* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 01:02, 20 November 2025 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals as of 9 August 2024 (UTC)
Thiago Emiliano da Silva (born 22 September 1984) is a Brazilian professionalfootballer who plays as acentre-back for and captainsCampeonato Brasileiro Série A clubFluminense. Regarded as one of the best defenders of all time, he is known for his defensive prowess, discipline, and leadership.[3]
Silva began his senior club career in 2002 playing as a midfielder forRS Futebol, and transitioned to a defensive position while atJuventude; he then signed withPorto in 2004, at age 19, and moved toDynamo Moscow onloan, where he was hospitalized with a near fatal bout oftuberculosis. After recovering, he joined Fluminense and won aCopa do Brasil in2007. In 2009, Silva moved toAC Milan for a reported fee of €8 million and won the2010–11 Serie A title.
Silva made his senior international debut forBrazil in 2008 at age 23, and has since received over 110 caps, including appearances in eight major tournaments. He earned a bronze medal at theSummer Olympics in2008 and a silver in2012, before serving as captain for Brazil on home soil as they won the2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and finished fourth at the2014 FIFA World Cup. Silva was also a member of the team that won theCopa América in2019 and finished runners-up in2021. He has not been called up to the Brazilian national football team since December 2022, but has not officially announced his retirement.[4]
When he was younger, Silva was admitted into a school in theCampo Grande neighborhood ofRio – coincidentally a feeder school forFluminense. At the age of 14, Silva impressed Fluminense coach Maurinho during a friendly inXerém. He was given a short trial, where he was given the role of adefensive midfielder. Silva's playing opportunities were few, prompting him to trial for other clubs. In 1999, at the age of 15, Silva auditioned atMadureira,Olaria, andFlamengo; he was rejected at each club, the trial at Flamengo being the most difficult for him as he was not even observed by coaches.[5]
After another unsuccessful trial atBotafogo, Silva was taken on by his hometown sideBarcelona, a small Brazilian club in the lower divisions. The following year, Silva played at a showcase tournament inSão Paulo in the hope of attracting the attention of bigger clubs. It is there where he was spotted byPaulo César Carpegiani, who invited him to joinRS Futebol in the south of Brazil. Joining the club in the end of 2001, Silva became a professional in 2002 and competed in thethird division of the Campeonato Gaúcho, finishing second and achieving promotion to the state'ssecond division. In a tournament played inAncona, Italy, Silva was spotted byBruno Conti, a coach withRoma. Conti wanted him to play for Roma, but Silva did not accept the offer.[6] Strong performances in his last season as a defensive midfielder led to Silva's move toJuventude.[7]
Silva moved to Juventude in 2004, where he played for six months. At 20 years old, Silva transitioned from midfield to defence under the tutelage ofIvo Wortmann.[8] In his only season at Juventude, Silva was regarded as the revelation of the season. He was rated by the sports magazinePlacar as the third-best defender in Brazil and was included in the team of the season.[9] Juventude had made a huge leap in league placement during Silva's time at the club – from finishing 18th with 53 points in2003, to finishing 7th with 70 points in2004. Silva had caught the eye of many clubs with his outstanding performances, and he was sold toPorto.
Silva was bought by Porto for €2.5 million in 2004,[10] but played only for the reserve team. After a year in Portugal, he joinedDynamo Moscow,[11] where he was diagnosed withtuberculosis and was hospitalised for six months.[12] He is quoted as saying, "Every now and then a doctor would come in and give me an injection, three or four times a day, plus 10-15 pills."[13] His illness became much worse over time and his doctors told him that if he had been hospitalized two weeks later, he could have died.[13][14] During his recovery, Silva decided to retire from football but was persuaded to reconsider by his mother.[15]
Silva returned to football with the help of his former coach, Ivo Wortmann. In 2006, Wortmann was signed as a coach by Fluminense and requested to bring Silva with him, despite Silva's health issues.[7] On 14 January, Fluminense announced the signing of Silva from Dynamo Moscow.[16] Fluminense struggled in the2006 Brasileirão, finishing 15th out of 20 teams; however, Silva was described as one of the best players in the season.[17] It is during this time where Silva developed the nickname of "O Monstro" — Portuguese for "The Monster".[18]
2007 was a much better year for both Fluminense and for Silva. The club finished in fourth place in the2007 Brasileirão, conceding only 39 goals in 38 matches, enough for the second-best defence in Brazil. More importantly, Fluminense managed a historic victory in the2007 Copa do Brasil, winning the prestigious trophy for the first time. Silva played a decisive part in the victory; he started in every match, and scored the opening goal in the quarter-final, as well as the equalising goal in the semi-final.[19] Silva's form through the season led him to be selected intoBrazil national team managerDunga's preliminary squad for the2007 Copa América.[20] After winning theCopa do Brasil, Silva was recognised by fans as the best defender in Brazil.[21] At the end of the season, he was one of three nominees for the Best Central Defender award, alongsideBreno andFábio Luciano.[22] The voting results were unveiled on 4 December, where Silva finished second, behind Breno.[23]
2008 was a bad year for Fluminense, but Silva's best on an individual level. Having devoted much of their efforts towards the2008 Copa Libertadores, the club's league form suffered, finishing in 14th place. On 18 January, Silva was rewarded by Fluminense's board of directors for his 100th match in thetricolor: He was awarded a shirt with the number "100" and a plaque in honour of his achievements.[25] Silva became an idol for young Fluminense supporters with his level of performances — the white wristband that Silva would wear during matches became a trend amongst teenagers in Rio de Janeiro who supported thetricolor.[26] In May 2008, four fans painted a flag of Silva to honour what they deemed "the best central defender in Brazil". It was first shown in theCopa Libertadores semi-final againstBoca Juniors[27] — Silva scored a crucial equaliser in the same match.[28]
Silva was included in the2008 Brasileirão Team of the Season and was selected as the Fans' Player of the Season.[29] Silva was widely regarded as one of Fluminense's most important performers in the2008 Copa Libertadores,[28][30][31] reaching the finals only to lose on penalties toLDU Quito. Silva's form for Fluminense earned him a call-up to theSeleção to take part in the2008 Summer Olympics.[32] Silva was linked with many clubs in 2008, including the likes ofInter Milan,Chelsea andVillarreal, though ultimately he opted to join the Brazilian contingent already atAC Milan.[33] The transfer was confirmed on 12 December.[34] In his final match for Fluminense, Silva was cheered by 50,000 supporters who were witnessing his last performance at theMaracanã.[35]
After a five-month rundown and a confusing four-hour negotiation period, Silva agreed to a move to Milan for a €10 million fee, with net wages of €2.5 million on a four-year contract.[36] Although Silva could not play competitive matches, he was able to train with the first team. In his first month at Milan, he was taught new defending techniques fromPaolo Maldini and managerCarlo Ancelotti.[37] Silva played his first match for theRossoneri in a friendly match againstHannover 96 on 21 January 2009; he played well, making ten tackles. His performance drew praise from Milan executiveAdriano Galliani and teammateClarence Seedorf.[38] Silva was officially registered as a Milan player for the2009–10 season.[39]
Silva played his first competitive match of the season againstSiena on 22 August 2009. After the match, he was praised for a strong individual performance alongside teammateAlessandro Nesta.[40] Milan legend Paolo Maldini claimed that Silva had the "physical and technical characteristics of a champion",[41] while Nesta said that Silva would "extend my life as a central defender".[42] On 23 September, Silva left training with a muscle strain; he was inactive for the next four matches.[43][44] In October, Silva followed a poor performance against Roma[45] with two great displays againstReal Madrid;[46][47] Silva also had a wrongly disallowed goal in Milan's away victory.[48][49]
"Thiago Silva will extend my life as a central defender."
On 8 November, Silva scored a goal – as well as an own-goal – in a 2–1 victory overLazio.[51] His quick transition to European football was met with a lot of interest from Italian media — the investment of €10 million to acquire Silva was regarded as a good decision; theLa Gazzetta dello Sport, the largest daily newspaper in Italy,[52] claimed that Silva's value had doubled at that point.[53] On 25 November, Silva put in a man of the match performance againstMarseille to secure passage into theknockout stages of theUEFA Champions League.[54] In a match againstZürich on 8 December, Silva was substituted after 20 minutes with a muscle injury. It was suspected that Silva tore a muscle, and would miss up to two months,[55] though after clinical examinations, the injury was found to be a strain rather than a tear.[56] On 30 December, Silva was pronounced to be fully fit by club doctor Massimo Manara.[57]
On 10 January 2010, Milan defeatedJuventus by a score of 3–0;[58] Silva was rated as one of the best performers on the day,[59] andLa Gazzetta dello Sport compared the understanding of Silva and Nesta to the legendary duo ofFranco Baresi andAlessandro Costacurta.[60] On 15 January, Silva's teammateAlexandre Pato claimed that Silva would become the best defender in the world.[61] In a match againstUdinese on 12 February, Silva picked up a muscle injury, leaving him in doubt for Milan's upcoming Champions League match againstManchester United.[62] On 6 March, Silva was selected as man of the match in a 0–0 draw with fellowScudetto challengers Roma.[63] At the end of the season, Silva was rated as the third-best central defender in the2009–10 Serie A byLa Gazzetta dello Sport.[64]
Silva's season began with a goal againstLecce in the first match of the2010–11 Serie A season.[65] In a 3–1 victory overChievo on 16 October, Silva was forced to leave the match with a sprained left ankle. The injury forced Silva to miss aChampions Leaguegroup stage match against Real Madrid — Milan CEO Adriano Galliani jokingly said after the match that he would give Silva his healthy foot in order to see him play at theSantiago Bernabéu Stadium.[66] Silva was inactive for four matches due to his injury. After returning from his injury, he was to play in theDerby della Madonnina against city rivals andtreble winners Inter Milan. Matched againstUEFA Club Footballer of the Year winnerDiego Milito, Silva nullified his efforts and played a key role in Milan's 1–0 victory.[67] In a 0–2 group stage loss toAjax in the Champions League, Silva suffered a right knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery.[68][69] Initially feared to be a serious injury,[70] it only kept Silva away for one month.[71] At the midpoint of the season, Silva was regarded as the best defender in the Serie A,[72] and the best in Europe.[73]
"I think that Thiago Silva is the best defender in the world. It is incredible how good he really is. Thiago Silva is part of a new generation of phenomenal players who are perhaps born once every 100 years."
Forced to play as an emergency defensive midfielder due to an injury crisis, Silva played extraordinarily well againstCesena, a match which Milan won 2–0. Silva's performance brought comparisons to legendary Milan midfielderMarcel Desailly.[75] In his next match, Silva was rated as the best player in Milan's 2–1 victory overSampdoria in theCoppa Italia quarter-final.[76] The midfield "experiment" continued in a 0–0 draw against Lazio, though this time, Silva was compared to another legendary Milan midfielder,Frank Rijkaard.[77] Silva was lauded by Italian media for his display againstNapoli, marking-out star strikerEdinson Cavani. Milan won 3–0.[78][79][80] One publication claimed that Silva and Nesta "made a ghost" of Cavani,[81] whereas another claimed that Cavani had a "nightmare".[82]
In the match that sealed theScudetto for Milan, Silva anchored theRossoneri to a 3–0 victory in the Derby della Madonnina against city rivals Inter.[83] At the end of the season, Silva extended his contract to June 2016.[84] Silva managed to complete the entire2010–11 Serie A having earned only one yellow card, and having committed 26 fouls in 33 total matches.[85] Silva's individual season was met with praise from all across Europe. In a fan vote, Silva was selected as Milan Player of the Season with 66.6% of the vote.[86]La Gazzetta dello Sport rated him as the Player of the Season.[87] Silva was selected as Goal's Serie A Player of the Season,[88] and was also voted as the best defender in the league by Italian media and his fellow professionals.[89][90]
Silva playing for AC Milan againstSiena in December 2011
Milan's season began with a 2–1 victory over Inter in the2011 Supercoppa Italiana; Silva was the best defender in the match and one of the best overall performers, making a decisive last-man tackle onSamuel Eto'o to deny a clear chance in the first half.[91] Milan began the2011–12 Serie A in poor form, winning only two points in the first three matches, though Silva was one of the better players in the draws against Lazio[92] and Udinese.[93] In aChampions Leaguegroup stage match againstBarcelona, Silva and Alessandro Nesta were crucial in the 2–2 result; both defenders were regarded as two of the best performers by Italian and Catalan media.[94][95] In the match, Silva scored the 90th-minute equaliser — his former coach Carlo Ancelotti predicted that Silva would score that goal.[96]
A knee contusion in a 3–0 victory overPalermo on 15 October kept Silva out for two matches.[97] In Silva's 75th Serie A match for Milan, played on 19 November, he was vital in maintaining a clean sheet againstFiorentina.[98] The next week, Silva was named captain against Chievo, in the process becoming the first foreign captain in 50 years for Milan.[99] In the 4–0 demolition at theSan Siro, Silva scored his first goal as captain, while teammateZlatan Ibrahimović also scored his 100th Serie A goal in the same match.[100] On 1 December, Silva was shortlisted for theFIFPro World XI.[101]1994 World Cup-winning coachCarlos Alberto Parreira regarded Silva as the best Brazilian footballer in Europe.[102]
On 9 January, Silva was compared to Milan's greatest player,[103] Franco Baresi, by his teammateGennaro Gattuso.[104] On 13 January, Zlatan Ibrahimović claimed that Silva was the best defender he had ever played with.[105] Silva was voted into the2011 UEFA Team of the Year on 18 January.[106] Silva was selected as man of the match in a 0–0 draw against Napoli in February.[107] In Milan's 4–0 win overArsenal in theChampions League Round of 16, Silva successfully marked-outRobin van Persie, who was in a great run of form.[108] Silva played his last full league match for Milan on 17 March againstParma, playing an important role in the 2–0 victory.[109] Manchester United captainNemanja Vidić said that Silva was the best defender in the world in an interview on 22 March.[110]
"It's difficult to identify where he can still improve. He has already proven to have everything."
On 24 March, Silva was forced out of a match against Roma after ten minutes due to a serious injury. Although Milan originally claimed Silva would be out just four weeks,[112] instead he missed seven weeks, including theChampions League quarter-finals against Barcelona, where Milan fell 1–3 on aggregate.[113] Without Silva, Milan stuttered in the league and lost theScudetto to rivals Juventus. It was argued that Silva's injury was the turning point in the title race: with Silva, Milan won 2.37 out of a possible 3 points per match, while without him Milan won 2.09 out of a possible 3 points.[114] Silva's strong season finished in another nomination to the Serie A Team of the Year, being joint-best central defender alongside Juve stalwartAndrea Barzagli.[115] He was also regarded as one of the best defenders in Italy by multiple independent publications.[116][117]
The negotiations to bring Silva toParis Saint-Germain took place at the end of the 2011–12 season. The saga took over a month to complete. On 11 June 2012, it was reported that Milan legend Paolo Maldini would convince Silva to join PSG in the summer.[118] Major French newspaperL'Équipe claimed that a transfer would be completed by 15 June.[119] The same day, PSG sporting director — and former Milan coach —Leonardo officially declared interest in acquiring Silva.[120] The next day, however, Milan general director Ariedo Braida claimed that Silva was not for sale.[121] On 13 June, Maldini refuted claims that he would play a part in Silva's transfer, asserting the fact that he would never convince Silva to leave.[122] Milan chairmanSilvio Berlusconi mentioned a potential transfer on 13 June, saying that Silva needed to be sold for €46 million in order to balance the club's accounts.[123] The next day, however, Berlusconi confirmed that Silva would be staying at Milan.[124] Transfer news slowed down, and on 2 July, Milan extended Silva's contract to 2017,[125] yet just 12 days later, Silva's transfer to PSG was confirmed.[126] The transfer fee was rumoured to be around €42 million, which would have made Silva the most expensive defender in football history.[127][128] Silva had repeatedly stressed the fact that he never pushed for a transfer, and that he was happy at Milan.[129][130] Silva even mentioned that he would like to return to Milan later in his career.[131]
At his arrival, Silva was presented to the media as the "best defender in the world" by PSG presidentNasser Al-Khelaifi.[132] Then PSG coach, and his former coach with Milan, Carlo Ancelotti, admitted to French media that Silva came to the club injured, and would not be able to participate immediately in matches.[133] Thirteen days later, Silva was declared fit to play, in time for aChampions Leaguegroup stage match againstDynamo Kyiv.[134] On his debut, Silva scored the second goal in PSG's 4–1 victory.[135] He played his firstLigue 1 match againstBastia, which PSG dominated, winning 4–0.[136] On 20 October, Silva was played as acentral midfielder in PSG's 1–0 win overReims; Silva was commended for his display by teammateSalvatore Sirigu.[137] Silva scored his second goal for the club inLe Classique — the derby between PSG and Marseille.[138] He was praised for his defensive display in the match.[139] On 16 December, Silva was praised for shacklingLyon forwardLisandro López in PSG's 1–0 win.[140] For the 2012 football year, Silva was inducted into theUEFA Team of the Year for the second consecutive season.[141]
In Silva's first match after the winter break, he was injured in a 0–0 draw againstAjaccio; the MRI confirmed damage to his left bicep, and Silva's recovery time was listed at three weeks.[142] It was found that Silva's injury was more serious than initially diagnosed,[143] and as a result Silva was actually inactive for almost two months.[144] Silva made his return in the second leg of theChampions League Round of 16 againstValencia. Silva was outstanding in this match, being lauded heavily in France for an "extraterrestrial effort" against the Spanish side.[145][146][147] In PSG's 1–0 victory over reigning championsMontpellier, Silva was regarded as the man of the match with a flawless defensive display.[148] Silva received theLigue 1 Player of the Month award for March, with 71% of the vote, after several fantastic performances.[149] This was followed by a unanimously exalted performance against Barcelona, where Silva was described as "a wall" by French and Catalan media.[150][151] Carlo Ancelotti claimed after the match that Silva was the best defender in the world, saying that Silva had all the ability to win theBallon d'Or.[152] PSG legendRicardo Gomes claimed that Silva was one of Brazil's best-ever defenders, as well as saying that Silva was the best defender in the history of the club.[153] In the return leg, Silva was again praised by Catalan media for a world-class performance.[154]
"He is the Messi of defenders. The question is no longer if he is the best defender in the world, because he is quite simply one of the best players in the world — better than Cannavaro when he won the Ballon d'Or."
Silva continued his run of great performances in PSG's tight 1–0 victory againstTroyes.[156] Silva's season came to an end on 5 May when he received a straight red-card in a match againstValenciennes. He motioned to the referee, and put his hands on the referee's shoulder, which the referee deemed as a red-card offence. It was deemed to be a very harsh decision,[157] with former refereeAlain Sars claiming the expulsion was severe.[158] Sporting director Leonardo said that the expulsion was "unacceptable", and Ancelotti said that he did not understand the reason for the expulsion.[159] Nevertheless, at the end of the season Silva was voted into the2012–13 Ligue 1 Team of the Year for his level of play throughout the season.[160] Silva was also shortlisted for theLigue 1 Player of the Year award, alongside teammatesBlaise Matuidi and Zlatan Ibrahimović.[161] Over the course of the season, Silva committed an extremely-low 14 fouls, which was mentioned as an excellent total for a defender inLe Parisien.[157] Silva was considered the best defender inLigue 1 byFrance Football.[162]
Silva's season began with a 2–1 victory in theTrophée des Champions againstBordeaux; Silva was voted as man of the match for his display.[163] It was the first time Paris Saint-Germain had won the trophy since 1998.[164] On 22 August 2013, it was announced that Silva had signed a one-year extension to his contract, keeping him at the club until 2018.[165] In the rematch with Bordeaux at theStade Chaban-Delmas, Silva put in another good performance as PSG won 2–0.[166] Silva was forced off the field in the 16th minute againstMonaco due to a left hamstring injury, which ultimately kept him out for six weeks.[167] Coming back from his injury, Silva played extremely well againstNice, out-dueling the league's second top-scorer,Darío Cvitanich.[168] Silva had an unusual run of scoring form, netting three times in seven matches. Silva scored in PSG's 4–0 victory over Lyon,[169] 5–0 victory overSochaux,[170] and 4–0 victory overNantes.[171]France Football rated Silva as the best central defender in Ligue 1 at the half-way point of the season.[172] At the end of the 2013 football year, Silva was inducted into the 2013UEFA Team of the Year for the third consecutive year,[173] making him joint-fifth in all-time appearances. Silva was also voted by his fellow professionals in the 2013FIFPro Team of the Year for the first time in his career.[174]
On 15 January 2014, Manchester United central defenderRio Ferdinand claimed that Silva was, by a distance, the best defender in the world.[175] Silva was imperious in PSG's 2–0 win against Bordeaux at theParc des Princes, where he covered for the errors of teammateGregory van der Wiel and was even close to scoring himself.[176] This performance was followed by another strong performance against Monaco; despite scoring an unlucky own-goal, Silva made crucial interventions throughout the match, including a last-man block against strikerEmmanuel Rivière.[177] In PSG's comprehensive 4–0 win in theChampions League overBayer Leverkusen, Silva was regarded byLe Parisien as having "dominated" thenBundesliga leading-scorerStefan Kießling.[178] Marseille defenderLucas Mendes said that Silva was the best defender in the world, and that Silva was his role model as a footballer.[179] On 16 February,Ronaldo, the three-timeFIFA World Player of the Year, compared the qualities of Silva to legendary German sweeperFranz Beckenbauer.[180] Silva managed another accomplished display inLe Classique, marshaling the club's defence to a clean sheet and helping extend its lead to eight points at the top of the Ligue 1 table.[181]
"Thiago Silva is without doubt the best central defender in the world. He has incredible qualities. He is a symbol of elegance like Franz Beckenbauer was. Silva follows in his footsteps."
In theChampions League quarter-finals againstChelsea, Silva conceded his first penalty in over three years, but recovered well in the 3–1 first leg victory[182] — Silva's overall defensive effort was well-recognised by both English and French media.[183][184] In the second-leg, however, Chelsea prevailed on away goals after a late goal from substituteDemba Ba. On 19 April, Silva captained PSG to a 2–1 victory in the2014 Coupe de la Ligue Final, the first time the club had won the competition since 1998.[185] Despite losing 1–2 toRennes, PSG clinched the league title; Silva had captained the club to their second consecutive league title, and their first double.[186] Silva again was shortlisted forLigue 1 Player of the Year,[187] and named in theLigue 1 Team of the Year for the second consecutive season.[188] Silva was rated byFrance Football as the league's fifth-best player, as well as the best defender in Ligue 1.[189]
Silva's season began poorly in PSG's 2–2 draw with Reims; he was rated as one of PSG's worst players in his first match back from the2014 World Cup.[190] In his post-match interview, Silva mentioned how he was not fully fit and that he was finding it difficult to forget Brazil'sembarrassing loss to Germany, where Brazil capitulated without him.[191] Only three days after the match against Reims, Silva's rush to get back to full fitness was halted as he suffered a serious thigh injury in a friendly against Napoli on 11 August; he only lasted 13 minutes before being carried off the pitch.[192] After nine weeks, Silva was finally pronounced fit on 16 October by managerLaurent Blanc, who also said that Silva would be able to start the next league match against Bordeaux.[193] In his return, he had an excellent display alongside fellow countrymanDavid Luiz as PSG dominated Bordeaux, winning 3–0.[194] A third of the way into the season, it was observed that Silva's performances were marked with inconsistency, especially throughout November and December. After PSG's 1–3 loss to Barcelona in December, he was criticised by former PSG playerPierre Ducrocq, who argued that Silva did not have any physical or technical problems, but instead a mentality issue.[195] Despite his struggles, Silva was recognised by his peers as being one of the two best central defenders in the world, as he was voted into the2015 FIFPro World XI for the second consecutive year.[196]
The 2015 calendar year began extremely well for Silva, with a man of the match display againstSaint-Étienne in a 1–0 victory.[197] It was followed by another man of the match performance, this time in a 1–0 win against Rennes.[198] After the match, Rennes captainSylvain Armand had nothing but praise for Silva, saying "he [Silva] is a monster and a phenomenon".[199] Four days later, Silva was voted as man of the match in PSG's 1–0Coupe de la Ligue win againstLille.[200] Silva's return to form was evident and it met praise from across the country — Pierre Ménès ofL'Équipe offered his praise, while Alain Roche ofLe Parisien stated that he was back to his best.[201][202] After PSG's 1–1 draw with Chelsea in the first leg of the2014–15 Champions League Round of 16, Silva was unanimously praised by the French press for his outstanding defensive showing as he marked-out strikerDiego Costa.[203][204][205] Three days later, he was voted man of the match as he scored his first goal of the season in a 3–1 victory overToulouse.[206]
Silva (left) in action for Paris Saint-Germain in 2014
L'Équipe recognised Silva's incredible performances in January and February with a detailed analysis of his performances — in 2015, Silva was winning 89% of his duels, best in Ligue 1; Silva had 2.9 interceptions, 3.4 tackles, and 7.6 clearances per match, best in Ligue 1; lastly, Silva had committed a remarkable 0 fouls in 630 minutes of play.[207] In a 2–0 win against Monaco in theCoupe de France quarterfinal, Silva was praised for his dominance: one publication noted, "if you thoughtDimitar Berbatov [of Monaco] was silent and invisible throughout the match, it was only due to the work of the Monster".[208] In the second leg of the2014–15 Champions League Round of 16, Silva conceded a controversial penalty in the 96th minute. PSG were poised to be eliminated from the Champions League but in the 114th minute, Silva atoned for his error with a towering header to beatThibaut Courtois to help PSG advance to the next stage. Silva was voted by several media sources as the best player in the match as he produced an extraordinary performance.[209][210][211]
PSG finally took pole position in the league after their 2–3 win over Marseille; Silva was dominant in his duels and played a crucial role in the victory.[212] Three days later, he was voted man of the match in a 4–1 victory against Saint-Étienne in the Coupe de France semi-final.[213] On 11 April, Silva captained the club to a 4–0 win in theCoupe de la Ligue final against Bastia.[214] Four days later, Silva suffered an injury in the 20th minute of PSG's quarterfinal against Barcelona.[215] He was ruled out for two weeks as PSG were comprehensively beaten 1–5 on aggregate by Barça.[216] Upon his return in a 3–1 win againstMetz, Silva had a comfortable performance as PSG moved closer to the title.[217] After an incredible 6–0 win againstGuingamp which edged the club closer to the first possible French domestic treble, Silva claimed that this PSG side was the best he had ever played in.[218] One week later, PSG clinched theLigue 1 title in a hard-fought 2–1 away win at Montpellier; Silva was voted man of the match and he was hailed for marking outLucas Barrios.[219] In the final match of the season, Silva was rated as the best player on the pitch in PSG's 3–2 win against Reims.[220] For the third consecutive season, Silva was voted by his peers into theLigue 1 Team of the Year.[221] Silva was also selected in Opta's Ligue 1 Team of the Season based on statistical merit.[222]
2015–2020: Sustained domestic success, European final
Silva andDavid Luiz playing for Paris Saint-Germain in 2016
After playing in the2015 Copa América, Silva finally returned to club training on 20 July inNew Jersey.[223] The first pre-season match that Silva played in was the final match of the2015 International Champions Cup against Manchester United, where PSG won 2–0 to win the trophy; Silva was rated as the best player in the match.[224][225] Two days later, Silva captained PSG to a 2–0 victory in the2015 Trophée des Champions against Lyon.[226] Silva had a good match with little to do defensively, as Lyon's star strikerAlexandre Lacazette played an insignificant role in the match.[227][228]
PSG began theirleague campaign with a 1–0 victory against Lille, playing with ten-men for two-thirds of the match.[229] Silva had a superb display, leading the defence to a hard-fought clean sheet. His performance was described as dominant, showcasing his intelligence and athleticism throughout the match.[230] On 8 May 2018, he played as PSG won 2–0 againstLes Herbiers VF to clinch the 2017–18Coupe de France.[231]
In April 2020, PSG were awarded the2019–20 Ligue 1 title after the season was ended prematurely due to the outbreak of theCOVID-19 pandemic; at the time of the League's suspension, PSG were in first place, with a twelve–point lead over second–placed Marseille. This was Silva's record seventh Ligue 1 title with the club, which saw him equal the all–time individual record of most Ligue 1 title victories, along with his club teammateMarco Verratti, which was jointly held byHervé Revelli andJean-Michel Larqué of Saint-Étienne, as well asGrégory Coupet,Juninho andSidney Govou of Lyon.[232][233] On 13 June, PSG's sporting director Leonardo revealed that Thiago Silva would be leaving the club at the end of theChampions League campaign in August, alongside his teammateEdinson Cavani.[234] PSG completed a domestic treble,[235] while his last competitive match for PSG was the2020 UEFA Champions League Final on 23 August, which PSG lost 1–0 toBayern Munich.[236] However, Silva became the first Brazilian to start a Champions League Final as a captain.[237]
On 28 August 2020, Silva joinedPremier League clubChelsea on a one-year deal with an option for a second.[238] He made his debut for the club on 23 September, in a 6–0 home win overBarnsley in the third round of theEFL Cup.[239] Three days later on 26 September, Silva made his Premier League debut in a 3–3 draw againstWest Bromwich Albion atThe Hawthorns as captain.[240] On 7 November, Silva scored his first goal for Chelsea in a 4–1 home league win overSheffield United.[241] On 21 December, Silva scored his second goal for Chelsea in a 3–0 victory overWest Ham.[242]
On 3 April 2021, Silva received a secondyellow card and got sent off in the 29th minute in Chelsea's 5–2 home defeat to West Bromwich Albion.[243] Silva led the defence as Chelsea reached its third Champions League final, defeatingReal Madrid in the semi-finals.[244] On 29 May, Silva went off injured in the 39th minute while he won his first Champions League trophy after Chelsea's 1–0 victory againstManchester City in the2021 UEFA Champions League Final at theEstádio do Dragão.[245]
On 4 June 2021, Chelsea announced the extension of his contract for another year, keeping him at the club until June 2022.[246]
2021–24: 100 Champions League appearances and departure
Life is hard for those who are soft. If it's up to me, I'll get up every time I fall.
—Silva, reflecting on a turbulent 2022–23 season for Chelsea.[247]
On 4 December 2021, Silva scored in a 3–2 league loss to West Ham, becoming, at the age of 37 years and 73 days, the club's oldest ever goalscorer in the Premier League, surpassing the previous record set by Didier Drogba in 2015.[248] The following month, on 3 January 2022, he extended his contract again, this time until the end of the 2022–23 season.[249] Later that month, on 23 January, he score against Tottenham to seal a 2–0 league win, becoming, at the age of 37 years and 123 days, the oldest player to score in the Premier League since the 39-year-oldRyan Giggs in February 2013.[248][250] In the first leg of the UCL Round of 16 againstLille on 22 February, Silva won possession 12 times, a personal best in a UCL match.[248][251] During a 2–4 league loss to Arsenal on 20 April 2022, he became Chelsea's oldest outfield player in the Premier League (37y and 210d), breakingGraham Rix's record from 1995 by seven days.[248]
On 11 October 2022, Silva made his100th Champions League appearance in a 2–0 away win against his former club AC Milan.[252] On 10 February 2023, he extended his contract by another year, taking his contract to the end of the 2023–24 season.[253] On 28 February 2023, the club announced he would be out of action for an unspecified time after suffering ligament damage in a game againstTottenham.[254] In April, Silva was in the starting lineup for the two-legged Quarter Final tie against Real Madrid, which Chelsea lost 4–0 on aggregate. In a post-match interview, Silva hinted that he might have played his last game in the Champions League.[247]
On 28 May 2023, before Chelsea played their final game of the season againstNewcastle, Thiago Silva was namedChelsea's Player of the Year, becoming the first defender to win the award sinceJohn Terry in2006.[255] On 12 November 2023, Silva scored against Manchester City in a 4–4 draw, becoming, at the age of 39 years and 51 days, the oldest goalscorer in Chelsea's history, breaking a 76-year-old record set byDick Spence in 1947.[256] Two weeks later, on 25 November, he became the club's oldest-ever outfield player, surpassing Spence again.[257] On 7 April 2024, he opened the scoring in a 2–2 league draw with Sheffield United, becoming, at the age of 39 years and 198 days, the third-oldest player to score away from home in the Premier League, as well as the third-oldest overall, only behindDean Windass andTeddy Sheringham.[258][259] He also became only the second 39-year-old player to score three or more goals in a single league season, after Sheringham in 2005–06.[259]
On 29 April 2024, Chelsea announced that Silva would depart the club at theend of the season, after spending four years at the club.[260]
On 7 May 2024, Silva agreed to join Fluminense as a free agent in July 2024 on a two-year deal, returning to his home club fifteen and a half years later. The defender helped Fluminense escape near-guaranteed relegation - the club was 20th when he joined before embarking on a 10-game streak without conceding a single league goal, largely due to the defender's influence.[261]
After a strong season with Fluminense, Silva was called up to theBrazil preliminary squad for the2007 Copa América,[262] though he was not a part of the main team which ultimately won the tournament.[263] Silva was then called up for a friendly againstAlgeria on 15 August,[264] failing to leave the bench, as Brazil won 2–0.[265] Silva was then selected byDunga to play in the2008 Summer Olympics, one of two overage players, alongsideRonaldinho. Silva won his first two caps for Brazil in pre-Olympic friendlies againstSingapore andVietnam, though he suffered a right calf injury against Vietnam that kept him out of Brazil's first Olympic match.[266] He was finally pronounced fit for the third group match, where Silva started and Brazil won 3–0 againstChina.[267] He did not start any other matches, only coming on in the 71st minute againstBelgium in the third-place match, which sealed the bronze medal for Brazil.[268]
Silva's next cap came in an international friendly againstPortugal on 20 November 2008; Brazil won by a convincing 6–2 scoreline,[269] and Silva was praised for having "dominated" the reigningFIFA World Player of the Year,Cristiano Ronaldo.[270] Silva was praised by his teammates for his performance.[271] He was not a starter during the2010 World Cup qualifications for Brazil, despite his high level of club performances for Milan.[272] He was still playing in friendly matches, and in a November 2009 friendly againstEngland, Silva put in a man of the match display inDoha.[273]
2010 World Cup, 2011 Copa América, and 2012 Olympics
Silva's first international trophy came at the2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, held in Brazil. As a warm-up tournament to the2014 World Cup, the Brazilian side dominated all opposition, winning the tournament with an overall aggregate score of 14–3.[279] Silva was outstanding throughout the tournament; he was rated as the tenth-best player at the end of the group stages,[280] and by the end of the tournament, he was rated as the fifth-best player of the tournament by theCastrol Performance Index.[281] Silva was also voted into the Confederations Cup Dream Team by FIFA.com users.[282]
Silva scored his second goal for Brazil in a 3–1 friendly victory over Portugal on 11 September 2013.[283] In a pre-World Cup friendly againstSerbia, Silva assisted Fred's goal as Brazil ran out with a 1–0 victory.[284]
With Silva playing for the first time at aWorld Cup, Brazil won 3–1 againstCroatia in their first match at the2014 World Cup, held on home soil.[285] Silva was regarded as Brazil's best player in their second match, a 0–0 draw against Mexico,[286][287][288] making several crucial interventions and getting involved offensively.[289] In the final group match againstCameroon, Silva was again outstanding as Brazil won by a decisive 4–1 scoreline.[290][291] At the end of the group stage,FIFA rated Silva as the third-best defender of the tournament, and the ninth-best player overall.[292]
In Brazil's victory overChile in the round of 16, Silva assisted the opening goal scored byDavid Luiz.[293] Chile equalised, and after no goals were scored in extra-time, the match went to a penalty shootout. Silva faced severe criticism for his behaviour, as he was pictured in tears before and during the shootout.[294]1970 World Cup-winning captainCarlos Alberto asserted that Silva was a weak captain, while Brazilian legendZico insisted that Silva should have volunteered to take a penalty, instead of refusing to take one.[295] After theRound of 16, Silva was still regarded as one of the best defenders of the tournament by multiple media sources.[296][297]
Silva was able to silence his critics by scoring the opening goal in the quarterfinal againstColombia, and was seen as a top performer in the match;[298] however, Silva picked up his second yellow card of the tournament for obstructing goalkeeperDavid Ospina, which ruled him out of the semi-final.[299] Brazil tried to appeal his yellow card,[300] but it was immediately rejected.[301] Nevertheless, at the end of the quarter-final stage, Silva was rated by FIFA as the second-best defender of the tournament, and the fourth-best player overall.[302] Silva's suspension brought apprehension to the team;José Mourinho even claimed that Silva was Brazil's most important player, praising the stability Silva offers to the defence.[303]
In the third-place match, Silva returned, but his presence could not salvage any honours for Brazil, as they were comprehensively beaten 3–0 by the Netherlands. In the second minute of the game, Silva pulled downArjen Robben, as he ran intoJúlio César's box with the ball for a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Under FIFA rules Silva ought to have been shown a red card, but he was shown a yellow card instead by the Algerian refereeDjamel Haimoudi. The referee called for a penalty, while the foul happened outside the box, which was successfully scored byRobin van Persie.
At the conclusion of the tournament, Silva was rated by FIFA as the third-best central defender, and the eighth-best player overall.[310] Silva was selected into theFIFA World Cup Dream Team voted by FIFA.com users,[311] and theCastrol World Cup Top XI based on statistical merit.[312]
Brazil, under Dunga's second stint as manager, went to the2015 Copa América in Chile withNeymar as the captain. After his suspension for the remainder of the tournament in their second game, however, the armband did not go back to Silva, but rather to his defensive partner,Miranda. In Brazil's finalgroup match againstVenezuela at theEstadio Monumental David Arellano inSantiago, Silva opened the scoring in the ninth minute, volleying in a corner fromRobinho. The eventual 2–1 victory sent Brazil into the quarter-finals as group winners.[313] In the 70th minute of the quarter-final, Silva's handball gave Paraguay the penalty kick from which they equalised for a 1–1 draw; Brazil lost in the subsequentpenalty shoot-out.[314]
On 14 May 2018, Silva was named byTite to captain the squad for the2018 World Cup in Russia.[315] He would play the full 90 minutes of all five of Brazil's matches at the tournament, before they were eliminated byBelgium in the quarter-finals. Silva managed to score during Brazil's final group stage match on 27 June, getting the second goal in his side's 2–0 win againstSerbia.[316]
In May 2019, Silva was included in Brazil's 23-man squad for the2019 Copa América on home soil.[317] He would go on to play every minute for Brazil as they won the tournament, concluding with a 3–1final victory againstPeru on 7 July at theMaracanã.[318]
2021 Copa América runner-up and appearance milestones
In June 2021, Silva was included in Brazil's squad for the2021 Copa América, again held on home soil.[319] He played the full 90 minutes for Brazil in two of their group stage games and all three of their knockout stage fixtures, including their 1–0 defeat to rivalsArgentina in thefinal on 10 July.[320]
On 10 October 2021, Silva made his 100th appearance for Brazil in a goalless2022 World Cup qualification draw against Colombia.[321] In September 2022, he became the most-capped centre-back in the history of the Brazil national team, surpassingLúcio.[322]
On 7 November 2022, Silva was named to Brazil's 26-man squad for the2022 World Cup in Qatar.[323]
Silva started and played the full 90 minutes of Brazil's first two group matches againstSerbia andSwitzerland.[324][325] He then assistedRicharlison's goal in a 4–1 round of 16 victory againstSouth Korea on 5 December.[326]Four days later, Silva played the full 120 minutes of Brazil's quarter-final elimination byCroatia, losing on penalties after extra time.[327]
Silva has been recognized as a complete defender by his peers and critics. He has been described as a consistent defender, without any flaws, and someone who can lead any defence.[328] A leader from the back, Silva's play has led him to be compared to legendary Italian defenderFranco Baresi.[329] Baresi, regarded as one of the greatest defenders in football history,[330][331] has gone on record to state that Silva is the defender who most resembles him,[332] and said in June 2012 that Silva was his "heir".[333] Although he has been criticised at times in the media over his mentality, his leadership skills are also apparent through his success in captaining both Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain.[334][335][336]
Silva is heralded as one of the fastest defenders in European football,[337] and has been described as a strong defender with good aerial ability.[338][339][340] He combines these physical gifts with a phenomenal tactical intelligence, discipline, and knowledge of the game, as well as an excellent positional sense, which allows him to excel in one on one situations.[341][342][343] Thanks to his abilities, he excels at reading the game and at anticipating plays, and he is excellent at closing down and tackling opposing players in possession of the ball.[340][344][345] Hailed as the best of the new breed of defenders[346] — composed in possession, able to create chances for his team from the back with his passing — Silva is a technically gifted defender who is universally praised for his ability, being voted as one of the top two central defenders in Europe for three consecutive years;[343][347] he is considered to be one of the best defenders of his generation,[189][328] with Rio Ferdinand and Ronaldo both describing him as the best defender in the world in 2014.[175][180] Although predominantly a centre-back, Silva has also been used in midfield as either a central or defensive midfielder.[75][137] Despite his ability, however, he has also struggled with injuries throughout his career;[348] notwithstanding these difficulties, he has also drawn praise for his longevity.[349]
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