1. Early life and career beginnings
Alfonso Silva's early life laid the foundation for his distinguished football career, beginning in his native Canary Islands before he rose to prominence in Spanish football.
1.1. Birth and childhood
Alfonso Silva Placeres was born on 19 March 1926, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, within the Canary Islands, Spain. He died on 16 February 2007, in Konstanz, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
1.2. Youth career
Silva's youth career saw him develop his skills at local clubs. From 1939 to 1941, he played for Santa Canaria, and subsequently, he joined RC Victoria, where he remained from 1941 to 1945. These formative years helped shape him into the versatile player he would become.
2. Club career
Silva's professional career was largely defined by his successful stint with Atlético Madrid and his subsequent move to UD Las Palmas, where he continued to contribute significantly.
2.1. Atlético Madrid
Alfonso Silva played for Atlético Madrid from 1946 to 1957, establishing himself as a prominent figure in Spanish football during the 1950s. During his time with the club, he won two consecutive La Liga titles in the 1949-50 and 1950-51 seasons. He also secured the Copa Eva Duarte in 1951. His contributions were vital to Atlético Madrid's success during this period. Silva was known for his versatility, capable of playing across various positions from forward to defender. He appeared in a total of 181 official matches for Atlético Madrid, scoring 41 goals.
However, his tenure at Atlético Madrid concluded under difficult circumstances. Following the appointment of Antonio Barrios as coach for the 1955-56 season, Silva's playing opportunities significantly decreased. In 1956, he was ultimately excluded from the squad due to a disciplinary issue, leading to his departure from the club.
2.2. UD Las Palmas
Following his departure from Atlético Madrid, Alfonso Silva was transferred to the newly formed team UD Las Palmas in 1956. The transfer fee for Silva was 300.00 K ESP. He played for UD Las Palmas from 1957 to 1959, where he made 36 appearances and scored 11 goals. Throughout his entire professional club career, Silva accumulated a total of 189 appearances and scored 45 goals.
3. International career
Alfonso Silva proudly represented both the Spain national football team and the Canary Islands representative team during his career, participating in major international tournaments and notable regional matches.
3.1. Spain national team
Silva earned 5 caps for the Spain national football team between 1949 and 1951, scoring 1 goal. His most significant international appearance came when he was selected for the Spanish squad that participated in the 1950 FIFA World Cup held in Brazil. This competition marked a high point in his international career, showcasing his talent on a global stage.
3.2. Canary Islands representative team
Alfonso Silva also played a significant role for the Canary Islands representative team. On 10 January 1950, he notably featured in a match against San Lorenzo de Almagro, an Argentine champion club that was on a successful tour of Europe at the time. The Canary Islands team achieved a remarkable victory, defeating San Lorenzo de Almagro by a score of 4-2.
4. Playing style and characteristics
Alfonso Silva Placeres was renowned for his distinctive playing style, characterized by his exceptional tactical versatility. He possessed the ability to play effectively in multiple positions across the field, ranging from forward to defender. This adaptability made him a valuable asset to any team he played for. His comprehensive understanding of the game and precise play earned him the nickname el matemático del balónSpanish, which translates to "the mathematician of the ball," reflecting his intelligent and calculated approach to football.
5. Honours
Alfonso Silva achieved significant success throughout his club career, winning several major titles:
- La Liga: 1949-50, 1950-51
- Copa Eva Duarte: 1951
6. Death
Alfonso Silva Placeres died on 16 February 2007. He passed away in Konstanz, located in the state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
7. Legacy and reception
Alfonso Silva Placeres is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players in the history of the Canary Islands. His consistent performance, tactical versatility, and significant contributions to Atlético Madrid's successes, including multiple La Liga titles, firmly established his legacy in Spanish football. His participation in the 1950 FIFA World Cup with the Spain national football team and his memorable performance with the Canary Islands representative team further cemented his status as a legendary figure in the sport, particularly within his home region.