One of the finest defenders of his generation, whose reading of the game and leadership defied age during a remarkable spell at Chelsea.
Thiago Emiliano da Silva was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 22 September 1984. After overcoming tuberculosis early in his career, he became one of the world's best centre-backs at AC Milan and then PSG, where he captained the side for eight years. He joined Chelsea on a free transfer in 2020 at age 36 and was outstanding. His positioning, composure, leadership and reading of the game transformed Chelsea's defence. He won the Champions League in 2021 and the Club World Cup. He made 110 appearances for Chelsea. He earned over 110 caps for Brazil and captained the national team. He returned to Fluminense in 2024.
Champions League 2021
He overcame tuberculosis early in his career and was told he might never play again, yet went on to become one of the greatest defenders in football history.
Did You Know?Career Honours
- Champions League 2021
- Club World Cup 2022
- Ligue 1 7x
- Serie A 2011
- Copa América 2019