André Filipe Teixeira da Silva’s name may not echo in stadiums like his brother Diogo Jota’s, but for those who followed Portugal’s youth football scene, he was impossible to ignore.
A gifted attacking midfielder and winger, Silva’s career promised to be a bright chapter in Portuguese football; one tragically cut short.
Rising through elite academies, he showcased skill, vision, and a footballing intelligence that suggested a future at the very top.
While he never graced the world stage like his brother, his dedication and potential left an indelible mark on those who knew him. This feature traces Silva’s journey, celebrating a young career and a life devoted to the beautiful game.
Table of Contents
André Filipe Teixeira da Silva Biography

He was born on April 28, 2000, in Gondomar, a municipality within the Porto District of Portugal. From a young age, it was clear that football ran deep in the family.
André Filipe Teixeira da Silva was always with his older brother, who is now the internationally recognised forward, Diogo Jota of Liverpool.
The sibling rivalry and support network provided a unique backdrop to André’s development. Silva’s youth career was spent honing his craft within some of the country’s most respected footballing institutions.
READ MORE – Andre Silva Death: Story Full Breakdown
He began at his hometown club Gondomar, where he stayed from 2008 to 2011 before moving on. His move to Porto was a crucial period where he developed alongside other future professionals, including current stars Fábio Vieira and Vitinha.
He also spent time on loan at FC Porto’s satellite team, Padroense, gaining vital competitive experience. His time with Porto was from 2011 to 2017, before the decision to move on was made.
He rounded out his youth development at Paços de Ferreira, Famalicão, and Boavista from 2017 to 2021 before he finally got his big break as a professional.
André demonstrated remarkable commitment to his future, attending university for a business management course alongside his football career.
His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish a company with his brother. His graduation shortly before his death highlights a drive to succeed in multiple facets of life.
Professional Career Highlights
André Filipe Teixeira da Silva’s transition into senior football began in the lower divisions, which was something common and often a challenging path for young players in Portugal.
Returning to his first club, Gondomar SC, marked the start of his professional journey. He played in the Campeonato de Portugal, where he quickly established himself as an important attacking figure.
During his time with the club from 2021 to 2023, he made over 37 appearances while scoring nine goals in the process. The 2022/23 season was particularly strong, where he registered nine goals and two assists across 26 games.
His consistent and impactful form in the senior environment signalled his readiness for a step up, which was long-awaited. His standout performance earned him a three-year contract with FC Penafiel in the Liga Portugal 2 on July 1, 2023.
The move was a significant professional leap that placed him in a more competitive and higher-profile league environment, which would end up being his final destination.
While playing as an attacking midfielder or left winger, Silva was quickly integrated into the squad and became a regular starter under manager Hélder.
His tenure at Penafiel showed continuous development, featuring in 59 matches and contributing 6 goals and 3 assists in the two seasons before the tragedy.
His ability to create chances and his versatility across the attacking midfield and wing positions were key assets to his team, who were left in shock following the announcement of his death.
Performance & Stats
The 2024/2025 season, which was tragically his last, showed a player truly finding his professional footing in the demanding environment of the second division.
He was a regular starter, showcasing his commitment and reliability. A particular highlight in his career was on February 21, 2025, when he was voted Player of the Match in a 3-0 victory against Portimonense.
He opened the scoring for his side in the 5th minute and went on to ensure his team secured an important victory. His estimated transfer value (ETV) ranged between €0.2M and €0.3M.
Andre’s value as a player was low due to his level, and he was still fighting to find his ground in the lower division in Portugal.
At the time of his passing, he had established himself as an essential component of the Penafiel side. The team, although declining slightly in the second half of the campaign, had seen a promising start with him in the line-up.
| Season | Club | Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SENIOR CAREER STATS | |||||
| 2024/2025 | FC Penafiel | Liga Portugal 2 | 32 | 2 | 2 |
| 2023/2024 | FC Penafiel | Liga Portugal 2 | 27 | 4 | 0 |
| 2023/2024 | FC Penafiel | Taça de Portugal | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 2022/2023 | Gondomar SC | Campeonato de Portugal (4th Tier) | 26 | 9 | 2 |
| 2021/2022 | Gondomar SC | Campeonato de Portugal (4th Tier) | 14 | 0 | 0 |
| SENIOR CAREER TOTALS | |||||
| TOTAL (Senior) | 102 | 16 | 5 | ||
| OTHER COMPETITIONS (U23 & Youth) | |||||
| (Various) | Various U23 Teams | Liga Revelação | 35 | 4 | 5 |
| (Various) | Various U23 Teams | Liga Revelação – 2nd Round | 6 | – | 1 |
| *Note: Stats compiled from senior league, Taça de Portugal, and U23 competitions. Totals may vary slightly across sources. | |||||
André Filipe Teixeira da Silva Legacy And Impact
André da Silva’s story is one of potential, dedication, and deep familial ties. His passing alongside his brother Diogo Jota, in a car crash in Spain in 2025, sent shockwaves through the global football community.
André’s professional life was strongly linked to his brother, Diogo Jota. They shared a birthplace, a common youth academy start at Gondomar, and a parallel path through the Portuguese youth system.
Jota’s success on the international stage and in the Premier League only served to shine a spotlight on André’s own hardworking, independent journey through the lower tiers of professional football.
The shared business venture and the completion of his university degree highlight a young man who was determined to build a successful life both on and off the field.
While many players with his statistics are forgotten, André Silva is remembered for his dedication and the promise he showed in a professional career that was beginning to blossom.
His legacy is one of a gifted young player whose time was tragically cut short. The fans and clubs of Gondomar and Penafiel will fondly remember him.
André Filipe Teixeira da Silva made the most of his time while being alive with his family and people who mattered most to him before his unfortunate death.