At 41, Thiago Silva is not yet thinking about ending his career. Two days after terminating his contract with Fluminense, the Brazilian defender is returning to Europe to play for FC Porto.
More than 20 years ago, Thiago Silva took his first steps in European soccer with FC Porto. Between January and June 2005, the defender played 14 games for the Portuguese club’s second team, but never made the leap to the pros. Now, at the age of 41, he is making a new start with the Dragoes: as the club confirmed on Saturday, Thiago Silva has signed a contract until the summer of 2026, with an option to extend for another year.
Fifth World Cup appearance in the summer?
Just two days ago, Thiago Silva terminated his contract with Brazilian top club Fluminense, with whom he sensationally reached the semifinals of the Club World Cup in the USA in the summer (0-2 against Chelsea), after one and a half years. The reason is said to be the great distance from his family, who live in London. Thiago Silva also dreams of participating in the World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the USA next summer—assuming he is called up by Brazilian national coach Carlo Ancelotti, it would be the fifth time the 113-time international has participated in the final tournament.
Now the return to Europe, where Thiago Silva once became one of the world’s best defenders at AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea FC, is complete. The 41-year-old is quoted in the club’s statement as saying he would like to thank Porto president André Villas-Boas for the opportunity to return to Porto. “I am very happy to wear these colors again. I feel honored and hope that I can help as much as possible.”
Champions League and Copa America
Thiago Silva’s trophy cabinet is already well stocked. In addition to a championship title with Milan (2011) and seven with PSG (2013-2016, 2018-2020), the defender won the Champions League in 2021 under then-Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel.
The 2019 Copa America winner could add further titles in Porto: after 14 matchdays, the Dragoes are comfortably leading the Portuguese league with a five-point lead over Sporting Lisbon, and in the Europa League, direct qualification for the round of 16 beckons.
