Like millions of Brazilians, Thiago Silva was distraught after being beaten 1-0 by Belgium in the quarter-finals of FIFA World Cup Russia 2018.
That’s why, from the very next day, he resolved to compete in Qatar four years later. He was approaching his 34th birthday, but nothing shook that conviction. “I made it my goal,” Silva tells FIFA+.
Now, at the age of 38, the centre-back has not only fulfilled that objective (as documented in our Original Captains but he remains one of the planet’s best players in his position and is an undisputed starter in Tite’s team.
No surprise, therefore, that the oldest player to represent Brazil at the World Cup wears the captain’s armband. The record formerly belonged to Djalma Santos (37 years and 138 days, in 1966), who claimed it from the mythical Nilton Santos (37 years and 32 days, in 1962).
Silva will set a new record against Switzerland in the second round of Group G matches at Qatar 2022 on Monday, when Brazil will aim to add to their opening match success against Serbia. The former AC Milan player is a rare example of longevity at the very highest level. He has overcome hurdles along the way, such as when he left Paris Saint-Germain in 2020 after the club opted against renewing his contract.
“Leaving Paris was a tough time, because of everything involved,” he says. “Although I was sure my qualities were intact, I know others doubted me and the decision to join Chelsea was the right one, culminating in winning the Champions League [in 2021]. It was the perfect way to prove the doubters wrong.”
