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Mauro Silva
Maurosilva.png
Silva in 2022
Personal information
Full name Mauro da Silva Gomes
Date of birth (1968-01-12) 12 January 1968 (age 57)
Place of birth São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
Height 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in)
Position(s) Defensive midfielder
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1987–1989 Guarani 1 (0)
1990–1992 Bragantino 61 (0)
1992–2005 Deportivo La Coruña 369 (1)
Total 431 (1)
International career
1991–2001 Brazil 59 (0)
Medal record
Men's Football
Representing  Brazil
FIFA World Cup
Winner 1994
Copa América
Winner 1997 Bolivia
Runner-up 1991 Chile
CONCACAF Gold Cup
Third 1998 USA
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Mauro da Silva Gomes, known as Mauro Silva, is a famous Brazilian former professional football player. He was born on January 12, 1968. Mauro Silva played as a defensive midfielder, which is a player who helps protect the defense and win the ball back.

He was known for being a very hard-working player. He had great energy, was good at tackling, and was a strong leader on the field. Mauro Silva is most famous for playing many years with Deportivo La Coruña in Spain.

During his 13 seasons in La Liga, Spain's top football league, he played 458 games. He helped his teams win six major titles. Mauro Silva also played for the Brazilian national team. He was part of the team that won the 1994 World Cup. He also played in two Copa América tournaments.

Mauro Silva's Club Career

Mauro Silva started his football journey in São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil. He first played for Guarani before moving to Bragantino in 1990. He spent two seasons there, showing off his skills.

Joining Deportivo La Coruña

In 1992, Mauro Silva moved to Spain to play for Deportivo de La Coruña. He joined at the same time as his fellow Brazilian player, Bebeto. This was a big move for him.

Success with Deportivo

Mauro Silva was a key player for Deportivo for 13 years. He was almost always in the starting lineup. Only injuries or suspensions kept him from playing. He helped Deportivo win many important trophies.

They won one La Liga title, two Spanish Cups, and three Spanish Super Cups. He also played in the UEFA Champions League five times with the team. In the 2003–04 season, Deportivo reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Saying Goodbye to Football

On May 22, 2005, Mauro Silva played his last game for Deportivo. It was a home game against RCD Mallorca. He left the field to a big cheer from the fans at the Estadio Riazor. Another club legend, Fran, also retired in the same match.

In December 2016, Deportivo celebrated its 110th anniversary. Fans voted Mauro Silva as the best player in the club's history. This shows how much he was loved and respected.

Playing for Brazil

Mauro Silva played for the Brazilian national team for ten years. He earned 59 appearances, which are called "caps" in football. He made his debut in 1991.

Winning the 1994 World Cup

His biggest achievement with Brazil was winning the 1994 FIFA World Cup. He played in every single match and almost every minute of the tournament. He was a crucial part of Brazil's success.

After the World Cup, FIFA named him the ninth best player in the world. In the World Cup final against Italy, the game ended 0-0 after extra time. Brazil won the match in a penalty shootout. Mauro Silva, along with Dunga, played a strong role in midfield, making it hard for the opposing team to attack.

Mauro Silva's Playing Style

Mauro Silva was known as a consistent and hard-working defensive midfielder. He had excellent stamina, meaning he could run and play for a long time without getting tired. He was also very good at tackling and winning the ball back from opponents.

He was a strong leader on the field and could read the game well. This means he understood what was happening and where the ball would go. Mauro Silva was great at winning possession and passing the ball accurately to his teammates. He wasn't known for fancy tricks, but for his solid and effective play. He helped balance the team, allowing more attacking players to go forward. He formed a strong partnership with Dunga in Brazil's midfield during their 1994 World Cup win.

Career Statistics

Club Appearances

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League
Division Apps Goals
Guarani 1987 Série A 0 0
1988 1 0
1989 0 0
Total 1 0
Bragantino 1990 Série A 18 0
1991 21 0
1992 22 0
Total 61 0
Deportivo 1992–93 La Liga 37 0
1993–94 35 1
1994–95 6 0
1995–96 22 0
1996–97 32 0
1997–98 31 0
1998–99 36 0
1999–2000 33 0
2000–01 31 0
2001–02 27 0
2002–03 32 0
2003–04 27 0
2004–05 20 0
Total 369 1
Career total 431 1

International Appearances

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Brazil 1991 13 0
1992 7 0
1993 11 0
1994 11 0
1995 1 0
1996 1 0
1997 10 0
1998 4 0
1999 0 0
2000 0 0
2001 1 0
Total 59 0

Honours and Awards

Mauro Silva won many titles and awards during his career:

With Bragantino

  • Campeonato Paulista: 1990 (a state championship in Brazil)

With Deportivo La Coruña

With Brazil National Team

  • FIFA World Cup: 1994 (the biggest international football tournament)
  • Copa América: 1997 (South America's main football tournament); also a runner-up in 1991
  • CONCACAF Gold Cup: third place in 1998 (a tournament for North and Central American teams, where Brazil was invited)

Individual Awards

  • Bola de Ouro: 1991 (Golden Ball, a top award for Brazilian football)
  • Bola de Prata: 1991, 1992 (Silver Ball, another top Brazilian award)
  • La Liga Team of The Year: 1993 (chosen as one of the best players in the Spanish league)

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Mauro Silva para niños

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