REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo
Real Madrid supporters have cast their verdict on summer signing Bernardo Silva following his debut against Ferencvaros.
Silva joined the Spanish giants this summer following nine successful years at Manchester City, where he cemented his status as one of the Premier League side's greatest ever players.
The 31-year-old, widely regarded as one of the most technically-gifted attacking footballers on the planet, entered the fray as a second-half substitute and helped Real Madrid secure a 2-1 win in Budapest.
Goals either side of half-time from youngsters Mario Rivas and Carlos Espi sealed the win for Jose Mourinho’s side.
Although Mourinho is a huge fan of his compatriot, Silva’s physical condition on his return to training following the 2026 World Cup hasn’t impressed the revered Portuguese coach.
Speaking after the Ferencvaros game, Mourinho told reporters, per GOAL: "He is very important, but the poor guy is one of those players who benefits mentally from not doing anything during vacation, and he arrived for pre-season at a fairly low physical level. He has to improve. But he is an incredible player.”
Mourinho added: “During the game, I realised he was lacking a little physical strength, so I moved him forward to the No. 10 position. He can play there too. He can play in three or four positions.”
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi
Real Madrid Fans React to Bernardo Silva's Debut
REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo
Although Mourinho was critical of Silva’s physical condition, the former Man City star still managed to impress Real Madrid supporters during his 45-minute cameo.
The Portugal international looked typically assured in possession and pleased fans with his ability to carry the ball and play forward passes. Watch his highlights below:
One Madridista wrote on X (Twitter): “Finally, a midfielder who doesn’t treat the ball like it’s a bomb.”
Another commented: “It's the number 8 that was needed. He gives balance to the team. He's a versatile player.” A third Real Madrid fan said:
While a fourth wrote: “It's impossible that this player isn't a starter over [Aurelien] Tchouameni or [Federico] Valverde.”
A fifth said: “The great thing about him is his passes that break the lines and forward passes,” while a sixth added: “Wow, we finally got the exact type of profile we have been missing in our midfield over the last two seasons in Bernardo.”
Managing Madrid handed Silva a 7/10 rating, commenting: "Mourinho was critical of his fitness levels after the game, but Silva worked very hard off the ball, and it was refreshing to see his composure in possession."
Silva Pleased to Make Real Madrid Debut After 'Tough' First Week
REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo
Speaking after his first appearance for Los Blancos, Silva told Real Madrid TV: “I am very happy. This match is very important to prepare for the season and personally, I am very happy to have debuted with Real Madrid.
“It’s only the first week, but I’m very happy. There are still many things to improve, but the most important thing is to gain rhythm to start the season well, and that’s what we are doing.”
Asked to describe his first week in pre-season training at Real Madrid, Silva added: “Tough, but very happy to have started. I’m trying to get to know my teammates because it’s very important to understand the characteristics of each one to know what they like during matches and training sessions.
“I will be focusing on that over the next few weeks, preparing as much as possible to start the season well.”