The Spaniard gave another reminder why he’s nicknamed ‘The Wizard’ with a superb performance in Manchester City’s 5-0 triumph over West Ham in their FA Cup third-round clash on Friday.
Turning 31 today, Silva had started his career as a goalkeeper before becoming a winger after being inspired by Michael Laudrup.
It was at Valencia, he began to make a name for himself due to his passing ability and possession retaining qualities, scoring 21 goals in more than 150 appearances in his homeland.
His potential caught the eye of City and moved to the Etihad in 2010.
In England, he has gone from strength to strength, winning two league titles and League Cups.
For Spain, he’s one of 11 players to have more than 100 caps, playing 109 times. He was part of the squads to win the 2010 World Cup and Euros in 2008 and 2012.
Other notable stars include:
1972: Paul Clement, former assistant at PSG, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Now new manager of Swansea (45).
1989: Aaron Cruden, rugby player who plays as a fly-half for the All Blacks (28).
1992: Koke, Spanish footballer for Atletico Madrid and a Euro 2013 Under-21 winner (25).
1991: Josh Hazlewood, an Australian medium-pacer, who has seven five-wicket hauls in international cricket (26).