Helder Silva calls time on international career

Writes: Edward Perry

Helder Silva has announced his retirement from international football after eight years with The EAFA.

An experienced member of the men’s team, he won The Nations League to bring home England’s first major trophy since 1990.

“EAFA gave me the chance to play football again at the very highest level,” Silva told The EAFA website.

“I literally don't have the words to express what it meant to me. All the travels, the games, the training camps, the people - I will miss it dearly.”

Helder played academy football in Portugal as a child but his move to London in 2015 saw him first introduced to the amputee game. He was soon after attending training for Arsenal, a team he became captain for.

The defender was called up for England duty in 2016 under Owen Coyle, and featured in numerous World Cup and European tournaments. He was rewarded for his efforts with the 2023 Nations League trophy.

As a senior member of Scott Rogers' England squad in this summer’s European Championships, he starred by opening the scoring in England’s Quarter-Final against hosts France.

Helder celebrating his Euros goal - Image: @ThreeLinesPhotography

Helder Silva was also a mainstay in The EAFA’s domestic competitions, playing for Arsenal, Peterborough and Chelsea, passing on his invaluable experience to those around him.

Speaking to The EAFA, Scott Rogers was glowing with praise: “It has been an absolute pleasure working with Helder and I have huge admiration for his attitude on and off the field.

“Helder lives the life of an elite athlete and has been a positive role model for his team mates.

“When called upon Helder has always delivered, regardless of what position you ask him to play. Watching Helder lift the Nations League trophy has been a real highlight of my time with EAFA.”

The England men’s captain David Tweed also commended Silva: “There are certain types of players that you just enjoy playing alongside, for different reasons, and to play alongside him has been a delight and my pleasure to do so.

“Helder basically ticks every box that I'd look for in a player -  competitive, committed, fit, a natural footballing ability and the right attitude.

“I give him huge amounts of praise for the sacrifices he's made for the sport.”

Though he has called time on his England career and The IKO EAFL season, this may not be the last time we get the pleasure of watching him play as the door is left ajar for a possible domestic return in the future.

The EAFA thanks Helder for his dedication to Amputee Football and he will always be remembered for helping to bring international silverware home. We wish him all the best in the future.