Thiago Silva, at 41, still harbours hopes of being recalled to Brazil's squad for the 2026 World Cup. He dreams of ending his career as a world champion. After four years with Chelsea, where he won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup, Silva returned to Brazil in 2024 to join Fluminense.
Before his time in the Premier League, Silva enjoyed a successful eight-season spell with Paris Saint-Germain, securing 23 trophies. He also celebrated winning the Scudetto with AC Milan in 2011. Since rejoining Fluminense, Silva has shown no signs of slowing down. The team was struggling at 20th in the Brazilian Serie A when he arrived but managed to avoid relegation thanks to seven clean sheets in eight league matches.
Fluminense finished
fifth in 2025 after their impressive recovery. They were also the only non-European team to reach the semi-finals of the Club World Cup. Silva played a crucial role by helping them achieve two clean sheets in five appearances during the tournament.
Silva's performance at the Club World Cup was notable. He ranked fifth among all defenders for clearances with 30 and joint-sixth for interceptions with seven. Additionally, he secured third place for aerial duels won, achieving 13 victories in this category.
The last time Silva represented Brazil was at the 2022 World Cup, earning his most recent cap out of 113 senior international appearances. Despite not being called up by Carlo Ancelotti since then, Silva remains hopeful that his strong club performances will earn him a spot in the upcoming tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In an interview with France Football, Silva expressed his aspirations: "Can you imagine if I ended my career with a World Cup title? It would be the absolute dream and the perfect moment to stop. " He added that although he hasn't been called up since 2022, he believes it's not impossible.
Brazil's Upcoming Challenges
Brazil is set to face Morocco in their opening Group C match on June 13 in New Jersey. Following this fixture, they will compete against Haiti in Philadelphia and Scotland in Miami. These matches are crucial as Brazil aims to progress further in the tournament.
Silva signed a two-year contract with Fluminense specifically to increase his chances of participating in another World Cup. His determination reflects his commitment to achieving this goal despite his age.
Silva's journey from Europe back to his roots at Fluminense demonstrates his enduring passion for football and desire for one last shot at international glory. His contributions have been vital both domestically and internationally as he continues to defy expectations on the field.
