Thiago Silva is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a central defender for Premier League club Chelsea and the Brazil national team.
Thiago Silva is known for his pace, aerial ability, and leadership skills, Silva is regarded as one of the best central defenders of his generation.
After moving back to Europe to join Milan in 2009, Silva established himself as one of the highest-rated defenders in the world, winning the Serie A title with the AC Milan in the 2010–11 season.
Paris Saint-Germain signed him for a reported €42 million, making him the then second-most expensive defender in history behind Rio Ferdinand.
With PSG, Silva has won a joint-record of seven Ligue 1 championships, five consecutive (six overall) Coupes de la Ligue, and five Coupes de France and led his team to their first-ever UEFA Champions League final in 2020.
A full international since 2008 and a non-playing member of their team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Silva captained Brazil to victory at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and fourth place at the World Cup a year later, both on home soil.
He was also part of their squads for the two Olympic tournaments – winning a bronze in 2008 and silver four years later – and three Copa América editions, winning the 2019 edition of the tournament on home soil; overall, he has earned 92 international caps in total.
Silva has been recognized as a complete defender by his peers and critics. He has been described as a consistent defender, without any flaws, and someone who can lead any defense.
A leader from the back, Silva's play has led him to be compared to legendary Italian defender Franco Baresi.[300] Baresi, regarded as one of the greatest defenders in football history.
Although he has been criticized at times in the media over his mentality, his leadership skills are also apparent through his success in captaining both Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain.
Silva is heralded as one of the fastest defenders in European football and has been described as a strong defender with good aerial ability. He combines these physical gifts with phenomenal tactical intelligence and knowledge of the game, as well as an excellent positional sense.
