Sean de Silva
Sean de Silva is remembered by the Loons faithful as a creative and technically gifted midfielder who joined the club during its foundational 2013 season. While his time in Minnesota was a brief chapter in a long and successful career, his impact on the game has only grown since then, particularly through his pioneering work in youth development and social advocacy in the Caribbean.
The vitals
- Position: Attacking midfielder
- Birthdate: Jan. 17, 1990
- Nationality: Trinidad and Tobago
- How he joined the club: Signed in May 2013 during the club’s transition to the Minnesota United era.
- Current status: Retired; co-founder and director of the Canbouplay Foundation and a leading football analyst in Trinidad and Tobago.
The story so far
Sean de Silva arrived in Minnesota with an elite pedigree, having represented Trinidad and Tobago at both the 2007 U-17 World Cup and the 2009 U-20 World Cup. A standout at the College of Charleston, where he was a multi-year All-Conference selection, de Silva brought a high level of technical proficiency and vision to the 2013 roster. Following his stint with the Loons, he returned to his home country and became a legend in the TT Pro League.
At Central FC, de Silva enjoyed a “golden era,” leading the “Sharks” to a historic hat-trick of league titles (2014–2017) and two Caribbean Club Championship trophies. His performances on the continental stage in the Concacaf Champions League earned him a move to Europe in 2019, where he played in Iceland for Haukar and UMF Njarðvík. Across his professional career, he was capped 16 times for the senior Soca Warriors, solidifying his status as one of his nation’s most reliable playmakers of the decade.
Community and impact
Today, de Silva is widely recognized as a leader in the intersection of sport and social change. Since retiring from professional play in 2021, he has dedicated his career to building a sustainable future for Caribbean athletes:
- Canbouplay Foundation: As a founding director, de Silva oversees programs that provide mentorship, educational resources, and elite coaching to marginalized youth across Trinidad and Tobago.
- Tactical analysis: He has become a prominent media personality and analyst, providing expert tactical breakdowns for national team matches and the TTPFL.
- Advocacy: Through his foundation, he partners with international organizations to provide equipment and path-to-pro opportunities for young players who lack access to traditional scouting networks.
The de Silva record in Minnesota
- Year joined: 2013
- NASL appearances: 3
- National team honors: U-17 & U-20 World Cup veteran; 16 senior caps.
- Club honors: 3x TT Pro League Champion, 2x Caribbean Club Champion.
