Between their final match of 2025 and the beginning of their coaching camp in Marbella, the BVB first-team squad had 13 days off from coaching. Fabio Silva, nevertheless, did not take that lengthy of a break. “After two or three days, your physique needs to do one thing once more – that is necessary as knowledgeable; you possibly can’t do nothing for ten days,” says the striker, who spent Christmas with household and buddies. This, he explains, is “an important factor that will help you come again with full power.”
Silva has returned to his BVB teammates not solely with renewed power but additionally with new physique artwork. “I bought my first tattoo after I was 17 – again then I solely wished that one and thought that might be it,” says Silva with a smile – now his physique is roofed in tattoos. “Every one pertains to a particular time in my life. I like seeing the tattoos on my physique after which instantly realizing when and why I bought them.”
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Silva had loads of causes to get tattoos – at simply 23 years outdated, Germany is already the seventh cease in his skilled profession (see ). German soccer wasn’t new to the Portuguese participant, nevertheless, thanks primarily to his father. “The Bundesliga is my father’s favourite league; we watched numerous video games.” So Fabio Silva was already accustomed to Borussia Dortmund and SIGNAL IDUNA PARK – and dreamed of enjoying there. However that wasn’t his solely connection to Germany: Tiago Tomas from VfB Stuttgart and Xavi Simons (who performed for RB Leipzig from 2023 to 2025) are amongst his closest buddies.
Regardless of his deep connection to the membership, Silva’s begin in Black & Yellow wasn’t simple. “A brand new nation, a brand new tradition, totally different climate, or meals are now not an issue for me.” What did make the state of affairs considerably totally different and extra difficult final summer time, nevertheless, was his damage. “Neither I nor the membership had envisioned it like this.” However Silva knew find out how to deal with the state of affairs. “I had assist from individuals each inside and outdoors the membership. I understand how to maintain my physique – if I am not match, I can not give one hundred pc on the pitch.” Silva is grateful that BVB positioned their belief in him throughout this time – and he has repaid that belief. “I am in my greatest type now. I feel individuals can see that after I’m on the pitch.”
Even though his begin to life in Black & Yellow wasn’t simple, the Portuguese striker hasn’t let himself be derailed. “There are at all times ups and downs, you must take care of them.” Fabio Silva is aware of he has to benefit from the good instances and that dangerous phases will cross: “I at all times attempt to deal with my strengths and qualities.”
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BVB followers can see these qualities on the pitch week after week: The striker has contributed one purpose and 4 assists thus far. Moreover the teammates he’s closest to (Yan Couto, Aaron Anselmino, Carney Chukwuemeka and Julian Brandt), the Dortmund followers have additionally been a significant assist to Silva. “Typically, while you lack confidence on the pitch, however you’re feeling the followers behind you, it provides you numerous confidence.”
Silva doesn’t enable exterior influences to undermine his self-confidence – despite the fact that he belongs to a technology that grew up with social media. “I don’t learn feedback; it’s not good for footballers. Some days you’re the very best, different days you’re not.” However the Borussia participant sees these reactions as regular: “Soccer thrives on the second. That’s why I merely attempt to be the very best model of myself each day. I at all times give 100%, everybody can see that.”
Silva has just one want for 2026: “Good well being for my household, my buddies, my workforce and myself.” The Borussia participant additionally doesn’t wish to overlook to benefit from the second: “I used to focus an excessive amount of on the long run and didn’t stay within the right here and now. If I do the fitting factor within the current, practice properly and hearken to the coach, then it’s simpler on the pitch afterwards. That’s what works greatest for me.” However, the striker explains, “I nonetheless have an extended technique to go and the followers can count on much more good issues from me.” So the Black & Yellow supporters nonetheless have so much to sit up for – in any case, Fabio Silva is barely 23 years outdated.
Nina Bargel-Neuhaus