Somalia Silva

Paulo Rogerio Reis Silva, also known as Somalia, is a professional football player from Brazil who plays as a midfielder. A versatile player, Somalia has also been known to slot into the left-back role when his team needs it. After beginning his playing career at the Olimpia Futebol Clube youth academy, Somalia made his professional debut in 2005, but with Clube Atletico Taquaritinga.

The following season, he moved to Associacao Atletica Francana before a 2007 move to Clube Atletico Bragantino. Although playing regularly for these teams, Somalia was a slow riser and he steadily began establishing himself in the football world.

In 2009, after two seasons with Bragantino, Somalia moved to America Futebol Clube where he made his mark with four goals and some stellar performances in 28 appearances. In 2010, he moved to Botafogo and was part of the 2010 Campeonato Carioca title winning team. However, Somalia’s presence in the first team has been limited and he has mostly played as a substitute.

At Botafogo, Somalia is famous for playing in almost every conceivable position possible, except the goalkeeper. He has had to help his team in many ways but he is most famous for faking his own kidnapping. In January 2011, Somalia claimed that he had been kidnapped and robbed of his money and jewelry, however CCTV football showed that he was late for training and wanted to think of an excuse that would force the club to cut his wages. He was charged with filing a false complaint and made a donation to charity as a penalty.