Bernardo Silva becomes Portugal star with most assists in Premier League; Cristiano Ronaldo occupies 4th spot

Manchester City star Bernardo Silva has become the Portuguese with the most assists in the English Premier League. The Portugal international reached this milestone in his side's 3-1 win over West Ham United on Saturday, August 31.

Silva provided the assist for Erling Haaland's 10-minute opener against the Hammers as Pep Guardiola's side earned a third consecutive league victory. In doing so, the 30-year-old became the top Portuguese assists provider in the Premier League, overtaking former Manchester United star Nani.

Silva currently has 44 assists, one more than Nani (43). The Manchester City midfielder had 42 assists coming into the 2024-25 season. He equaled the record after also setting up Haaland in City's 2-0 win over Chelsea on matchday one and is now atop the list.

Other Portuguese stars who make up the top five include Bruno Fernandez (41), Cristiano Ronaldo (37) and Luis Boa Morte (35).

Bernardo Silva is arguably one of the most prolific Portugal internationals to have graced the English top flight. Since joining Manchester City from Monaco in 2017, he has won six league titles, two FA Cups, four League Cup titles, and the UEFA Champions League.

In 359 games across competitions for the Cityzens, he has recorded an impressive 67 goals and 68 assists.

Bernardo Silva names his football idol

Bernardo Silva recently named his football idol growing up. Some might be surprised to learn that it is not Cristiano Ronaldo, or any other Portuguese player for that matter.

Speaking recently in an interview, Silva disclosed that he looked up to former Argentina international Pablo Aimar as a kid. He said (via ESPN):

"My idol? I really liked watching Pablo Aimar when I was a kid… I really like him."

Like Silva, Aimar played predominantly as an attacking midfielder during his career. Both players also share similar physical attributes of having a small frame and have a simliar style of play.

Pablo Aimar is most notably known for his stints in Europe with Valencia and Benfica. He won two La Liga titles with the Spanish club (2002, 2004) and was a member of the side that finished as Champions League runners-up in 2001.