 A Boavista F.C.youth graduate who was born in Porto, Silva was bought in 1995 by neighbouring FC Porto, where he would be loaned constantly during his contract, mostly to mid-table clubs in the Primeira Liga, his beginnings being with AD Esposende in the third level.From 1999 to 2002 he was part of the club's first-team, but his starting XI opportunities were rare; for the 2002–03 season he was loaned for the fifth and last time, to Vitória de Guimarães.