Mikaël Silvestre

Mikaël Silvestre is a French professional defender currently playing for Portland Timbers in the MLS. He was born on 9 August 1977 in Chambray-lès-Tours, France.

The product of Stade Rennes FC youth system, Mikaël claimed a first-team place in 1996. He spent two good seasons with a French club before joining Italian prominent club Inter in the 1998/99 season. However, his career really picked up steam when Silvestre moved to the English heavyweights Manchester United in 1999. He was a fantastic asset for the club for nine seasons amassing 361 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils. For that period Silvestre recorded the 2003/04 FA Cup, the 2005/06 Football League Cup and two FA Community Shield victories. The French defender proved decisive in league competitions as he helped Manchester United to record five Premier League titles.

In 2008, Silvestre switched to Arsenal and in 2010 he left for German SV Werder Bremen. He met with much criticism at Bremen concerning his style of play but nevertheless Silvestre recorded a spectacular goal for the club against Borussia Dortmund. In 2013, the French player signed a contract with an MLS side Portland Timbers and plays there today.

Mikaël Silvestre was an international for France in between 2001 and 2006 amassing 40 caps for the period. He was part of the team who won the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2001 and 2003.