05 Jul 2025
The legendary Thiago Silva is showing no signs of slowing down at 40. Captaining Fluminense, he put in a stellar performance to guide his team to a 2-1 win over Al Hilal, earning a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals. The match took place at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, with the Brazilian side edging out their opponents with goals from Matheus Martinelli and Hercules while Al Hilal's Marcos Leonardo managed a single reply.
Silva's impact on the game was undeniable. As a central defender, he made critical contributions, including two interceptions, a block, and stopping attacks. These efforts were crucial in thwarting Al Hilal's advances and ensuring Fluminense's success. It's clear that Silva’s experience and leadership continue to make a significant difference for his team, inspiring them to achieve new heights in the tournament.
In a post-match interview, Silva shared his delight and pride over Fluminense's performance, emphasizing the difficulty of competing at this level and reaching the semifinals. "I'm incredibly happy and proud of the team. Playing in such a challenging competition and getting this far is a massive achievement," he stated. Silva's displays remain impressive, making it hard for fans and critics alike to believe he continues to perform at such a high level past the usual retirement age.
Fluminense’s journey in the tournament has been remarkable, with the team still unbeaten, including a notable win over Inter Milan in the last 16. The squad, led by coach Renato Gaucho, aims to maintain this winning streak as they move into the semis, where they await the victor between Palmeiras and Chelsea. As anticipation builds for this next clash, the combination of youthful flair and veteran expertise embodied by Silva is Fluminense's ace heading into the final stages. Watch out world because this team is ready to make history.