Born in Lisbon, Sílvio played youth football with local S.L. Benfica. In summer 2008, he moved straight from the lower leagues with Odivelas F.C. to the Primeira Liga with Rio Ave FC: he made his debut in the competition on 24 August in a 1–1 home draw against Benfica, and finished his second season with 27 appearances to help the Vila do Conde side to the 12th place, above the relegation zone. In July 2010, Sílvio joined S.C. Braga, scoring his first top flight and professional goal on in a 1–0 home win over C.S. Marítimo and playing in 38 official games in his first and only campaign, including nine in the Minho club's runner-up run in the UEFA Europa League; he also began suffering from injury problems in this timeframe.
Sílvio was confirmed as an Atlético Madrid player on 19 May 2011, on a five-year deal. He first appeared in La Liga on 28 August in a 0–0 home draw with CA Osasuna in which he played the full 90 minutes. On 20 November he suffered a knee injury against Levante UD, from which he went on to relapse several times. In early January 2013, Sílvio was loaned to Deportivo de La Coruña until the end of the season, reuniting with several countrymen including manager Domingos Paciência, also his boss at Braga. He featured almost exclusively as left-back during his spell with the Galicians and even managed to score twice, in wins against RC Celta de Vigo and RCD Mallorca, but his team eventually suffered relegation. Sílvio returned to Benfica on 10 July 2013, joining on a season-long move. His spell was again marred by injuries, the most serious occurring on 10 April 2014 in a Europa League quarter-final match against AZ Alkmaar, when he fractured both the fibula and tibia on his right leg after missing the ball and kicking teammate Luisão instead. On 1 September 2014, Sílvio was loaned to defending champions Benfica again for one year. On 15 July 2015, the move was extended for a further campaign, and he appeared in only 17 competitive games both spells combined.
On 30 July 2016, Sílvio signed a one-year deal with English Championship club Wolverhampton Wanderers after having his contract at Atlético terminated by mutual consent. Injury prevented him from making his competitive debut until 20 September, in a 0–2 away defeat against Newcastle United in the League Cup; his maiden league appearance occurred the following week, in a 1–2 defeat at Wigan Athletic. On 22 October 2016, in his debut at the Molineux Stadium, Sílvio scored an own goal in a 0–1 defeat to Leeds United, which ultimately caused head coach Walter Zenga to be sacked. After falling out of favour under interim Rob Edwards and then Paul Lambert, it was revealed that he had suffered what was thought to be a broken foot in December which would rule him out for up to four months. Sílvio's return to action took place on 7 May 2017, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1–0 home victory over Preston North End and being subsequently praised for his performance. Later in that month, Wolves revealed that discussions were ongoing with the defender regarding the option for an additional 12-month deal, but despite the appointment of new manager and compatriot Nuno Espírito Santo, which he welcomed, it was announced on 26 June that his contract would not be renewed by mutual decision.
In early February 2018, Sílvio returned to both Portugal and Braga, joining their reserves in the Segunda Liga. He scored in his first-ever appearance in the competition, helping the visitors to a 3–2 away win against U.D. Oliveirense. On 14 January 2019, Sílvio signed an 18-month deal with Vitória FC.
International career
Sílvio made his debut for Portugal on 7 September 2010, starting in a 0–1 away loss against Norway for the UEFA Euro 2012qualifiers. He was overlooked for the final stages by manager Paulo Bento, however, due to injury.
