Paulo César da Silva Barrios (born 1 February 1980) is a Paraguayan former professional international footballer who played as a centre-back.
After making his debut, da Silva was a mainstay in Toluca's defence, starting all but one game that he has played and eventually becoming the team's captain due to his leadership on the field.
[60] On 12 September he made his first Premier League appearance, replacing Steed Malbranque for the final ten minutes of a 4–1 home win over Hull City.
Manager Steve Bruce cited 'settlement' as the reason behind playing Da Silva in phases, stating he needed time to adjust to the English game and lifestyle.
Da Silva joined Real Zaragoza from Sunderland on 31 January 2011 for an undisclosed fee, with his new club in 15th in La Liga at the time.
[71] At the end of the season, da Silva was linked to becoming assistant manager next to Uruguayan Sergio Órteman[72] and was announced as such for Sol de América, next to Humberto Ovelar,[48] but, in 2024, he again returned to playing for Atlántida Sport Club in 2024 Primera División B, the club he commenced his career, where the 44-year-old da Silva announced it will be his last season playing.
He also played at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, featuring in all five of Paraguay's games in their run to the quarter-finals, and provided an assist for Sunderland teammate Cristian Riveros in their 2–0 win against Slovakia in the group stages.
In 2023, at the end of the season, da Silva was linked to becoming assistant manager next to Uruguayan Sergio Órteman[72] and was announced as such for Sol de América, next to Humberto Ovelar,[48] but, in 2024, he again returned to playing for Atlántida Sport Club in 2024 Primera División B, the club he commenced his career, where the 44-year-old da Silva announced it will be his last season playing.