Thiago Silva established himself as a cult hero during four years at Stamford Bridge, so it’s brilliant to hear that he’s still helping one current Chelsea player.
Brazilian defender Thiago Silva, who’s still shining for Fluminense at the age of 41, played for Chelsea between 2020 and 2024. The veteran centre-back certainly had some special moments with the Blues, including winning the club’s second Champions League trophy.
Here is a look at his record during his time in Chelsea colours.
Appearances Goals Trophies
155 9 3
Silva, who’s Cody Gakpo’s toughest ever opponent, aged like a fine wine in his career. Without a doubt, he deserves to be spoken about alongside the greatest central defenders of his generation.
Thiago Silva applauds the fans after Fluminense against Chelsea at the Club World Cup.
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images
Thiago Silva is still helping Chelsea captain Reece James
Chelsea right-back Reece James, 25, has explained during a recent interview that Silva had a huge influence on his development.
The defenders shared a dressing room together for four seasons. In fact, Silva is still helping the current skipper, even though he’s playing on a different continent.
When asked who’s had the biggest impact on his career, James told BBC Sport: “I would say Thiago Silva. He is nearly old enough to be my dad and has played at the highest level for so long. He always tried to help me from the minute he arrived and still does, even now he is not here.
“It was little messages off the pitch. On the pitch, he would sometimes see things that I saw differently and try and paint a different picture.”
Thiago Silva and Reece James playing for Chelsea against Newcastle United in the Premier League.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Silva certainly still has strong ties with the Blues because his two sons are in the club’s academy system. Isago Silva, 16, signed in the summer as one of Chelsea’s first-year scholars for the 2025-26 season.
At the start of 2025, Enzo Maresca explained James as improving as a leader, which is so vital as he captains such a young squad of players.
Even though James can’t turn to a seasoned veteran inside the dressing room, he’s racking up quite a lot of experience himself, making his 200th first-team appearance for Chelsea last week. Incidentally, Tosin Adarabioyo, 28, is the oldest player in the current squad.
2025 has been a huge step forward for Reece James
Although James’ quality as a footballer has never been in doubt, his ability to stay fit has been questioned.
Fortunately, the super talent has taken giant strides forward in 2025. He’s made 38 Chelsea appearances so far this calendar year, plus he’s represented Thomas Tuchel’s England five times.
Chelsea believe their method with James has paid off because Maresca has brought him in and out of the starting XI to manage his minutes. Even so, he’s still been regularly involved and avoided injuries after such horrid luck in the past.