Though born in France, Silva elected to play for Portugal, and represented the country at every youth level. With the under-16s he appeared at the "Tournoi du Val-de-Marne", featuring in all three group stage matches – however, after he was found to have done unauthorized training with Chelsea, he was suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation. He played with the under-17 team as they attempted to qualify for the 2007 UEFA European Championship, being a regular as the side eventually fell short in the elite round.