Former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender Thiago Silva has signed for FC Porto at the remarkable age of 41, the Portuguese club has officially confirmed. Widely regarded as one of the finest centre-backs of his generation, the Brazilian stalwart arrives at Porto after spending two seasons with his home club Flamengo, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to the Primeira Liga side.
Silva’s association with Porto is particularly poignant, as he began his professional career with Porto B in the 2004–05 season. After a long and illustrious journey across Europe and South America, he has returned to the club where it all began, closing the circle on an extraordinary career. Following his initial spell at Porto B, Silva moved to Dynamo Moscow, before returning to Brazil to join Flamengo’s senior squad.
In 2012, Silva made the switch to AC Milan, where he won the Serie A title, establishing himself as one of Europe’s premier defenders. His stellar performances earned him a move to Paris Saint-Germain, where he amassed an impressive seven Ligue 1 titles. In 2020, he left PSG to join Chelsea, contributing to the Blues’ UEFA Champions League triumph, further cementing his legacy as one of the game’s most decorated defenders.
Across his glittering career, Silva has now won a total of 32 major trophies, a tally that underscores his consistency and winning mentality at the highest level. His return to Porto comes at a crucial moment, as the club currently leads the Primeira Liga by five points, and Silva’s presence could be instrumental in guiding them to another domestic title.
Thiago Silva: Career Overview :
| Season | Club | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| 2004–05 | Porto B | Professional debut |
| 2005–07 | Dynamo Moscow | Regular first-team appearances |
| 2007–12 | Flamengo | Senior team breakthrough, domestic success |
| 2012–20 | AC Milan / PSG | Serie A title with Milan; seven Ligue 1 titles with PSG |
| 2020–23 | Chelsea | UEFA Champions League winner |
| 2025– | FC Porto | Current club, aiming for Primeira Liga triumph |
At 41, Silva remains a model of professionalism, tactical intelligence, and defensive prowess. His return to Porto is not only a sentimental homecoming but also a strategic acquisition, as the veteran defender provides leadership both on and off the pitch. Fans and pundits alike view his arrival as a historic moment for the Portuguese club, highlighting the rare longevity and enduring quality of one of football’s all-time great centre-backs.
With Silva anchoring Porto’s defence, the Primeira Liga leaders now have a formidable mix of experience and ambition, setting the stage for what could be another trophy-laden season.