LAFC defender Danilo Silva announces retirement

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Retirement

LAFC defender Danilo Silva has announced his retirement from professional soccer, effective immediately. 

Silva, 33, originally joined LAFC in 2018 and made 16 appearances with the club. He played in five matches last year as part of their Supporters' Shield winning side. 

“We want to thank Danilo for his contributions during his time representing the Black & Gold and congratulate him on a distinguished 16-year professional career,” LAFC co-president and GM John Thorrington said in a club statement. “Not only was Danilo a consummate professional on the field, but he also brought a sense of leadership and served as a mentor to our core group of young players. I have no doubt he will succeed in his next phase of life, and on behalf of everyone at LAFC, we would like to wish Danilo and his family all the best.”

The move sees head coach Bob Bradley lose another option in an already thin backline. Eddie Segura, Tristan Blackmon, Dejan Jakovic and Mohamed Traore are the club's primary options at center back while Andy Najar and Blackmon are options at right back. 

"As I look back on the last 16 years, I’m very proud of my career and have nothing but happy memories that will last a lifetime,” said Silva. “I’m beyond grateful to all my coaches, teammates, staff members and fans for their support and for helping me become the best player I can be. Finally, I want to thank my wife and kids for joining me on this ride and for allowing me to chase my dreams.”

Silva first played for Bob Bradley in 2005, when he had a one-season stint with the MetroStars. 

The center back spent time in his native Brazil as well as a fruitful seven-year stay with Ukrainian giants Dynamo Kyiv where he made 222 appearances. Prior to joining LAFC, he was with Brazilian club Internacional.