At 40, Thiago Silva still shows his class. |
At the age of 40, Thiago Silva - who conquered the top of Europe with AC Milan, PSG and Chelsea - is living an emotional final chapter of his career, not in the brightest light, but in his homeland Brazil, with Fluminense - the team that nurtured him during his years of revival.
And miraculously, the "monster" did not return just to retire.
Survivor
If I had to choose one word to describe Thiago Silva, it would probably be “survivor”. Survived tuberculosis, a disease that nearly killed him when he was just 21. Survived his father's abandonment. Survived adversity in Europe before he could make his mark. And now, at 40, when most players have retired or stepped back into the background, Silva is still the mainstay of a South American team that will compete with the rich at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™.
Silva's path to Europe was not a bed of roses. After a brief spell at Porto B, a fateful trip to Thailand and a loan spell at Dynamo Moscow saw him fight tuberculosis. Six months in quarantine in Moscow and almost a year without football would have been the end for many players. But Silva bounced back, starting anew at Fluminense, and rose to the top with Milan, PSG and Chelsea.
That journey is enough to make people call him a legend. But for Fluminense, Silva is more than just a legend - he is a living icon.
When Silva returned to Fluminense in late 2023, the team was struggling to survive relegation. But the 40-year-old center-back immediately brought new life, both as a reliable stopper in defense and as a spiritual leader. After helping the team stay in the league, the image of Silva kneeling down and walking the length of the pitch in tears of gratitude moved millions of fans.
Thiago Silva is commanding the Fluminense defense well. |
Going into the 2025 Club World Cup, Fluminense were not highly rated. But with Silva in the squad, the Brazilian team surprisingly overcame strong opponents such as Inter Milan and Al-Hilal to reach the semi-finals - where they faced Chelsea, Silva's former club.
Fluminense kept three clean sheets throughout the tournament – a record that perfectly reflects Silva's influence. Silva is more than just intercepting and marshalling the defense; he is also a coach on the pitch. Against Inter, he even called for tactical adjustments, suggested personnel changes and helped his team seal the game with a last-minute goal.
Renato Gaucho - Fluminense coach - did not hesitate to say: "Silva is a coach on the field. His experience and thinking are invaluable."
The clash between Fluminense and Chelsea is not only a Club World Cup semi-final, but also an emotional journey back to Silva's past. He was an icon at Stamford Bridge - commanding the defense in the 2021 Champions League campaign, the biggest trophy of his career. He also won the European Super Cup and the Club World Cup (old version) with Chelsea.
For Chelsea, Silva is more than just a player. His two sons, Isago and Iago, are both training at the club's academy. His family still lives in London. To “The Blues” fans, Silva is a gentleman, a warrior and a devoted father.
That's why, when the semi-final took place, despite facing Chelsea, Silva could not hide his emotions: "I'm not a spy. I still talk to the Chelsea players every week. This match is very special to me - and it will be even more special if we win."
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella also paid tribute to his senior: “He is a football legend. It is an honor to play against him. Hopefully we can overcome Fluminense and reach the final.”
From “monster” to ideal model
The nickname “O Monstro” – “the monster” – is not simply because of his fiery playing style, but also because Brazilian football honors an icon who has risen from adversity. Silva, at 40, may not be as fast as he was in his prime, but he possesses invisible weapons: tactical thinking, courage and the ability to inspire.
He can squat outside the penalty area, shouting instructions to the deep-lying midfield. He can be the first to cheer when the pressure is on. And he can be the last to wait for his teammates at victory celebrations. Thiago Silva is also studying for his coaching diploma - a logical future path, because what he does for Fluminense goes far beyond his role as a player.
Thiago Silva's value at the Brazilian club is huge. |
Fluminense are not a rich club. They consider themselves the “ugly duckling” in a game full of big names. But that hasn't stopped them from going far – because the club has a "monster" who not only plays football, but also knows how to lead.
Thiago Silva's story is not just a football journey, but also a testament to the power of faith, resilience and gratitude. From a poor child in the favelas of Rio, a patient who faced death in Moscow, a great leader in Milan, Paris and London - now Silva returns, with the fiery heart of a Brazilian and the refined intelligence of European football.
If Fluminense wins this year's Club World Cup, it will not only be a victory for a small team - but also an exclamation point on a great career for the man nicknamed "the monster".
Some legends are born in the spotlight. Thiago Silva was forged in the shadows, with blood, sweat and unwavering tenacity.
Source: https://znews.vn/quai-vat-thiago-silva-post1566912.html
Comment (0)