Thiago Silva's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Thiago Silva.

Thiago Emiliano da Silva is a highly regarded Brazilian professional footballer currently playing as a centre-back and captain for Fluminense. Widely considered one of the best defenders of all time, Silva is renowned for his exceptional defensive skills, unwavering discipline, and strong leadership qualities on the field.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1994: Carlos Alberto Parreira's Praise

In 1994, Carlos Alberto Parreira, the coach who won the World Cup, considered Thiago Silva the best Brazilian footballer in Europe.

1998: Trophée des Champions Victory

In August 2013, Thiago Silva won the Trophée des Champions against Bordeaux; it was the first time Paris Saint-Germain had won the trophy since 1998.

1998: Coupe de la Ligue Victory

On 19 April, 2014, Silva captained PSG to a 2–1 victory in the 2014 Coupe de la Ligue Final, the first time the club had won the competition since 1998.

2006: John Terry Wins Chelsea Player of the Year

In May 2023, Thiago Silva was named Chelsea's Player of the Year, becoming the first defender to win the award since John Terry in 2006.

2007: Victory in the Copa do Brasil

In 2007, Thiago Silva played a decisive part as Fluminense managed a historic victory in the Copa do Brasil. He was later selected into Brazil national team manager Dunga's preliminary squad for the 2007 Copa América.

2007: Copa do Brasil Win

In 2007, Thiago Silva, playing for Fluminense, won the Copa do Brasil.

2008: Awards and Transfer Confirmation

In 2008, Thiago Silva was included in the Brasileirão Team of the Season, selected as the Fans' Player of the Season and his transfer to AC Milan was confirmed on December 12.

2008: Selection for Summer Olympics

In 2008, Thiago Silva was selected by Dunga to play in the 2008 Summer Olympics as one of two overage players. He won a bronze medal with Brazil.

2008: International Debut for Brazil

In 2008, at age 23, Thiago Silva made his senior international debut for Brazil and earned a bronze medal at the Summer Olympics.

November 2009: Man of the Match Performance Against England

In a November 2009 friendly against England, Thiago Silva delivered a man of the match display in Doha.

2009: Rated third-best central defender in Serie A

At the end of the 2009–10 season, Thiago Silva was rated as the third-best central defender in the Serie A by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

2010: Serie A Title

In 2010, Thiago Silva won the Serie A title with AC Milan.

2010: Milan Player of the Season

Thiago Silva was selected as Milan Player of the Season with 66.6% of the vote, rated as the Player of the Season by La Gazzetta dello Sport, and voted as the best defender in the league by Italian media and professionals in 2010.

2011: Milan's Season Start and Champions League Performance

In 2011, Thiago Silva played a key role in Milan's 2–1 victory over Inter in the Supercoppa Italiana, being recognized as the best defender. He also delivered strong performances in Serie A matches against Lazio and Udinese. In the Champions League, Silva and Alessandro Nesta were vital in a 2–2 draw against Barcelona, with Silva scoring a 90th-minute equalizer.

2011: Recognition and Praise for Silva

In 2011, Thiago Silva was compared to Franco Baresi, Milan's greatest player. Zlatan Ibrahimović called Silva the best defender he had ever played with. Silva was voted into the 2011 UEFA Team of the Year and was selected as man of the match in a draw against Napoli. Nemanja Vidić said that Silva was the best defender in the world.

2012: End of Season Incident and Recognition

In 2012, Thiago Silva received a straight red-card in a match against Valenciennes for putting his hands on the referee's shoulder. Despite the harsh decision, he was voted into the 2012–13 Ligue 1 Team of the Year and shortlisted for the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award. He was also considered the best defender in Ligue 1.

2012: Signed with Paris Saint-Germain

In 2012, Thiago Silva signed for Paris Saint-Germain in a transfer worth up to €42 million, becoming the most expensive defender ever at the time.

2012: Silver Medal at the Summer Olympics

In 2012, Thiago Silva won a silver medal at the Summer Olympics.

August 2013: Trophée des Champions Victory and Contract Extension

In August 2013, Thiago Silva played in PSG's 2–1 victory in the Trophée des Champions against Bordeaux, earning man of the match. PSG won the trophy for the first time since 1998. Silva also signed a one-year contract extension, keeping him at the club until 2018.

2013: FIFA Confederations Cup Win

In 2013, Thiago Silva captained Brazil to victory in the FIFA Confederations Cup on home soil.

January 2014: Recognition as World's Best Defender

In January 2014, Rio Ferdinand claimed that Thiago Silva was the best defender in the world. Silva's performance in PSG's 2–0 win against Bordeaux was strong. Marseille defender Lucas Mendes considered Silva as his role model. Ronaldo compared Silva to Franz Beckenbauer.

2014: FIFA Confederations Cup Victory

In 2013, Thiago Silva won his first international trophy at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup held in Brazil. Brazil dominated the tournament, and Silva was rated as one of the best players.

2014: Coupe de la Ligue Final Victory and League Title

In 2014, Thiago Silva captained PSG to a 2–1 victory in the Coupe de la Ligue Final, the first time the club had won the competition since 1998. PSG also clinched the league title. Silva was shortlisted for Ligue 1 Player of the Year and named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year. France Football rated him as the best defender in Ligue 1.

2014: Praised as the best defender

In 2014, Thiago Silva was described by Rio Ferdinand and Ronaldo as the best defender in the world, solidifying his reputation as one of the best defenders of his generation.

2015: Recognition by Peers Despite Struggles

Despite his struggles, in 2015, Thiago Silva was recognised by his peers as one of the best central defenders in the world, as he was voted into the 2015 FIFPro World XI for the second consecutive year.

2015: Return to Form and Man of the Match Performances

In 2015, Thiago Silva started the year strong with man of the match displays against Saint-Étienne and Rennes. He earned praise from Rennes captain Sylvain Armand and was voted man of the match in PSG's Coupe de la Ligue win against Lille. After PSG's draw with Chelsea, the French press praised his defense against Diego Costa. He was voted man of the match and scored his first goal of the season in a victory over Toulouse.

2015: Return to Club Training and International Champions Cup Victory

In 2015, after the Copa América, Thiago Silva returned to club training on July 20 in New Jersey. He played in the 2015 International Champions Cup final against Manchester United, where PSG won 2–0. Silva was rated as the best player in the match. He then captained PSG to a 2–0 victory in the 2015 Trophée des Champions against Lyon.

2017: Coupe de France Victory

In May 2018, Thiago Silva played as PSG won 2–0 against Les Herbiers VF to clinch the 2017–18 Coupe de France.

May 2018: Coupe de France Victory

On 8 May 2018, Thiago Silva played as PSG won 2–0 against Les Herbiers VF to clinch the 2017–18 Coupe de France.

2019: Copa América Win

In 2019, Thiago Silva was a member of the team that won the Copa América.

2019: Ligue 1 Title

In April 2020, PSG were awarded the 2019–20 Ligue 1 title after the season ended prematurely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time of suspension, PSG held a twelve-point lead. This was Silva's record seventh Ligue 1 title with the club, equalling the all-time individual record.

April 2020: Ligue 1 Title Awarded to PSG

April 2021: Sent Off and Champions League Final

On 3 April 2021, Thiago Silva received a second yellow card and was sent off in Chelsea's 5–2 home defeat to West Bromwich Albion. On 29 May, he won his first Champions League trophy after Chelsea's 1–0 victory against Manchester City in the 2021 UEFA Champions League Final.

October 2021: 100th Appearance for Brazil

On 10 October 2021, Thiago Silva made his 100th appearance for Brazil in a goalless 2022 World Cup qualification draw against Colombia.

September 2022: Most-Capped Centre-Back for Brazil

In September 2022, Thiago Silva became the most-capped centre-back in the history of the Brazil national team, surpassing Lúcio.

October 2022: 100th Champions League Appearance

On 11 October 2022, Thiago Silva made his 100th Champions League appearance in a 2–0 away win against his former club AC Milan.

May 2023: Chelsea's Player of the Year

On 28 May 2023, before Chelsea played their final game of the season against Newcastle, Thiago Silva was named Chelsea's Player of the Year, becoming the first defender to win the award since John Terry in 2006.