Bernardo Silva

Silva's move to Real Madrid was confirmed as his City contract expired, with Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho's arrival at the Bernabeu widely reported as accelerating the deal — a two-year contract through 2028.

He earned 109 caps and 14 goals for Portugal heading into the tournament, but at the World Cup itself started only the opening 1-1 draw with DR Congo, before playing no minutes against Colombia and just 28 minutes against Croatia as his involvement shrank.

Silva is a compact, two-footed midfielder whose value is control rather than end product — he keeps possession under pressure in tight areas and connects a team's phases of play more than he scores or assists directly.

His versatility across midfield and the front line, honed over nine seasons at City, made him a squad player Real Madrid could use in multiple positions from day one.

Silva arrives at Real Madrid as a decorated but 31-year-old squad addition rather than a guaranteed starter, joining a rebuilt midfield under Mourinho after Real's trophyless two years.

His diminishing World Cup minutes for Portugal — starter to unused across three group games — mirrored questions about his role at both club and country as he enters the last stage of his career.