# Jorge Mendes says he stopped Monaco from releasing Bernardo Silva

- URL: https://apitofinal.pt/en/nacional-en/jorge-mendes-says-he-stopped-monaco-from-releasing-bernardo-silva/
- Published: 2026-10-31T10:37:12+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-31T10:56:12+00:00
- Publisher: Apito Final (apitofinal.pt)
- Section: Nacional
- Tags: Benfica, Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Paços de Ferreira

## Article

Bernardo Silva, who is currently at Real Madrid, was criticised early in his career, with many underestimating his potential. Jorge Mendes, his former agent, told the “Leading the Game” conference at the Universidade Católica in Porto that several people had told him the most the midfielder could achieve was to play in a first or second division, even citing Paços de Ferreira as a ceiling. Mendes recalled that after Bernardo’s move from Benfica to Monaco, he had to step in to prevent him from being let go, convincing the French club’s board that they were making a mistake by not backing the player.

The agent, known for having worked with some of the biggest names in football, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, stressed that a capacity for hard work often outweighs talent. Mendes said Bernardo would go on to establish himself as one of the best midfielders in the world, particularly through his success at Manchester City, before moving to Real Madrid. This is a clear demonstration of how first impressions can be wrong, and reflects the importance of giving opportunities to emerging talents.

Besides Bernardo Silva, Mendes also shared the story of Deco, whom he discovered in a match between Espinho and Alverca. The agent revealed that, despite Benfica’s initial refusal to back the player, he ended up placing him at Salgueiros and worked tirelessly to convince Pinto da Costa to sign him for FC Porto. Deco would go on to be key to the Champions League triumph in 2004, an achievement that Mendes believes should have earned the player the Ballon d’Or.

João Félix was also mentioned by Mendes, who explained that the youngster’s move to Benfica came about after his father’s concern over his place at FC Porto, where his brother, Hugo Félix, ended up being signed by the Eagles. This situation illustrates how family circumstances can influence decisions in football.

The agent underlined that many athletes with great potential are in the lower divisions and need only an opportunity to shine. Mendes warned that, often, these talents have nobody to give them the chance to show their worth. He argued that commitment and dedication are crucial to a player’s success, stressing that, in his experience, more than 80% of the players he transferred were not the standout names at their clubs.

In short, Jorge Mendes concluded that, while talent is important, it is not enough on its own. Athletes must take on responsibility and be prepared to face challenges to succeed in football. The message is clear: hard work and determination can take a player to heights that many would consider impossible.