BVB fans can see those qualities on the pitch week after week: The striker has contributed one goal and four assists so far. Besides the teammates he is closest to (Yan Couto, Aaron Anselmino, Carney Chukwuemeka and Julian Brandt), the Dortmund fans have also been a major help to Silva. “Sometimes, when you lack confidence on the pitch, but you feel the fans behind you, it gives you a lot of confidence.”
Silva does not allow external influences to undermine his self-confidence – even though he belongs to a generation that grew up with social media. “I don’t read comments; it’s not good for footballers. Some days you’re the best, other days you’re not.” But the Borussia player sees these reactions as normal: “Football thrives on the moment. That’s why I simply try to be the best version of myself every day. I always give 100%, everyone can see that.”
Silva has only one wish for 2026: “Good health for my family, my friends, my team and myself.” The Borussia player also doesn’t want to forget to enjoy the moment: “I used to focus too much on the future and didn’t live in the here and now. If I do the right thing in the present, train well and listen to the coach, then it’s easier on the pitch afterwards. That’s what works best for me.” But, the striker explains, “I still have a long way to go and the fans can expect a lot more good things from me.” So the Black & Yellow supporters still have a lot to look forward to – after all, Fabio Silva is only 23 years old.
Nina Bargel-Neuhaus