Ilano Silva Timas

Ilano Silva Timas ( ; born 29 September 2002) is a professional footballer who plays as a winger or attacking midfielder for club Excelsior. Born in the Netherlands, he represents the Cape Verde national team.

Career Early career Born in Rotterdam, Silva Timas played youth football with Feyenoord and Sparta Rotterdam before joining Excelsior Maassluis at the under-15 level. He made his senior debut for the club on 4 June 2022, starting in a 3–1 away loss to Jong Volendam in the Tweede Divisie. During the following season, he primarily featured as a substitute, making 11 appearances.

Smitshoek Ahead of the 2023–24 season, Silva Timas moved to Smitshoek in the Vierde Divisie to gain more experience. He quickly impressed by scoring four goals in his first seven matches and was named Smitshoek Player of the Month for August and September.

On 5 March 2024, he announced his return to Maassluis for the 2024–25 season, signing a one-year contract.

MVV During the summer of 2024, Silva Timas underwent a successful pre-season trial with MVV in the Eerste Divisie, scoring eight goals in four friendlies. This earned him a two-year professional contract with the club on 24 July 2024. He made his professional debut on 9 August, replacing Rayan Buifrahi in the 62nd minute of a 1–0 home loss to Cambuur on the opening matchday. On 13 October, he netted his first professional goal in a 2–0 win over VVV-Venlo in a Limburg derby. In his first 12 matches, he scored three goals and provided two assists. On 17 December, he scored against his former youth club, Feyenoord, in a 2–1 defeat in the KNVB Cup. On 22 December, he scored his first brace for the club in a convincing 5–1 win over Telstar. He finished his first professional season with six goals in 35 appearances, establishing himself as a key player for MVV.

Ahead of the 2025–26 season, Dutch media reported that Silva Timas had attracted interest from Aberdeen and newly promoted Excelsior, but he ultimately remained with MVV.

Excelsior Rotterdam On 15 July 2026, Silva Timas moved to the top-tier Eredivisie and signed with Excelsior for three years.

International career Born in the Netherlands, Silva Timas is of Cape Verdean descent. In May 2025, Silva Timas was called up to the Cape Verde national team for a set of friendlies. He debuted with Cape Verde in a friendly 1–1 tie with Malaysia on 29 May 2025.

Style of play Silva Timas is a two-footed midfielder recognised for his composure under pressure, precise passing, and strong tactical awareness. Early in his career, he was compared to Sergio Busquets for his ability to control play, create goal-scoring opportunities, and contribute defensively. Silva Timas is also effective at pressing forward and providing goals and assists. As he progressed in his career, he further developed his goal-scoring instincts and ball control.

Career statistics