View source for Thiago Silva

{{short description|Brazilian footballer (born 1984)}}
{{For|other people named Thiago Silva|Thiago Silva (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2022}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Thiago Silva
| image = 20180610 FIFA Friendly Match Austria vs. Brazil Thiago Silva 850 1582.jpg
| caption = Silva lining up for [[Brazil national football team|Brazil]] in 2018
| full_name = Thiago Emiliano da Silva<ref name="FIFA">{{cite web |url=https://www.fifadata.com/documents/FWC/2018/pdf/FWC_2018_SQUADLISTS.PDF |title=FIFA World Cup Russia 2018: List of Players: Brazil |publisher=FIFA |page=4 |date=15 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611000407/https://www.fifadata.com/documents/FWC/2018/pdf/FWC_2018_SQUADLISTS.PDF |archive-date=11 June 2019}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1984|9|22|df=y}}<ref name="FIFA"/>
| birth_place = [[Rio de Janeiro]], Brazil
| height = 1.81 m<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.chelseafc.com/en/teams/profile/thiago-silva|title=Thiago Silva|publisher=Chelsea FC|date=13 February 2024 |access-date=13 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408181654/https://www.chelseafc.com/en/teams/profile/thiago-silva |archive-date=8 April 2024 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| position = [[Centre-back]]
| currentclub = [[Fluminense F.C.|Fluminense]]
| clubnumber = 3
| youthyears1 = 1998–2000
| youthclubs1 = [[Fluminense FC|Fluminense]]
| youthyears2 = 2000–2001
| youthclubs2 = [[Barcelona Esporte Clube|Barcelona-RJ]]
| youthyears3 = 2001–2002
| youthclubs3 = [[Pedrabranca Futebol Clube|RS Futebol]]
| years1 = 2002–2003
| clubs1 = [[Pedrabranca Futebol Clube|RS Futebol]]
| caps1 = 25
| goals1 = 2
| years2 = 2004
| clubs2 = [[Esporte Clube Juventude|Juventude]]
| caps2 = 35
| goals2 = 3
| years3 = 2004–2005
| clubs3 = [[FC Porto B|Porto B]]
| caps3 = 14
| goals3 = 0
| years4 = 2005–2006
| clubs4 = [[FC Dynamo Moscow|Dynamo Moscow]]
| caps4 = 0
| goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2006
| clubs5 = → [[Fluminense FC|Fluminense]] (loan)
| caps5 = 35
| goals5 = 0
| years6 = 2007–2009
| clubs6 = [[Fluminense FC|Fluminense]]
| caps6 = 73
| goals6 = 9
| years7 = 2009–2012
| clubs7 = [[AC Milan|Milan]]
| caps7 = 93
| goals7 = 5
| years8 = 2012–2020
| clubs8 = [[Paris Saint-Germain F.C.|Paris Saint-Germain]]
| caps8 = 204
| goals8 = 9
| years9 = 2020–2024
| clubs9 = [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]]
| caps9 = 113
| goals9 = 8
| years10 = 2024–
| clubs10 = [[Fluminense FC|Fluminense]]
| caps10 = 12
| goals10 = 0
| nationalyears1 = 2008–2012
| nationalteam1 = [[Brazil national under-23 football team|Brazil Olympic]] ([[List of overage players in Olympic football|O.P.]])
| nationalcaps1 = 8
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2008–
| nationalteam2 = [[Brazil national football team|Brazil]]
| nationalcaps2 = 113
| nationalgoals2 = 7
| club-update = 01:14, 27 November 2024 (UTC)
| nationalteam-update = 9 August 2024 (UTC)
| medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's [[association football|football]]}}
{{MedalCountry|{{fb|Brazil}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Copa América]]}}
{{Medal|W|[[2019 Copa América|2019 Brazil]]|}}
{{Medal|RU|[[2021 Copa América|2021 Brazil]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[FIFA Confederations Cup]]}}
{{Medal|W|[[2013 FIFA Confederations Cup|2013 Brazil]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Football at the Summer Olympics|Summer Olympics]]}}
{{MedalSilver|[[2012 Summer Olympics|2012 London]]|[[Football at the 2012 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament|Team]]}}
{{MedalBronze|[[2008 Summer Olympics|2008 Beijing]]|[[Football at the 2008 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament|Team]]}}
}}

'''Thiago Emiliano da Silva''' (born 22 September 1984) is a Brazilian professional [[association football|footballer]] who plays as a [[centre-back]] for and captains [[Campeonato Brasileiro Série A]] club [[Fluminense FC|Fluminense]]. Widely regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation, he is known for his defensive prowess, discipline, and leadership.<ref>{{cite web |last=Maria |date=3 January 2022 |title=Top 10 Best Defenders in The World in 2022 - Best Football Defenders |url=https://sportsvirsa.com/best-defenders-in-soccer/ |access-date=26 July 2022 |website=Sports Virsa}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Das |first=Sourav |date=8 February 2022 |title=Top 10 Best Football Defenders In The World 2022 ⚽ |url=https://sportsbrowser.net/best-football-defenders/ |access-date=26 July 2022 |website=SportsBrowser}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=FeedMeGoal |date=29 March 2022 |title=Top 5 Best Defenders 2022 |url=https://feedmegoal.com/top-def22/ |access-date=26 July 2022 |website=Feed Me Goal }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=16 April 2022 |title=Top 10 Best Defenders in the World 2022 |url=https://www.notice.com.ng/lifestyle/top-10-best-defenders-in-the-world-2022 |access-date=26 July 2022 |website=Notice}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hepburn |first=Daniel |date=2020-04-09 |title=Fans have ranked the 50 best defenders in football history - Franz Beckenbauer 2nd |url=https://www.givemesport.com/football-fans-rank-the-50-greatest-defenders-in-football-history/ |access-date=2024-01-13 |website=GiveMeSport |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-30 |title=The 25 Greatest Defenders Of All Time Have Been Named And Ranked By Fans |url=https://www.sportbible.com/football/the-25-greatest-defenders-of-all-time-have-been-ranked-by-fans-20220330 |access-date=2024-01-13 |website=SPORTbible |language=en}}</ref>

Silva began his senior club career in 2002 playing as a midfielder for [[Pedrabranca Futebol Clube|RS Futebol]], and transitioned to a defensive position while at [[Esporte Clube Juventude|Juventude]]; he then signed with [[FC Porto B|Porto]] in 2004, at age 19, and moved to [[FC Dynamo Moscow|Dynamo Moscow]] on [[Loan (sports)|loan]], where he was hospitalized with a near fatal bout of [[tuberculosis]]. After recovering, he joined Fluminense and won a [[Copa do Brasil]] in [[2007 Copa do Brasil|2007]]. In 2009, Silva moved to [[AC Milan]] for a reported fee of €8 million and won the [[2010–11 Serie A]] title.

In 2012, Silva was the subject of a then-[[List of most expensive association football transfers|record  football deal]] when he signed for [[Paris Saint-Germain F.C.|Paris Saint-Germain]] in a [[Transfer (association football)|transfer]] worth up to €42 million, becoming the most expensive defender ever at the time. There, he would become the club's [[List of Paris Saint-Germain F.C. records and statistics#Captains|longest serving]] [[Captain (association football)|captain]], winning seven [[List of French football champions|Ligue 1]] titles, six [[Coupe de la Ligue|Coupes de la Ligue]], five [[Coupe de France|Coupes de France]], and playing in the [[2020 UEFA Champions League final|final]] of the [[UEFA Champions League]], which served as his last PSG appearance. He currently ranks [[List of Paris Saint-Germain F.C. records and statistics#All-time most appearances|eighth in all-time appearances]] for the club. In 2020, the 36-year-old Silva joined Chelsea on a [[Free transfer (association football)|free transfer]], [[2021 UEFA Champions League final|winning the Champions League]] in his first season, and both the [[2021 UEFA Super Cup|UEFA Super Cup]] and [[2021 FIFA Club World Cup|FIFA Club World Cup]] in his second.

Silva made his senior international debut for [[Brazil national football team|Brazil]] in 2008 at age 23, and has since received over 110 caps, including appearances in eight major tournaments. He earned a bronze medal at the [[Football at the Summer Olympics|Summer Olympics]] in [[Football at the 2008 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament|2008]] and a silver in [[Football at the 2012 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament|2012]], before serving as captain for Brazil on home soil as they won the [[2013 FIFA Confederations Cup]] and finished fourth at the [[2014 FIFA World Cup]]. Silva was also a member of the team that won the [[Copa América]] in [[2019 Copa América|2019]] and finished runners-up in [[2021 Copa América|2021]]. He has not been called up to the Brazilian national football team since December 2022, but has not officially announced his retirement.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.90min.com/posts/thiago-silva-provides-update-brazil-future | title=Thiago Silva provides update on his Brazil future | date=26 October 2023 }}</ref>

==Club career==
===Early career===
When he was younger, Silva was admitted into a school in the [[Campo Grande, Rio de Janeiro|Campo Grande]] neighborhood of [[Rio de Janeiro|Rio]] – coincidentally a feeder school for [[Fluminense Football Club|Fluminense]]. At the age of 14, Silva impressed Fluminense coach Maurinho during a friendly in [[Xerém]]. He was given a short trial, where he was given the role of a [[Midfielder#Defensive midfielder|defensive midfielder]]. Silva's playing opportunities were few, prompting him to trial for other clubs. In 1999, at the age of 15, Silva auditioned at [[Madureira Esporte Clube|Madureira]], [[Olaria Esporte Clube|Olaria]], and [[Clube de Regatas do Flamengo|Flamengo]]; he was rejected at each club, the trial at Flamengo being the most difficult for him as he was not even observed by coaches.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.noticiasfla.com.br/2013/05/thiago-silva-revela-nao-aprovado-flamengo-botafogo.html|title=Thiago Silva revela nao ter sido aprovado no Flamengo e Botafogo|date=31 May 2013|access-date=21 June 2014|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714124150/http://www.noticiasfla.com.br/2013/05/thiago-silva-revela-nao-aprovado-flamengo-botafogo.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

After another unsuccessful trial at [[Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas|Botafogo]], Silva was taken on by his hometown side [[Barcelona Esporte Clube|Barcelona]], a small Brazilian club in the lower divisions. The following year, Silva played at a showcase tournament in [[São Paulo]] in the hope of attracting the attention of bigger clubs. It is there where he was spotted by [[Paulo César Carpegiani]], who invited him to join [[Pedrabranca Futebol Clube|RS Futebol]] in the south of Brazil. Joining the club in the end of 2001, Silva became a professional in 2002 and competed in the [[Campeonato Gaúcho Série B|third division of the Campeonato Gaúcho]], finishing second and achieving promotion to the state's [[Campeonato Gaúcho Série A2|second division]]. In a tournament played in [[Ancona]], Italy, Silva was spotted by [[Bruno Conti]], a coach with [[A.S. Roma|Roma]]. Conti wanted him to play for Roma, but Silva did not accept the offer.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.pariskop.fr/actualite/thiago-silva-lhistoire-dun-genie/8825|title=Thiago Silva : L'Histoire d'un génie|date=1 November 2013|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref> Strong performances in his last season as a defensive midfielder led to Silva's move to [[Esporte Clube Juventude|Juventude]].<ref name="globoesporte.globo.com">{{cite news|url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/programas/esporte-espetacular/noticia/2013/06/origens-thiago-silva-abre-o-jogo-e-se-emociona-ao-lembrar-das-dificuldades.html|title=Origens: Thiago Silva abre o jogo e se emociona ao lembrar das dificuldades|date=2 June 2013|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref>

Silva moved to Juventude in 2004, where he played for six months. At 20 years old, Silva transitioned from midfield to defence under the tutelage of [[Ivo Wortmann]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://esporte.hsw.uol.com.br/jogador-thiago-silva.htm|title=Jogadores de futebol – Thiago Silva|access-date=21 June 2014|archive-date=17 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917200608/http://esporte.hsw.uol.com.br/jogador-thiago-silva.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> In his only season at Juventude, Silva was regarded as the revelation of the season. He was rated by the sports magazine ''[[Placar]]'' as the third-best defender in Brazil and was included in the team of the season.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.flumania.com.br/tsilva.htm|title=Thiago Silva|access-date=21 June 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091001142913/http://www.flumania.com.br/tsilva.htm|archive-date=1 October 2009}}</ref> Juventude had made a huge leap in league placement during Silva's time at the club – from finishing 18th with 53 points in [[2003 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A|2003]], to finishing 7th with 70 points in [[2004 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A|2004]]. Silva had caught the eye of many clubs with his outstanding performances, and he was sold to [[FC Porto|Porto]].

Silva was bought by Porto for €2.5 million in 2004,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/news/kind=2/newsid=272249.html |title=Derlei leads Dinamo influx |date=10 January 2005 |access-date=21 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090323001910/http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/news/kind%3D2/newsid%3D272249.html |archive-date=23 March 2009 }}</ref> but played only for the reserve team. After a year in Portugal, he joined [[FC Dynamo Moscow|Dynamo Moscow]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/news/kind=2/newsid=272249.html|title=Derlei leads Dinamo influx|date=1 October 2005|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref> where he was diagnosed with [[tuberculosis]] and was hospitalised for six months.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.stoptb.org/news/stories/2014/ns14_041.asp|title=Thiago Silva: Brazil Captain and TB Survivor|date=13 June 2014|access-date=21 June 2014|archive-date=4 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504011101/http://www.stoptb.org/news/stories/2014/ns14_041.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref> He is quoted as saying, "Every now and then a doctor would come in and give me an injection, three or four times a day, plus 10-15 pills."<ref name=":0" /> His illness became much worse over time and his doctors told him that if he had been hospitalized two weeks later, he could have died.<ref name=":0">{{cite news|url=http://www.football-italia.net/node/3126|title=Thiago Silva: 'I nearly died in Russia'|date=12 February 2011|access-date=21 June 2014|publisher=JDT Sport Productions}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=30 July 2019 |title=How Thiago Silva overcame tuberculosis and a year out to become one of the world's best defenders |url=https://thesefootballtimes.co/2019/07/31/how-thiago-silva-overcame-tuberculosis-and-a-year-out-to-become-one-of-the-worlds-best-defenders/ |access-date=4 March 2022 |website=These Football Times}}</ref> During his recovery, Silva decided to retire from football but was persuaded to reconsider by his mother.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/may/31/world-cup-2014-brazil-profile-thiago-silva|title=World Cup 2014: Brazil profile – Thiago Silva|last=Duarte|first=Fernando|date=21 June 2014|work=The Guardian}}</ref>

===Fluminense===
[[File:Thiago Silva - Fluminense - 2007.jpg|thumb|left|180px|Silva with [[Fluminense FC|Fluminense]] in 2007]]
Silva returned to football with the help of his former coach, Ivo Wortmann. In 2006, Wortmann was signed as a coach by Fluminense and requested to bring Silva with him, despite Silva's health issues.<ref name="globoesporte.globo.com"/> On 14 January, Fluminense announced the signing of Silva from Dynamo Moscow.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.flogao.com.br/siriflu/41331122|title=Fluminense anuncia contratação do zagueiro Thiago Silva|date=15 January 2006|access-date=21 June 2014|archive-date=31 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531075659/http://www.flogao.com.br/siriflu/41331122|url-status=dead}}</ref> Fluminense struggled in the [[2006 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A|2006 Brasileirão]], finishing 15th out of 20 teams; however, Silva was described as one of the best players in the season.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://esporte.uol.com.br/futebol/ultimas/2006/11/25/ult59u107805.jhtm|title= Torcedor do Flu, Thiago Silva já foi vascaíno|date=25 November 2006|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref> It is during this time where Silva developed the nickname of "''O Monstro''" — Portuguese for "The Monster".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sport24.lefigaro.fr/football/ligue-des-champions/actualites/thiago-silva-est-vraiment-un-monstre-625379|title= Thiago Silva est vraiment un "Monstre"|date=3 April 2013|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref>

2007 was a much better year for both Fluminense and for Silva. The club finished in fourth place in the [[2007 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A|2007 Brasileirão]], conceding only 39 goals in 38 matches, enough for the second-best defence in Brazil. More importantly, Fluminense managed a historic victory in the [[2007 Copa do Brasil]], winning the prestigious trophy for the first time. Silva played a decisive part in the victory; he started in every match, and scored the opening goal in the quarter-final, as well as the equalising goal in the semi-final.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.flumania.com.br/cpbrasil2007b.htm|title=Copa do Brasil 2007 – 2ª Parte|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref> Silva's form through the season led him to be selected into [[Brazil national football team|Brazil national team]] manager [[Dunga]]'s preliminary squad for the [[2007 Copa América]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://esporte.uol.com.br/futebol/ultimas/2007/05/28/ult59u121784.jhtm|title=Dunga pré-convoca Zé Roberto e surpresas para Copa América|date=28 May 2007|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref> After winning the [[2007 Copa do Brasil|Copa do Brasil]], Silva was recognised by fans as the best defender in Brazil.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/ESP/Noticia/Futebol/Fluminense/0,,MUL48900-4284,00-CHORO+EUFORIA+E+REDENCAO+NAS+LARANJEIRAS.html|title=Choro, euforia e redenção nas Laranjeiras|date=7 June 2007|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref> At the end of the season, he was one of three nominees for the Best Central Defender award, alongside [[Breno Borges|Breno]] and [[Fábio Luciano]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/ESP/Noticia/Futebol/Campeonatos/0,,MUL188549-4276,00-OS+FINALISTAS+DO+CRAQUE+BRASILEIRAO.html|title=Os finalistas do Craque Brasileirão 2007|date=22 November 2007|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref> The voting results were unveiled on 4 December, where Silva finished second, behind Breno.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite news|url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/ESP/Noticia/Futebol/Campeonatos/0,,MUL202192-4276,00-BRENO+E+O+MELHOR+ZAGUEIRO+PELA+DIREITA.html|title=Breno é o melhor zagueiro pela direita|date=4 December 2007|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref>

{{Quote box|width=15%|align=right|quote="Silva is a phenomenon."|source=—[[Dunga]], 2008<ref>{{cite web|url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/Esportes/Noticias/Times/Selecao_Brasileira/0,,MUL934276-15071,00-DUNGA%20NAO%20MEDE%20AS%20PALAVRAS%20PARA%20ELOGIAR%20THIAGO%20SILVA%20E%20UM%20FENOMENO.html|title=Globo.com – Desculpe-nos, ocorreu um erro.}}</ref>}}

2008 was a bad year for Fluminense, but Silva's best on an individual level. Having devoted much of their efforts towards the [[2008 Copa Libertadores]], the club's league form suffered, finishing in 14th place. On 18 January, Silva was rewarded by Fluminense's board of directors for his 100th match in the ''tricolor'': He was awarded a shirt with the number "100" and a plaque in honour of his achievements.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://esporte.uol.com.br/futebol/ultimas/2008/01/19/ult59u143326.jhtm|title=Thiago Silva é homenageado pela diretoria do Fluminense|date=19 January 2008|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref> Silva became an idol for young Fluminense supporters with his level of performances — the white wristband that Silva would wear during matches became a trend amongst teenagers in Rio de Janeiro who supported the ''tricolor''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/ESP/Noticia/Futebol/Fluminense/0,,MUL265485-4284,00-THIAGOMANIA+O+ORGULHO+DO+CRAQUE+TRICOLOR.html|title=Thiagomania, o orgulho do craque tricolor|date=18 January 2008|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref> In May 2008, four fans painted a flag of Silva to honour what they deemed "the best central defender in Brazil". It was first shown in the [[2008 Copa Libertadores knockout stages#Boca Juniors v Fluminense|Copa Libertadores semi-final]] against [[Boca Juniors]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/Esportes/Noticias/Times/Fluminense/0,,MUL584830-9866,00-FOTO+TORCEDOR+FAZ+BANDEIRA+EM+HOMENAGEM+A+THIAGO+SILVA.html|title=Foto: Torcedor faz bandeira em homenagem a Thiago Silva|date=30 May 2008|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref> — Silva scored a crucial equaliser in the same match.<ref name="ReferenceB">{{cite news|url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/Esportes/Futebol/0,,CCF23542-9825,00.html|title=Riquelme faz dois, mas quem vibra com empate é o Tricolor|date=28 May 2008|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref>

Silva was included in the [[Prêmio Craque do Brasileirão#2008|2008 Brasileirão Team of the Season]] and was selected as the Fans' Player of the Season.<ref name="Globo Esporte">{{cite web|work=Globo Esporte|title=Hexacampeão, São Paulo domina também o Prêmio Craque Brasileirão|url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/Esportes/Noticias/Futebol/Brasileirao/Serie_A/0,,MUL915557-9827,00-HEXACAMPEAO+SAO+PAULO+DOMINA+TAMBEM+O+PREMIO+CRAQUE+BRASILEIRAO.html|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref> Silva was widely regarded as one of Fluminense's most important performers in the [[2008 Copa Libertadores]],<ref name="ReferenceB"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/Esportes/Futebol/0,,CCF23529-9825,00.html|title=Gol aos 46 do segundo tempo classifica o Fluminense para semifinal|date=21 May 2008|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/Esportes/Futebol/0,,CCF23543-9825,00.html|title=Fluminense vence o Boca Juniors e está na final da Taça Libertadores|date=4 June 2008|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref> reaching the finals only to lose on penalties to [[LDU Quito]]. Silva's form for Fluminense earned him a call-up to the ''[[Brazil national under-23 football team|Seleção]]'' to take part in the [[2008 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/Esportes/Noticias/Times/Fluminense/0,,MUL775871-9866,00-THIAGO+SILVA+CELEBRA+SUA+MELHOR+FASE.html|title=Thiago Silva celebra sua melhor fase|date=27 September 2008|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref> Silva was linked with many clubs in 2008, including the likes of [[Inter Milan]], [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] and [[Villarreal CF|Villarreal]], though ultimately he opted to join the Brazilian contingent already at [[A.C. Milan|AC Milan]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/Esportes/Noticias/Times/Fluminense/0,,MUL919657-9866,00-THIAGO+SILVA+ACERTA+COM+O+MILAN+POR+QUATRO+ANOS.html|title=Thiago Silva acerta com o Milan por quatro anos|date=11 December 2008|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref> The transfer was confirmed on 12 December.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.corriere.it/sport/08_dicembre_12/thiago_silva_milan_Colombo_4086770a-c81f-11dd-a869-00144f02aabc.shtml |work=Corriere della Sera |language=it |title=Thiago Silva è del barcelona È lui l'erede di Maldini |date=12 December 2008 |access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref> In his final match for Fluminense, Silva was cheered by 50,000 supporters who were witnessing his last performance at the [[Estádio do Maracanã|Maracanã]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/Esportes/Noticias/Futebol/Brasileirao/Serie_A/0,,MUL915340-9827,00-CRAQUE+BRASILEIRAO+THIAGO+SILVA+E+O+ZAGUEIRO+DIREITO+DA+COMPETICAO.html|title=Craque Brasileirão 2008: Thiago Silva é o zagueiro direito da competição|date=8 December 2008|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref>

===AC Milan===
After a five-month rundown and a confusing four-hour negotiation period, Silva agreed to a move to Milan for a €10 million fee, with net wages of €2.5 million on a four-year contract.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2008/dicembre/12/Thiago_Silva_Subito_Milan_ga_10_081212048.shtml|title=Sì di Thiago Silva Subito al Milan|date=12 December 2008|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> Although Silva could not play competitive matches, he was able to train with the first team. In his first month at Milan, he was taught new defending techniques from [[Paolo Maldini]] and manager [[Carlo Ancelotti]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/Esportes/Noticias/Futebol/italiano/0,,MUL964232-9848,00-THIAGO+SILVA+FALA+SOBRE+A+NOVA+VIDA+NO+MILAN+JA+ME+SINTO+EM+CASA.html|title=Thiago Silva fala sobre a nova vida no Milan: 'Já me sinto em casa'|date=20 January 2009|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> Silva played his first match for the ''Rossoneri'' in a friendly match against [[Hannover 96]] on 21 January 2009; he played well, making ten tackles. His performance drew praise from Milan executive [[Adriano Galliani]] and teammate [[Clarence Seedorf]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/Esportes/Noticias/Futebol/0,,MUL967555-9842,00-THIAGO+SILVA+EMPOLGA+SEEDORF+E+ASSOMBRA+DIRIGENTE+DO+MILAN.html|title=Thiago Silva empolga Seedorf e 'assombra' dirigente do Milan|date=22 January 2009|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> Silva was officially registered as a Milan player for the [[2009–10 A.C. Milan season|2009–10 season]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2009/luglio/07/tabellone_delle_squadre_serie_A_ga_10_090707022.shtml|title=Il tabellone delle 20 squadre di serie A|date=7 July 2009|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref>

====2009–10: Debut season====
[[File:Thiago Silva by Figiu.jpg|thumb|left|upright|120px|Silva warming up for [[AC Milan]] in May 2010]]
Silva played his first competitive match of the season against [[A.C. Siena|Siena]] on 22 August 2009. After the match, he was praised for a strong individual performance alongside teammate [[Alessandro Nesta]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2009/agosto/23/PAGELLE_ga_10_090823003.shtml|title=Le Pagelle|date=23 August 2009|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> Milan legend Paolo Maldini claimed that Silva had the "physical and technical characteristics of a champion",<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2009/agosto/25/Maldini_Milan_credici__ga_10_090825047.shtml|title=Maldini "Milan, credici"|date=25 August 2009|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> while Nesta said that Silva would "extend my life as a central defender".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2009/agosto/26/Elisir_Nesta_Thiago_allunga_vita_ga_10_090826016.shtml|title=Elisir Nesta: "Thiago mi allunga la vita"|date=26 August 2009|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> On 23 September, Silva left training with a muscle strain; he was inactive for the next four matches.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2009/settembre/23/Stop_per_Thiago_Silva_Fuori_ga_10_090923016.shtml|title=Stop per Thiago Silva Fuori anche Ambrosini|date=23 September 2009|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2009/settembre/25/Borriello_Milanello_dopo_Champions_ga_10_090925027.shtml|title=Borriello a Milanello dopo la Champions|date=25 September 2009|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> In October, Silva followed a poor performance against Roma<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2009/ottobre/19/PAGELLE_ga_10_091019024.shtml|title=Le Pagelle|date=19 October 2009|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> with two great displays against [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]];<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2009/ottobre/22/PAGELLE_ga_10_091022004.shtml|title=Le Pagelle|date=22 October 2009|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2009/novembre/04/PAGELLE_ga_10_091104009.shtml|title=Le Pagelle|date=4 November 2009|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> Silva also had a wrongly disallowed goal in Milan's away victory.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2009/ottobre/22/Annullato_autogol_Sergio_Ramos_non_ga_10_091022003.shtml|title=Annullato autogol di Sergio Ramos ma non c' era fallo di Thiago Silva|date=22 October 2009|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/oct/21/champions-league-clockwatch-live|title=Champions League: Real Madrid v Milan – as it happened|date=21 October 2009|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref>

{{Quote box|width=29%|align=right|quote="Thiago Silva will extend my life as a central defender."|source=—[[Alessandro Nesta]], 2009<ref>{{cite web|last=Chachra|first=Tanish|date=16 October 2019|title=O Monstro: Thiago Silva, The epitome of determination|url=https://www.elartedf.com/o-monstro-thiago-silva-epitome-determination/|access-date=24 August 2020|website=El Arte Del Futbol}}</ref>}}

On 8 November, Silva scored a goal – as well as an own-goal – in a 2–1 victory over [[S.S. Lazio|Lazio]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2009/novembre/10/Thiago_Silva_dall_altare_alla_ga_10_091110109.shtml|title=Thiago Silva dall' altare alla polvere|date=10 November 2009|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> His quick transition to European football was met with a lot of interest from Italian media — the investment of €10 million to acquire Silva was regarded as a good decision; the ''[[La Gazzetta dello Sport]]'', the largest daily newspaper in Italy,<ref>{{cite web|title=Indagine sulla lettura dei quotidiani e dei periodici in Italia |work=Audipress |url=http://www.audipress.it/upload/File/Audip%202012_II%20DATI_invio.xlsx |access-date=2 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323060202/http://www.audipress.it/upload/File/Audip%202012_II%20DATI_invio.xlsx |archive-date=23 March 2013 }}</ref> claimed that Silva's value had doubled at that point.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2009/novembre/11/Milito_Poli_colpi_giusti_Huntelaar_ga_10_091111010.shtml|title=Milito e Poli i colpi giusti Huntelaar s' è sgonfiato|date=11 November 2009|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> On 25 November, Silva put in a man of the match performance against [[Olympique de Marseille|Marseille]] to secure passage into the [[2009–10 UEFA Champions League knockout phase|knockout stages]] of the [[UEFA Champions League]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2009/novembre/26/PAGELLE_ga_10_091126005.shtml|title=Le Pagelle|date=26 November 2009|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> In a match against [[FC Zürich|Zürich]] on 8 December, Silva was substituted after 20 minutes with a muscle injury. It was suspected that Silva tore a muscle, and would miss up to two months,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2009/dicembre/10/Paura_per_Thiago_Silva_ga_10_091210049.shtml|title=Paura per Thiago Silva|date=10 December 2009|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> though after clinical examinations, the injury was found to be a strain rather than a tear.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2009/dicembre/16/Pirlo_scadra_nel_2011_Non_ga_10_091216013.shtml|title=Pirlo scadrà nel 2011 Non imiterà Gattuso|date=16 December 2009|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> On 30 December, Silva was pronounced to be fully fit by club doctor Massimo Manara.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://acmilan.com/en/news/show/114034|title=The Medical Situation|date=30 December 2009|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref>

On 10 January 2010, Milan defeated [[Juventus FC|Juventus]] by a score of 3–0;<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/david-beckham/6963593/Juventus-0-AC-Milan-3-match-report.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/david-beckham/6963593/Juventus-0-AC-Milan-3-match-report.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Juventus 0 AC Milan 3: match report|date=10 January 2010|access-date=2 July 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Silva was rated as one of the best performers on the day,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2010/01/10/1737229/player-ratings-juventus-0-3-milan|title=Player Ratings: Juventus 0–3 Milan|date=10 January 2010|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> and ''La Gazzetta dello Sport'' compared the understanding of Silva and Nesta to the legendary duo of [[Franco Baresi]] and [[Alessandro Costacurta]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2010/gennaio/11/PAGELLE_ga_3_100111005.shtml|title=Le Pagelle|date=11 January 2010|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> On 15 January, Silva's teammate [[Alexandre Pato]] claimed that Silva would become the best defender in the world.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2010/gennaio/15/Pato_altro_stop_Milan_zero_ga_10_100115046.shtml|title=Pato: altro stop Milan, zero rischi|date=15 January 2010|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> In a match against [[Udinese Calcio|Udinese]] on 12 February, Silva picked up a muscle injury, leaving him in doubt for Milan's upcoming Champions League match against [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/221/champions-league/2010/02/13/1788600/injured-ac-milan-defender-thiago-silva-not-sure-of-his|title=Injured AC Milan Defender Thiago Silva Not Sure Of His Fitness For Manchester United Match|date=13 February 2010|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> On 6 March, Silva was selected as man of the match in a 0–0 draw with fellow ''[[Scudetto]]'' challengers Roma.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2010/marzo/07/PAGELLE_ga_10_100307008.shtml|title=Le Pagelle|date=7 March 2010|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> At the end of the season, Silva was rated as the third-best central defender in the [[2009–10 Serie A]] by ''La Gazzetta dello Sport''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2010/maggio/18/Milito_Principe_Sorpresa_Yepes_ga_10_100518043.shtml|title=Milito, il Principe Sorpresa Yepes|date=18 May 2010|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref>

====2010–11: Serie A win====
Silva's season began with a goal against [[U.S. Lecce|Lecce]] in the first match of the [[2010–11 Serie A|2010–11 Serie A season]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2010/agosto/30/Mamma_che_Pato_Effetto_Ibra_ga_10_100830040.shtml|title=Mamma che Pato Effetto Ibra, Milan travolgente|date=30 August 2010|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> In a 3–1 victory over [[A.C. Chievo Verona|Chievo]] on 16 October, Silva was forced to leave the match with a sprained left ankle. The injury forced Silva to miss a [[2010–11 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] [[2010–11 UEFA Champions League group stage|group stage]] match against Real Madrid — Milan CEO Adriano Galliani jokingly said after the match that he would give Silva his healthy foot in order to see him play at the [[Santiago Bernabéu Stadium]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2010/ottobre/17/Thiago_lacrime_Madrid_rischio_ga_3_101017001.shtml|title=Thiago in lacrime Madrid a rischio|date=17 October 2010|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> Silva was inactive for four matches due to his injury. After returning from his injury, he was to play in the [[Derby della Madonnina]] against city rivals and [[Treble (association football)|treble]] winners Inter Milan. Matched against [[UEFA Club Footballer of the Year]] winner [[Diego Milito]], Silva nullified his efforts and played a key role in Milan's 1–0 victory.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2010/novembre/15/PAGELLE_MILAN_ABATE_AIUTA_INTER_ga_3_101115012.shtml|title=Pagelle Milan Abate Aiuta L'Inter, Bentornato Seedorf|date=15 November 2010|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> In a 0–2 group stage loss to [[AFC Ajax|Ajax]] in the Champions League, Silva suffered a right knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.milannews.it/primo-piano/doppia-tegola-per-il-milan-stiramento-per-flamini-e-lesione-del-menisco-per-thiago-40595|title=Doppia tegola per il Milan: stiramento per Flamini e lesione del menisco per Thiago |date=9 December 2010|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.milannews.it/primo-piano/thiago-silva-operato-in-brasile-intervento-perfettamente-riuscito-40823|title=Thiago Silva operato in Brasile: intervento perfettamente riuscito|date=13 December 2010|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> Initially feared to be a serious injury,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2010/12/09/2253326/milan-rocked-as-thiago-silva-faces-six-months-out-injured|title=Milan Rocked As Thiago Silva Faces Six Months Out Injured, Mathieu Flamini Crocked For One Month|date=9 December 2010|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> it only kept Silva away for one month.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/milan/?action=read&idnet=bWlsYW5uZXdzLml0LTQwODYz|title=Comunicato Ufficiale AC Milan: dieci giorni di stop per Gattuso e Zambrotta|date=13 December 2010|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> At the midpoint of the season, Silva was regarded as the best defender in the Serie A,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/2292/editorials/2010/12/20/2269522/goalcom-special-serie-a-team-of-the-season|title=Goal.com Special: Serie A Team Of The Season|date=20 December 2010|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> and the best in Europe.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2010/12/25/2274454/goalcom-mid-season-awards-2010-11|title=Goal.com Mid-Season Awards 2010–11|date=24 December 2010|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref>

{{Quote box|width=40%|align=left|quote="I think that Thiago Silva is the best defender in the world. It is incredible how good he really is. Thiago Silva is part of a new generation of phenomenal players who are perhaps born once every 100 years."|source=—[[Filippo Inzaghi]], 2011<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/node/5903|title=Inzaghi hails golden Silva|work=Football Italia|date=31 May 2011}}</ref>}}

Forced to play as an emergency defensive midfielder due to an injury crisis, Silva played extraordinarily well against [[A.C. Cesena|Cesena]], a match which Milan won 2–0. Silva's performance brought comparisons to legendary Milan midfielder [[Marcel Desailly]].<ref name="heir to Desailly">{{cite news|url=http://www.football-italia.net/node/2196|title=The Brazilian heir to Desailly|work=Football Italia|date=26 January 2011|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> In his next match, Silva was rated as the best player in Milan's 2–1 victory over [[U.C. Sampdoria|Sampdoria]] in the [[2010–11 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia quarter-final]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2011/gennaio/27/MILAN_THIAGO_SILVA_ECLETTICO_MERKEL_ga_10_110127016.shtml|title=Milan Thiago Silva Eclettico, Merkel Utile|date=27 January 2011|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> The midfield "experiment" continued in a 0–0 draw against Lazio, though this time, Silva was compared to another legendary Milan midfielder, [[Frank Rijkaard]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2011/febbraio/02/PAGELLE_ga_10_110202027.shtml|title=Pagelle|date=2 February 2011|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> Silva was lauded by Italian media for his display against [[S.S.C. Napoli|Napoli]], marking-out star striker [[Edinson Cavani]]. Milan won 3–0.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2011/marzo/01/Che_Boateng_Sanctis_super_ga_3_110301001.shtml|title=Che Boateng, De Sanctis super|date=1 March 2011|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sportlive.it/calcio/tabellino-pagelle-milan-napoli-serie-a-28-febbraio-2011.html|title=Tabellino, pagelle Milan – Napoli posticipo 28 febbraio 2011|date=28 February 2011|access-date=2 July 2014|archive-date=8 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808204527/http://www.sportlive.it/calcio/tabellino-pagelle-milan-napoli-serie-a-28-febbraio-2011.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ilsussidiario.net/News/Calcio-e-altri-Sport/2011/3/1/PAGELLE-Milan-Napoli-3-0-i-voti-il-tabellino-e-la-cronaca-27-giornata-/3/154209/|title=Pagelle / Milan-Napoli (3–0): i voti, il tabellino e la cronaca (27° giornata)|date=1 March 2011|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> One publication claimed that Silva and Nesta "made a ghost" of Cavani,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/50578/ac-milan-vs-napoli/player-ratings |title=Player Ratings: AC Milan 3–0 Napoli |date=28 February 2011 |access-date=2 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113052037/http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/50578/ac-milan-vs-napoli/player-ratings |archive-date=13 November 2012 }}</ref> whereas another claimed that Cavani had a "nightmare".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2011/marzo/05/Cavani_digiuno_gia_pronta_dedica_ga_10_110305027.shtml|title=Cavani a digiuno ha già pronta la dedica del gol|date=5 March 2011|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref>

In the match that sealed the ''Scudetto'' for Milan, Silva anchored the ''Rossoneri'' to a 3–0 victory in the Derby della Madonnina against city rivals Inter.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2011/aprile/03/PAGELLE_ga_10_110403011.shtml|title=Le Pagelle|date=3 April 2011|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> At the end of the season, Silva extended his contract to June 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.acmilan.com/it/news/breaking_news_show/10367|title=A.C. Milan Comunicato Ufficiale|date=17 May 2011|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> Silva managed to complete the entire [[2010–11 Serie A]] having earned only one yellow card, and having committed 26 fouls in 33 total matches.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.espnfc.com/player/96254/thiago-silva?season=2010|title=Thiago Silva|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> Silva's individual season was met with praise from all across Europe. In a fan vote, Silva was selected as Milan Player of the Season with 66.6% of the vote.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2011/05/10/2477781/who-is-ac-milans-player-of-the-season|title=Who is AC Milan's Player of the Season?|date=10 May 2011|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> ''La Gazzetta dello Sport'' rated him as the Player of the Season.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2011/maggio/08/MURO_Thiago_Silva_professore_rianimato_ga_10_110508017.shtml|title=Il Muro Thiago Silva Il professore ha rianimato la difesa super|date=8 May 2011|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> Silva was selected as Goal's Serie A Player of the Season,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2011/05/25/2499774/serie-a-player-of-the-season-2010-11|title=Serie A Player of the Season 2010–11|date=25 May 2011|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> and was also voted as the best defender in the league by Italian media and his fellow professionals.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.acmilan.com/en/news/breaking_news_show/8721|title=Thiago Silva Wins Armando Picchi Award|publisher=A.C. Milan|date=15 April 2011|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2012/01/oscar-del-calcio-awards-2011-winners/|title= Oscar del Calcio Awards 2011 Winners|date=24 January 2012|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref>

====2011–12: Final campaign in Italy====
[[File:Thiago silva 4 commons 2.jpg|thumb|right|Silva playing for AC Milan against [[A.C. Siena|Siena]] in December 2011]]

Milan's season began with a 2–1 victory over Inter in the [[2011 Supercoppa Italiana]]; Silva was the best defender in the match and one of the best overall performers, making a decisive last-man tackle on [[Samuel Eto'o]] to deny a clear chance in the first half.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2011/agosto/07/MILAN_NESTA_SBANDA_THIAGO_SILVA_ga_10_110807006.shtml|title=Milan Nesta Sbanda, Thiago Silva No. Seedorf Si Sveglia Nella Ripresa E Accedne La Luce|date=7 August 2011|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> Milan began the [[2011–12 Serie A]] in poor form, winning only two points in the first three matches, though Silva was one of the better players in the draws against Lazio<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2011/settembre/10/Pagelle_ga_10_1109108031.shtml|title=Le Pagelle|date=10 September 2011|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> and Udinese.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2011/settembre/22/Pagelle_ga_10_110922053.shtml|title=Le Pagelle|date=22 September 2011|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> In a [[2011–12 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] [[2011–12 UEFA Champions League group stage|group stage]] match against [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]], Silva and Alessandro Nesta were crucial in the 2–2 result; both defenders were regarded as two of the best performers by Italian and Catalan media.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2011/settembre/14/Pagelle_ga_10_1109148188.shtml|title=Le Pagelle|date=14 September 2011|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD03/PUB/2011/09/14/EMD20110914002MDP.pdf|title=Barça|date=14 September 2011|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> In the match, Silva scored the 90th-minute equaliser — his former coach Carlo Ancelotti predicted that Silva would score that goal.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2011/settembre/14/Ancelotti_indovina_Qui_Thiago_Silva_ga_3_110914785.shtml|title=Ancelotti indovina "Qui c' è il 2–2 Thiago Silva gol"|date=14 September 2011|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref>

A knee contusion in a 3–0 victory over [[Palermo F.C.|Palermo]] on 15 October kept Silva out for two matches.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/milan/?action=read&idnet=bWlsYW5uZXdzLml0LTYzNzgw|title=Solo una contusione per Thiago Silva|date=15 October 2011|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> In Silva's 75th Serie A match for Milan, played on 19 November, he was vital in maintaining a clean sheet against [[ACF Fiorentina|Fiorentina]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2011/novembre/20/Pagelle_ga_3_111120344.shtml|title=Le Pagelle|date=20 November 2011|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> The next week, Silva was named captain against Chievo, in the process becoming the first foreign captain in 50 years for Milan.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/ac-milan-defender-thiago-silva-eager-future-captaincy-2581981#.U7OturGmWqQ|title=AC Milan defender Thiago Silva eager for future captaincy|date=28 December 2011|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> In the 4–0 demolition at the [[San Siro]], Silva scored his first goal as captain, while teammate [[Zlatan Ibrahimović]] also scored his 100th Serie A goal in the same match.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2011/novembre/29/non_solo_lui_Milan_una_ga_10_111129188.shtml|title=Ma non c' è solo lui Il Milan è una coop|date=29 November 2011|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> On 1 December, Silva was shortlisted for the [[FIFPro#FIFPro World XI|FIFPro World XI]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.fifpro.org/en/news/fifpro-announces-shortlist-for-fifa-fifpro-world-xi|title=FIFPro announces shortlist for FIFA FIFPro World XI|date=1 December 2011|access-date=2 July 2014|archive-date=15 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715001541/http://www.fifpro.org/en/news/fifpro-announces-shortlist-for-fifa-fifpro-world-xi|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[1994 FIFA World Cup|1994 World Cup]]-winning coach [[Carlos Alberto Parreira]] regarded Silva as the best Brazilian footballer in Europe.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sambafoot.com/en/news/27302_how_the_sambafoot_selecao_voted_in_the_race_for_the_samba_gold_trophy_2011.html|title=How the Sambafoot Seleção voted in the race for the Samba Gold Trophy 2011|date=31 December 2011|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref>

On 9 January, Silva was compared to Milan's greatest player,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/players/player=174375/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110162108/http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/players/player=174375/|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 January 2014|title=Milan and Italy's imperial sweeper|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> Franco Baresi, by his teammate [[Gennaro Gattuso]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.acmilan.com/en/news/breaking_news_show/19500|title=GATTUSO on Milan Channel: "F.Baresi-T.Silva? Yes, you can compare"|date=9 January 2012|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> On 13 January, Zlatan Ibrahimović claimed that Silva was the best defender he had ever played with.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2012/01/13/2845472/ac-milans-zlatan-ibrahimovic-thiago-silva-is-better-than|title=AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Thiago Silva is better than Lilian Thuram, Fabio Cannavaro, Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol|date=13 January 2012|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> Silva was voted into the [[UEFA Team of the Year#Team of the Year 2011|2011 UEFA Team of the Year]] on 18 January.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.uefa.com/community/news/newsid=1741715.html|title=UEFA.com users' Team of the Year 2011 revealed|date=18 January 2012|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> Silva was selected as man of the match in a 0–0 draw against Napoli in February.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2012/febbraio/06/Pagelle_ga_10_120206022.shtml|title=le Pagelle|date=6 February 2012|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> In Milan's 4–0 win over [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] in the [[2011–12 UEFA Champions League knockout phase|Champions League Round of 16]], Silva successfully marked-out [[Robin van Persie]], who was in a great run of form.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2012/febbraio/16/MILAN_MIGLIOR_EMANUELSON_VISTO_SAN_ga_10_120216005.shtml|title=Milan Il Miglior Emanuelson Visto A San Siro; abatenon Rischia Nulla|date=16 February 2012|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> Silva played his last full league match for Milan on 17 March against [[S.S.D. Parma Calcio 1913|Parma]], playing an important role in the 2–0 victory.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2012/marzo/18/MILAN_BONERA_CHIUDE_RILANCIA_ga_10_120318011.shtml|title=Milan Bonera Chiude e Rilancia|date=18 March 2012|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> Manchester United captain [[Nemanja Vidić]] said that Silva was the best defender in the world in an interview on 22 March.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/man-utd-captain-vidic-ac-milans-thiago-silva-best-defender-world-3043501#.U7RMI7GmWqQ|title=Man Utd captain Vidic: AC Milan's Thiago Silva best defender in world|date=22 March 2012|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref>

{{Quote box|width=35%|align=left|quote="It's difficult to identify where he can still improve. He has already proven to have everything."|source=—[[Franco Baresi]], 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=http://football-italia.net/19459/baresi-thiago-silva-my-heir|title=Baresi: Thiago Silva my heir|work=Football Italia|date=June 2012}}</ref>}}

On 24 March, Silva was forced out of a match against Roma after ten minutes due to a serious injury. Although Milan originally claimed Silva would be out just four weeks,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.acmilan.com/it/news/breaking_news_show/23641|title=Thiago Silva: A.C. Miland Comunicato Ufficiale|date=25 March 2012|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> instead he missed seven weeks, including the [[2011–12 UEFA Champions League#Quarter-finals|Champions League quarter-finals]] against Barcelona, where Milan fell 1–3 on aggregate.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2012/matches/round=2000265/match=2007684/postmatch/report/|title=Messi sets new mark as Barcelona see off Milan|date=3 April 2012|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> Without Silva, Milan stuttered in the league and lost the ''Scudetto'' to rivals Juventus. It was argued that Silva's injury was the turning point in the title race: with Silva, Milan won 2.37 out of a possible 3 points per match, while without him Milan won 2.09 out of a possible 3 points.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://jameshorncastle.com/serie-a-team-of-the-season-2011-12/|title=Serie A Team of the Season 2011–12|date=15 May 2012|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> Silva's strong season finished in another nomination to the Serie A Team of the Year, being joint-best central defender alongside Juve stalwart [[Andrea Barzagli]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2013/01/gran-gala-del-calcio-2012-winners/|title= Gran Gala del Calcio 2012 – Winners|date=28 January 2013|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref> He was also regarded as one of the best defenders in Italy by multiple independent publications.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2012/05/14/3098597/serie-a-team-of-the-season-pirlo-ibrahimovic-di-natale-star|title=Serie A Team of the Season: Pirlo, Ibrahimovic & Di Natale star in the 2011–12 campaign|date=14 May 2012|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref><ref name="just-football.com">{{cite news|url=http://www.just-football.com/2012/05/serie-a-italy-team-of-the-season-2011-2012/|title=Serie A: Just Football's Team of the Season 2011–2012|date=17 May 2012|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref>

===Paris Saint-Germain===
The negotiations to bring Silva to [[Paris Saint-Germain F.C.|Paris Saint-Germain]] took place at the end of the 2011–12 season. The saga took over a month to complete. On 11 June 2012, it was reported that Milan legend Paolo Maldini would convince Silva to join PSG in the summer.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.francesoir.fr/sport/football/psg-c-est-maldini-qui-a-convaincu-thiago-silva-236281.html|title=PSG : C'est Maldini qui a convaincu Thiago Silva!|date=11 June 2012|access-date=10 July 2014|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714213930/http://www.francesoir.fr/sport/football/psg-c-est-maldini-qui-a-convaincu-thiago-silva-236281.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Major French newspaper ''[[L'Équipe]]'' claimed that a transfer would be completed by 15 June.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.football-italia.net/19840/thiago-silva-psg-say-l%E2%80%99equipe|title=Thiago Silva to PSG, say L'Equipe|date=11 June 2012|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> The same day, PSG sporting director — and former Milan coach — [[Leonardo Araújo|Leonardo]] officially declared interest in acquiring Silva.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.football-italia.net/19847/thiago-silva-edges-towards-psg|title=Thiago Silva edges towards PSG|date=11 June 2012|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> The next day, however, Milan general director Ariedo Braida claimed that Silva was not for sale.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.football-italia.net/19870/milan-we%E2%80%99re-not-selling-silva|title=Milan: We're not selling Silva|date=12 June 2012|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> On 13 June, Maldini refuted claims that he would play a part in Silva's transfer, asserting the fact that he would never convince Silva to leave.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/ac-milan-legend-maldini-selling-thiago-silva-will-be-sign-weakness-3236591#.U7Yze7GmWqQ|title=AC Milan legend Maldini: Selling Thiago Silva will be sign of weakness|date=13 June 2012|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> Milan chairman [[Silvio Berlusconi]] mentioned a potential transfer on 13 June, saying that Silva needed to be sold for €46 million in order to balance the club's accounts.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/psg-foot-paris-saint-germain/psg-berlusconi-confirme-le-transfert-de-thiago-silva-13-06-2012-2046950.php|title=PSG : Berlusconi confirme le transfert de Thiago Silva|date=13 June 2012|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> The next day, however, Berlusconi confirmed that Silva would be staying at Milan.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.acmilan.com/it/news/show/141895|title=Grazie Presidente!|date=14 June 2012|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> Transfer news slowed down, and on 2 July, Milan extended Silva's contract to 2017,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.acmilan.com/en/news/show/142198|title=Milan-Thiago Silva: 2017|date=2 July 2012|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> yet just 12 days later, Silva's transfer to PSG was confirmed.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.psg.fr/en/News/003001/Article/58524/Thiago-Silva-signs-for-Paris-Saint-Germain|title=Thiago Silva signs for Paris Saint-Germain|date=14 July 2012|access-date=10 July 2014|archive-date=16 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120716225936/http://www.psg.fr/en/News/003001/Article/58524/Thiago-Silva-signs-for-Paris-Saint-Germain|url-status=dead}}</ref> The transfer fee was rumoured to be around €42 million, which would have made Silva the most expensive defender in football history.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/69/transfer-zone/2012/07/14/3241934/paris-saint-germain-completes-42-million-euros-signing-of-thiago-|title=Paris Saint-Germain completes 42 million euros signing of Thiago Silva from AC Milan|date=14 June 2012|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/14/thiago-silva-transfer-psg-fee-ac-milan-brazil_n_1673721.html|title=Thiago Silva To Paris Saint-Germain From AC Milan For 42 Million Euro Fee|date=14 July 2012|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> Silva had repeatedly stressed the fact that he never pushed for a transfer, and that he was happy at Milan.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3274/ligue-1/2013/12/15/4481124/thiago-silva-i-never-wanted-to-leave-ac-milan|title=Thiago Silva: I never wanted to leave AC Milan|date=15 December 2013|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.caughtoffside.com/2012/07/31/35m-psg-signing-thiago-silva-claims-he-was-forced-to-leave-ac-milan/|title=£35m PSG Signing Thiago Silva Claims He Was Forced to Leave AC Milan|date=31 July 2012|access-date=10 July 2014|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714163117/http://www.caughtoffside.com/2012/07/31/35m-psg-signing-thiago-silva-claims-he-was-forced-to-leave-ac-milan/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Silva even mentioned that he would like to return to Milan later in his career.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.football-italia.net/49307/thiago-silva-ill-return-milan|title=Thiago Silva: 'I'll return to Milan'|date=17 May 2014|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref>

====2012–13: Record transfer====
[[File:Kiev-PSG (10).jpg|thumb|right|upright|Silva playing for [[Paris Saint-Germain]] in 2013]]

At his arrival, Silva was presented to the media as the "best defender in the world" by PSG president [[Nasser Al-Khelaifi]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/flash-actualite-sports/psg-thiago-silva-presente-officiellement-pas-aligne-dimanche-contre-bordeaux-24-08-2012-2135916.php|title=Ligue 1: le PSG présente avec faste Thiago Silva, "meilleur défenseur du monde"|date=24 August 2012|access-date=10 July 2014|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304034212/http://www.leparisien.fr/flash-actualite-sports/psg-thiago-silva-presente-officiellement-pas-aligne-dimanche-contre-bordeaux-24-08-2012-2135916.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> Then PSG coach, and his former coach with Milan, Carlo Ancelotti, admitted to French media that Silva came to the club injured, and would not be able to participate immediately in matches.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/lille-59000/l1-paris-sg-thiago-silva-forfait-pour-lille-ibrahimovic-operationnel-01-09-2012-2146357.php|title=L1 – Paris SG – Thiago Silva forfait pour Lille, Ibrahimovic opérationnel|date=1 September 2012|access-date=10 July 2014|archive-date=1 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601145604/http://www.leparisien.fr/lille-59000/l1-paris-sg-thiago-silva-forfait-pour-lille-ibrahimovic-operationnel-01-09-2012-2146357.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> Thirteen days later, Silva was declared fit to play, in time for a [[2012–13 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] [[2012–13 UEFA Champions League group stage|group stage]] match against [[FC Dynamo Kyiv|Dynamo Kyiv]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/psg-foot-paris-saint-germain/thiago-silva-jouera-face-a-kiev-14-09-2012-2164224.php|title=PSG : Thiago Silva jouera face à Kiev|date=14 September 2012|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> On his debut, Silva scored the second goal in PSG's 4–1 victory.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.psg.fr/en/Fixtures-Results/204003/Match-report/59144/Des-debuts-prometteurs|title=A promising start!|publisher=Paris Saint-Germain F.C.|date=18 September 2012|access-date=10 July 2014|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714130748/http://www.psg.fr/en/Fixtures-Results/204003/Match-report/59144/Des-debuts-prometteurs|url-status=dead}}</ref> He played his first [[Ligue 1]] match against [[SC Bastia|Bastia]], which PSG dominated, winning 4–0.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.psg.fr/en/saison-match/204001/Last-match/1321/PSG-Bastia|title=Bastia 0–4 PSG: Paris roll on!|publisher=Paris Saint-Germain F.C.|date=22 September 2012|access-date=10 July 2014|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714230315/http://www.psg.fr/en/saison-match/204001/Last-match/1321/PSG-Bastia|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 20 October, Silva was played as a [[Midfielder#Central midfielder|central midfielder]] in PSG's 1–0 win over [[Stade de Reims|Reims]]; Silva was commended for his display by teammate [[Salvatore Sirigu]].<ref name="travail">{{cite news|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/psg-foot-paris-saint-germain/sirigu-j-ai-juste-fait-mon-travail-21-10-2012-2251873.php|title=Sirigu : " J'ai juste fait mon travail "|date=21 October 2012|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> Silva scored his second goal for the club in ''[[Le Classique]]'' — the derby between PSG and Marseille.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.psg.fr/en/News/003001/Article/59681/Paris-book-their-place-quarters|title=Paris book their place quarters!|publisher=Paris Saint-Germain F.C.|date=31 October 2012|access-date=10 July 2014|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714220728/http://www.psg.fr/en/News/003001/Article/59681/Paris-book-their-place-quarters|url-status=dead}}</ref> He was praised for his defensive display in the match.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.footmercato.net/coupe-de-la-ligue/psg-om-les-notes-du-match_94642|title=PSG – OM : les notes du match|date=31 October 2012|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> On 16 December, Silva was praised for shackling [[Olympique Lyonnais|Lyon]] forward [[Lisandro López (footballer, born 1983)|Lisandro López]] in PSG's 1–0 win.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.footmercato.net/ligue1/psg-ol-les-notes-du-match_97239|title=PSG-OL : les notes du match|date=16 December 2012|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> For the 2012 football year, Silva was inducted into the [[UEFA Team of the Year]] for the second consecutive season.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.uefa.com/community/teamoftheyear/history/season=2012/index.html|title=UEFA.com users' Team of the Year 2012|date=4 December 2013|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref>

In Silva's first match after the winter break, he was injured in a 0–0 draw against [[AC Ajaccio|Ajaccio]]; the MRI confirmed damage to his left bicep, and Silva's recovery time was listed at three weeks.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/psg-foot-paris-saint-germain/thiago-silva-a-l-arret-trois-semaines-15-01-2013-2482155.php|title=Thiago Silva à l'arrêt trois semaines|date=15 January 2013|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> It was found that Silva's injury was more serious than initially diagnosed,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/psg-foot-paris-saint-germain/inquietude-autour-de-thiago-silva-14-02-2013-2566523.php|title=PSG : inquiétude autour de Thiago Silva|date=14 February 2013|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> and as a result Silva was actually inactive for almost two months.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/psg-foot-paris-saint-germain/thiago-silva-ne-sera-pas-la-02-03-2013-2610471.php|title=Reims – PSG : Thiago Silva ne sera pas là|date=2 March 2013|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> Silva made his return in the second leg of the [[2012–13 UEFA Champions League knockout phase#Paris Saint-Germain v Valencia|Champions League Round of 16]] against [[Valencia CF|Valencia]]. Silva was outstanding in this match, being lauded heavily in France for an "extraterrestrial effort" against the Spanish side.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.footmercato.net/ligue-des-champions/psg-valence-les-notes-du-match_102028|title=PSG-Valence : les notes du match|date=6 March 2013|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.actusports.fr/42495/psg-valence/|title=PSG 1–1 Valence : " Trouille " et qualif' !|date=6 March 2013|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.eurosport.fr/football/ligue-des-champions/2012-2013/psg-valence-%281-1%29-les-notes-thiago-silva-et-thiago-motta-au-rendez-vous_sto3654282/story.shtml|title=PSG-Valence (1–1) – Les notes : Thiago Silva et Thiago Motta au rendez-vous|date=7 March 2014|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> In PSG's 1–0 victory over reigning champions [[Montpellier HSC|Montpellier]], Silva was regarded as the man of the match with a flawless defensive display.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.footmercato.net/ligue1/psg-montpellier-les-notes-du-match_103265|title=PSG – Montpellier : les notes du match|date=29 March 2013|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> Silva received the [[UNFP Player of the Month|Ligue 1 Player of the Month]] award for March, with 71% of the vote, after several fantastic performances.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.psg.fr/en/News/003001/Article/62049/Thiago-Silva-receives-trophy|title=Thiago Silva receives trophy|date=21 April 2013|access-date=10 July 2014|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714192900/http://www.psg.fr/en/News/003001/Article/62049/Thiago-Silva-receives-trophy|url-status=dead}}</ref> This was followed by a unanimously exalted performance against Barcelona, where Silva was described as "a wall" by French and Catalan media.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD03/PUB/2013/04/03/EMD20130403004MDP.pdf|title=Uno x Uno PSG|date=3 April 2013|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.eurosport.fr/football/ligue-des-champions/2012-2013/psg-barca-les-notes-thiago-silva-l-homme-du-match_sto3694365/story.shtml|title=PSG-Barça, les notes: Thiago Silva, l'homme du match|date=3 April 2013|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> Carlo Ancelotti claimed after the match that Silva was the best defender in the world, saying that Silva had all the ability to win the [[FIFA Ballon d'Or|Ballon d'Or]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.butfootballclub.fr/224733-psg-ancelotti-thiago-silva-le-meilleur-defenseur-du-monde/|title=PSG – Ancelotti : " Thiago Silva ? Le meilleur défenseur du monde "|date=5 April 2013|access-date=10 July 2014|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714122210/http://www.butfootballclub.fr/224733-psg-ancelotti-thiago-silva-le-meilleur-defenseur-du-monde/|url-status=dead}}</ref> PSG legend [[Ricardo Gomes]] claimed that Silva was one of Brazil's best-ever defenders, as well as saying that Silva was the best defender in the history of the club.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sport.gentside.com/thiago-silva/psg-thiago-silva-est-il-vraiment-le-meilleur-defenseur-du-monde_art37992.html|title=PSG: Thiago Silva est-il vraiment le meilleur défenseur du monde ?|date=5 April 2013|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> In the return leg, Silva was again praised by Catalan media for a world-class performance.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD03/PUB/2013/04/11/EMD20130411004MDI.pdf|title=Uno x Uno PSG|date=11 April 2013|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref>

{{Quote box|width=45%|align=left|quote="He is the Messi of defenders. The question is no longer if he is the best defender in the world, because he is quite simply one of the best players in the world — better than Cannavaro when he won the Ballon d'Or."|source=—[[Alain Roche (footballer)|Alain Roche]], 2013<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/psgs-reluctant-hero-thiago-silva-earns-applause-eyes-door/|title=PSG's reluctant hero Thiago Silva earns applause but eyes the door|date=10 April 2013}}</ref>}}

Silva continued his run of great performances in PSG's tight 1–0 victory against [[ES Troyes AC|Troyes]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.footmercato.net/ligue1/troyes-psg-les-notes-du-match_104086|title=Troyes-PSG : les notes du match|date=13 April 2013|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> Silva's season came to an end on 5 May when he received a straight red-card in a match against [[Valenciennes FC|Valenciennes]]. He motioned to the referee, and put his hands on the referee's shoulder, which the referee deemed as a red-card offence. It was deemed to be a very harsh decision,<ref name="leparisien.fr">{{cite news|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/psg-foot-paris-saint-germain/thiago-silva-le-rouge-de-la-discorde-06-05-2013-2782521.php|title=PSG – VA (1–1) : Thiago Silva, le rouge de la discorde|date=6 May 2013|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> with former referee [[Alain Sars]] claiming the expulsion was severe.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.eurosport.fr/football/ligue-1/2012-2013/psg-valenciennes-1-1-l-expulsion-de-thiago-silva-fait-polemique-leonardo-s-emporte_sto3744145/story.shtml|title=PSG – Valenciennes (1–1) : l'expulsion de Thiago Silva fait polémique, Leonardo s'emporte|date=6 May 2013|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> Sporting director Leonardo said that the expulsion was "unacceptable", and Ancelotti said that he did not understand the reason for the expulsion.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Leonardo-c-est-inacceptable/368698|title=Leonardo : "C'est inacceptable"|date=6 May 2013|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> Nevertheless, at the end of the season Silva was voted into the [[Trophées UNFP du football#2013|2012–13 Ligue 1 Team of the Year]] for his level of play throughout the season.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sofoot.com/l-equipe-type-de-l-unfp-169763.html|title= L'équipe-type de l'UNFP|date=20 May 2013|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> Silva was also shortlisted for the [[Trophées UNFP du football#Player of the Year|Ligue 1 Player of the Year]] award, alongside teammates [[Blaise Matuidi]] and Zlatan Ibrahimović.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ligue1.com/ligue1/article/psg-dominate-unfp-award-nominations.htm|title=PSG dominate UNFP award nominations|date=9 May 2013|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> Over the course of the season, Silva committed an extremely-low 14 fouls, which was mentioned as an excellent total for a defender in ''[[Le Parisien]]''.<ref name="leparisien.fr"/> Silva was considered the best defender in [[Ligue 1]] by ''France Football''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.francefootball.fr/ligue-1/etoiles/ |title=Classement Étoiles |date=8 June 2013 |access-date=10 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608153153/http://www.francefootball.fr/ligue-1/etoiles/ |archive-date=8 June 2013 }}</ref>

====2013–14: Individual success and domestic treble====
Silva's season began with a 2–1 victory in the [[2013 Trophée des Champions|Trophée des Champions]] against [[FC Girondins de Bordeaux|Bordeaux]]; Silva was voted as man of the match for his display.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/psg-foot-paris-saint-germain/notes-joueurs-psg/?id_match=257|title=PSG 2 – 1 Bordeaux|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> It was the first time Paris Saint-Germain had won the trophy since 1998.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/psg-foot-paris-saint-germain/un-trophee-pour-lancer-la-saison-03-08-2013-3027613.php|title=PSG – Bordeaux : un trophée pour lancer la saison|date=3 August 2013|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> On 22 August 2013, it was announced that Silva had signed a one-year extension to his contract, keeping him at the club until 2018.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.psg.fr/fr/Actus/003001/Article/63166/Thiago-Silva-prolonge-d-une-annee|title=Thiago Silva Prolonge D'Une Année Avec Le Paris Saint-Germain|date=22 August 2013|access-date=10 July 2014|archive-date=24 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130824234912/http://www.psg.fr/fr/Actus/003001/Article/63166/Thiago-Silva-prolonge-d-une-annee|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the rematch with Bordeaux at the [[Stade Chaban-Delmas]], Silva put in another good performance as PSG won 2–0.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.footmercato.net/ligue1/bordeaux-psg-les-notes-du-match_114614|title=Bordeaux – PSG : les notes du match|date=13 September 2013|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> Silva was forced off the field in the 16th minute against [[AS Monaco FC|Monaco]] due to a left hamstring injury, which ultimately kept him out for six weeks.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/psg-foot-paris-saint-germain/psg-anderlecht-blanc-attention-au-relachement-04-11-2013-3285771.php|title=PSG-Anderlecht. Blanc : "Attention au relâchement"|date=4 November 2013|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> Coming back from his injury, Silva played extremely well against [[OGC Nice|Nice]], out-dueling the league's second top-scorer, [[Darío Cvitanich]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.footmercato.net/ligue1/psg-nice-les-notes-du-match_118057|title=PSG-Nice : les notes du match|date=9 November 2013|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> Silva had an unusual run of scoring form, netting three times in seven matches. Silva scored in PSG's 4–0 victory over Lyon,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.psg.fr/en/News/003001/Article/64553/Paris-too-strong-for-Lyon|title=Paris too strong for Lyon!|date=1 December 2013|access-date=10 July 2014|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714172400/http://www.psg.fr/en/News/003001/Article/64553/Paris-too-strong-for-Lyon|url-status=dead}}</ref> 5–0 victory over [[FC Sochaux-Montbéliard|Sochaux]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.psg.fr/en/Fixtures-Results/204003/Match-report/64669/Paris-get-back-to-winning-ways|title=Paris get back to winning ways!|date=7 December 2013|access-date=10 July 2014|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714181807/http://www.psg.fr/en/Fixtures-Results/204003/Match-report/64669/Paris-get-back-to-winning-ways|url-status=dead}}</ref> and 4–0 victory over [[FC Nantes|Nantes]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.psg.fr/en/Fixtures-Results/204003/Match-report/65259/Five-star-Paris|title=Five-star Paris!|date=19 January 2014|access-date=10 July 2014|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714122250/http://www.psg.fr/en/Fixtures-Results/204003/Match-report/65259/Five-star-Paris|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[France Football]]'' rated Silva as the best central defender in Ligue 1 at the half-way point of the season.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.francefootball.fr/diaporama/L-equipe-type-de-la-phase-aller/1890/#3|title=FF – L1 – L'équipe type de la phase aller|date=30 December 2013|access-date=10 July 2014|archive-date=27 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227200111/http://www.francefootball.fr/diaporama/L-equipe-type-de-la-phase-aller/1890/#3|url-status=dead}}</ref> At the end of the 2013 football year, Silva was inducted into the 2013 [[UEFA Team of the Year]] for the third consecutive year,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=2042620.html|title=UEFA.com users' Team of the Year 2013 revealed|date=15 January 2014|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> making him joint-fifth in all-time appearances. Silva was also voted by his fellow professionals in the 2013 [[FIFPro#Winners|FIFPro Team of the Year]] for the first time in his career.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.fifa.com/ballondor/world11/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121203042049/http://www.fifa.com/ballondor/world11/|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 December 2012|title=FIFA/FIFPro World XI|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref>

On 15 January 2014, Manchester United central defender [[Rio Ferdinand]] claimed that Silva was, by a distance, the best defender in the world.<ref name="Ferdinand">{{cite news|url=https://twitter.com/rioferdy5/status/423397345905356800|title=Rio Ferdinand|date=15 January 2014|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> Silva was imperious in PSG's 2–0 win against Bordeaux at the [[Parc des Princes]], where he covered for the errors of teammate [[Gregory van der Wiel]] and was even close to scoring himself.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.footmercato.net/ligue1/psg-bordeaux-les-notes-du-match_123497|title=PSG-Bordeaux : les notes du match|date=31 January 2014|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> This performance was followed by another strong performance against Monaco; despite scoring an unlucky own-goal, Silva made crucial interventions throughout the match, including a last-man block against striker [[Emmanuel Rivière]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.footmercato.net/ligue1/monaco-psg-les-notes-du-match_124063|title=Monaco-PSG : les notes du match|date=9 February 2014|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> In PSG's comprehensive 4–0 win in the [[2013–14 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] over [[Bayer 04 Leverkusen|Bayer Leverkusen]], Silva was regarded by ''Le Parisien'' as having "dominated" then [[Bundesliga]] leading-scorer [[Stefan Kießling]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/psg-foot-paris-saint-germain/notes-joueurs-psg/?id_match=335|title=Lerverkusen 0 – 4 PSG|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> Marseille defender [[Lucas Mendes (footballer, born 1990)|Lucas Mendes]] said that Silva was the best defender in the world, and that Silva was his role model as a footballer.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/fr/news/1729/france/2014/02/20/4634680/om-lucas-mendes-sinspire-de-thiago-silva|title=OM, Lucas Mendes s'inspire de Thiago Silva|date=20 February 2014|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> On 16 February, [[Ronaldo (Brazilian footballer)|Ronaldo]], the three-time [[FIFA World Player of the Year]], compared the qualities of Silva to legendary German sweeper [[Franz Beckenbauer]].<ref name="Beckenbauer">{{cite news|url=http://www.le10sport.com/football/ligue1/psg/psg-ronaldo-thiago-silva-il-marche-sur-les-traces-de-beckenbauer136274|title=PSG – Ronaldo : "Thiago Silva ? Il marche sur les traces de Beckenbauer"|date=16 February 2014|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> Silva managed another accomplished display in ''Le Classique'', marshaling the club's defence to a clean sheet and helping extend its lead to eight points at the top of the Ligue 1 table.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.psg.fr/en/News/003001/Article/65921/A-classic-result-for-Paris|title=A classic result for Paris|date=2 March 2014|access-date=10 July 2014|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714122253/http://www.psg.fr/en/News/003001/Article/65921/A-classic-result-for-Paris|url-status=dead}}</ref>

{{Quote box|width=35%|align=right|quote="Thiago Silva is without doubt the best central defender in the world. He has incredible qualities. He is a symbol of elegance like Franz Beckenbauer was. Silva follows in his footsteps."|source=—[[Ronaldo (Brazilian footballer)|Ronaldo]], 2014<ref name="Beckenbauer"/>}}

In the [[2013–14 UEFA Champions League knockout phase#Quarter-finals|Champions League quarter-finals]] against [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]], Silva conceded his first penalty in over three years, but recovered well in the 3–1 first leg victory<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.psg.fr/en/News/003001/Article/66395/Paris-put-on-a-show|title=Paris put on a show|date=2 April 2014|access-date=10 July 2014|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714123005/http://www.psg.fr/en/News/003001/Article/66395/Paris-put-on-a-show|url-status=dead}}</ref> — Silva's overall defensive effort was well-recognised by both English and French media.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/apr/02/psg-chelsea-champions-league-player-ratings|title=Paris Saint-Germain 3–1 Chelsea: Champions League player ratings|date=2 April 2014|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.footmercato.net/ligue-des-champions/psg-chelsea-les-notes-du-match_127356|title=PSG – Chelsea : les notes du match|date=2 April 2014|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> In the second-leg, however, Chelsea prevailed on away goals after a late goal from substitute [[Demba Ba]]. On 19 April, 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.psg.fr/fr/Calendrier-Resultats/204003/Analyse-de-match/66658/Paris-tient-sa-coupe|title=Paris tient sa coupe !|date=19 April 2014|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> Despite losing 1–2 to [[Stade Rennais F.C.|Rennes]], PSG clinched the league title; Silva had captained the club to their second consecutive league title, and their first double.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.psg.fr/fr/Actus/003001/Article/66895/Retour-sur-une-saison-exceptionnelle|title=Retour sur une saison exceptionnelle|date=8 May 2014|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> Silva again was shortlisted for [[Trophées UNFP du football#Player of the Year|Ligue 1 Player of the Year]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thescore.com/news/492850|title=PSG trio shortlisted for Ligue 1 player of year|date=1 May 2014|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> and named in the [[Trophées UNFP du football#Team of the Year|Ligue 1 Team of the Year]] for the second consecutive season.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ligue1.com/ligue1/article/ibrahimovic-named-player-of-year.htm|title=Ibrahimovic named Player of Year|date=12 May 2014|access-date=10 July 2014|archive-date=30 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730230720/http://www.ligue1.com/ligue1/article/ibrahimovic-named-player-of-year.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> Silva was rated by ''France Football'' as the league's fifth-best player, as well as the best defender in Ligue 1.<ref name="auto">{{cite news|title=Classement Étoiles|url=http://www.francefootball.fr/ligue-1/etoiles/|url-status=dead|access-date=10 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608153153/http://www.francefootball.fr/ligue-1/etoiles/|archive-date=8 June 2013}}</ref>

====2014–15: Domestic quadruple====
Silva's season began poorly in PSG's 2–2 draw with Reims; he was rated as one of PSG's worst players in his first match back from the [[2014 FIFA World Cup|2014 World Cup]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Reims 2 – 2 PSG|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/psg-foot-paris-saint-germain/notes-joueurs-psg/?id_match=373|access-date=25 May 2015|date=8 August 2014}}</ref> In his post-match interview, Silva mentioned how he was not fully fit and that he was finding it difficult to forget Brazil's [[Mineirazo|embarrassing loss to Germany]], where Brazil capitulated without him.<ref>{{cite news|title=Thiago Silva : ´Difficile d'oublierª la Coupe du monde|url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Thiago-silva-difficile-d-oublier/488856|access-date=25 May 2015|date=8 August 2014}}</ref> Only three days after the match against Reims, Silva's rush to get back to full fitness was halted as he suffered a serious thigh injury in a friendly against Napoli on 11 August; he only lasted 13 minutes before being carried off the pitch.<ref>{{cite news|title=Thiago Silva, la blessure qui va faire parler|url=http://rmcsport.bfmtv.com/football/thiago-silva-blessure-va-faire-parler-640557.html|access-date=25 May 2015|date=11 August 2014}}</ref> After nine weeks, Silva was finally pronounced fit on 16 October by manager [[Laurent Blanc]], who also said that Silva would be able to start the next league match against Bordeaux.<ref>{{cite news|title=PSG : Laurent Blanc Èvoque líÈtat de Thiago Silva|url=http://www.le10sport.com/football/ligue1/psg/psg-laurent-blanc-evoque-letat-de-thiago-silva168344|access-date=25 May 2015|date=16 October 2014}}</ref> In his return, he had an excellent display alongside fellow countryman [[David Luiz]] as PSG dominated Bordeaux, winning 3–0.<ref>{{cite news|title=PSG – Bordeaux : les notes du match|url=http://www.footmercato.net/ligue1/psg-bordeaux-les-notes-du-match_141115|access-date=25 May 2015|date=25 October 2014}}</ref> A third of the way into the season, it was observed that Silva's performances were marked with inconsistency, especially throughout November and December. After PSG's 1–3 loss to Barcelona in December, he was criticised by former PSG player [[Pierre Ducrocq]], who argued that Silva did not have any physical or technical problems, but instead a mentality issue.<ref>{{cite news|title=PSG : Thiago Silva est-il intouchable ?|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/psg-foot-paris-saint-germain/thiago-silva-est-il-intouchable-13-12-2014-4370629.php|access-date=25 May 2015|date=13 December 2014}}</ref> Despite his struggles, Silva was recognised by his peers as being one of the two best central defenders in the world, as he was voted into the [[FIFPro#FIFA FIFPro World XI|2015 FIFPro World XI]] for the second consecutive year.<ref>{{cite news|title=FIFA/FIFPro World XI 2014|url=https://www.fifa.com/ballon-dor/world11/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225015504/http://www.fifa.com/ballon-dor/world11/|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 December 2014|access-date=25 May 2015|date=15 January 2015}}</ref>

The 2015 calendar year began extremely well for Silva, with a man of the match display against [[AS Saint-Étienne|Saint-Étienne]] in a 1–0 victory.<ref>{{cite news|title=Saint Etienne 0–1 PSG|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/psg-foot-paris-saint-germain/notes-joueurs-psg/?id_match=437|access-date=25 May 2015|date=25 January 2015}}</ref> It was followed by another man of the match performance, this time in a 1–0 win against Rennes.<ref>{{cite news|title=PSG 1–0 Rennes|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/psg-foot-paris-saint-germain/notes-joueurs-psg/?id_match=441|access-date=25 May 2015|date=30 January 2015}}</ref> After the match, Rennes captain [[Sylvain Armand]] had nothing but praise for Silva, saying "he [Silva] is a monster and a phenomenon".<ref>{{cite news|title=Le grand Thiago Silva est de retour au PSG|url=http://www.foot01.com/equipe/paris/le-grand-thiago-silva-est-de-retour-au-psg,167357|access-date=25 May 2015|date=30 January 2015}}</ref> Four days later, Silva was voted as man of the match in PSG's 1–0 [[Coupe de la Ligue]] win against [[Lille OSC|Lille]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Lille 0–1 PSG|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/psg-foot-paris-saint-germain/notes-joueurs-psg/?id_match=443|access-date=25 May 2015|date=3 February 2015}}</ref> Silva's return to form was evident and it met praise from across the country — Pierre Ménès of ''L'Équipe'' offered his praise, while Alain Roche of ''Le Parisien'' stated that he was back to his best.<ref>{{cite news|title=PSG : Pierre MÈnËs se livre sur le retour du ´Monstreª Thiago Silva !|url=http://www.le10sport.com/football/ligue1/psg/psg-pierre-menes-se-livre-sur-le-retour-du-monstre-thiago-silva-179667|access-date=25 May 2015|date=8 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=PSG : Thiago Silva refait surface|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/psg-foot-paris-saint-germain/thiago-silva-refait-surface-03-02-2015-4501753.php|access-date=25 May 2015|date=3 February 2015}}</ref> After PSG's 1–1 draw with Chelsea in the first leg of the [[2014–15 UEFA Champions League knockout phase#First leg|2014–15 Champions League Round of 16]], Silva was unanimously praised by the French press for his outstanding defensive showing as he marked-out striker [[Diego Costa]].<ref>{{cite news|title= Les notes de PSG-Chelsea|url=http://sport24.lefigaro.fr/football/ligue-des-champions/actualites/les-notes-de-psg-chelsea-737841|access-date=25 May 2015|date=18 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=PSG – Chelsea : les notes du match|url=http://www.footmercato.net/ligue-des-champions/psg-chelsea-les-notes-du-match_148467|access-date=25 May 2015|date=17 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Ligue des champions, PSG-Chelsea, Les notes : Cavani a vraiment trËs bien choisi son moment|url=http://www.eurosport.fr/football/ligue-des-champions/2014-2015/ligue-des-champions-psg-chelsea-les-notes-cavani-a-vraiment-tres-bien-choisi-son-moment_sto4607062/story.shtml|access-date=25 May 2015|date=18 February 2015}}</ref> Three days later, he was voted man of the match as he scored his first goal of the season in a 3–1 victory over [[Toulouse FC|Toulouse]].<ref>{{cite news|title=PSG 3–1 Toulouse|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/psg-foot-paris-saint-germain/notes-joueurs-psg/?id_match=453|access-date=25 May 2015|date=21 February 2015}}</ref>

[[File:Chelsea 2 PSG 0 (13787189375).jpg|thumbnail|left|Silva (left) in action for Paris Saint-Germain in 2014]]

''L'Équipe'' recognised Silva's incredible performances in January and February with a detailed analysis of his performances — in 2015, Silva was winning 89% of his duels, best in Ligue 1; Silva had 2.9 interceptions, 3.4 tackles, and 7.6 clearances per match, best in Ligue 1; lastly, Silva had committed a remarkable 0 fouls in 630 minutes of play.<ref>{{cite news|title=Thiago Silva, "le Monstre" fait ‡ nouveau peur (statistiques)|url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/T-silva-le-monstre-refait-peur/538668|access-date=25 May 2015|date=1 March 2015}}</ref> In a 2–0 win against Monaco in the [[Coupe de France]] quarterfinal, Silva was praised for his dominance: one publication noted, "if you thought [[Dimitar Berbatov]] [of Monaco] was silent and invisible throughout the match, it was only due to the work of the Monster".<ref>{{cite news|title=PSG – Monaco : les notes du match|url=http://www.footmercato.net/coupe-de-france/psg-monaco-les-notes-du-match_149403|access-date=25 May 2015|date=4 March 2015}}</ref> In the second leg of the [[2014–15 UEFA Champions League knockout phase#First leg|2014–15 Champions League Round of 16]], Silva conceded a controversial penalty in the 96th minute. PSG were poised to be eliminated from the Champions League but in the 114th minute, Silva atoned for his error with a towering header to beat [[Thibaut Courtois]] to help PSG advance to the next stage. Silva was voted by several media sources as the best player in the match as he produced an extraordinary performance.<ref>{{cite news|title=Thiago Silva, Marco Verratti lead Paris Saint-Germain to priceless UCL victory|url=http://www.espnfc.com/club/paris-saint-germain/160/blog/post/2343689/paris-saint-germain-player-ratings-thiago-silva-marco-verratti-lead-psg-to-priceless-ucl-victory|access-date=25 May 2015|date=11 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Chelsea-PSG – Les notes : Thiago Silva-David Luiz, c'est vraiment une charniËre qui vaut de l'or|url=http://www.eurosport.fr/football/ligue-des-champions/2014-2015/chelsea-psg-les-notes-thiago-silva-david-luiz-c-est-vraiment-une-charniere-qui-vaut-de-l-or_sto4635465/story.shtml|access-date=25 May 2015|date=12 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Chelsea 2–2 PSG|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/psg-foot-paris-saint-germain/notes-joueurs-psg/?id_match=461|access-date=25 May 2015|date=11 March 2015}}</ref>

PSG finally took pole position in the league after their 2–3 win over Marseille; Silva was dominant in his duels and played a crucial role in the victory.<ref>{{cite news|title=OM 2–3 PSG|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/psg-foot-paris-saint-germain/notes-joueurs-psg/?id_match=467|access-date=25 May 2015|date=5 April 2015}}</ref> Three days later, he was voted man of the match in a 4–1 victory against Saint-Étienne in the Coupe de France semi-final.<ref>{{cite news|title=PSG 4–1 Saint Etienne|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/psg-foot-paris-saint-germain/notes-joueurs-psg/?id_match=469|access-date=25 May 2015|date=8 April 2015}}</ref> On 11 April, Silva captained the club to a 4–0 win in the [[2015 Coupe de la Ligue Final|Coupe de la Ligue final]] against Bastia.<ref>{{cite news|title=Coupe de la Ligue. Bastia-PSG (0–4) : revivez le match minute par minute|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/psg-foot-paris-saint-germain/football-suivez-en-direct-la-finale-de-la-coupe-de-la-ligue-bastia-psg-21-heures-11-04-2015-4684385.php|access-date=25 May 2015|date=12 April 2015}}</ref> Four days later, Silva suffered an injury in the 20th minute of PSG's quarterfinal against Barcelona.<ref>{{cite news|title=Thiago Silva injury: Paris Saint-Germain defender limps off|url=https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2015/4/15/8422175/thiago-silva-injury-champions-league-psg-barcelona|access-date=25 May 2015|date=15 April 2015}}</ref> He was ruled out for two weeks as PSG were comprehensively beaten 1–5 on aggregate by Barça.<ref>{{cite news|title= Neymar leads Spanish stroll for Barcelona against Paris Saint-Germain |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/apr/21/barcelona-paris-saint-germain-champions-league-match-report|access-date=25 May 2015|date=21 April 2015}}</ref> Upon his return in a 3–1 win against [[FC Metz|Metz]], Silva had a comfortable performance as PSG moved closer to the title.<ref>{{cite news|title=PSG 3–1 Metz|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/psg-foot-paris-saint-germain/notes-joueurs-psg/?id_match=483|access-date=25 May 2015|date=28 April 2015}}</ref> After an incredible 6–0 win against [[En Avant de Guingamp|Guingamp]] which edged the club closer to the first possible French domestic treble, Silva claimed that this PSG side was the best he had ever played in.<ref>{{cite news|title=PSG-Thiago Silva: "La meilleure Èquipe dans laquelle j'ai jouÈ"|url=http://www.sports.fr/football/ligue-1/scans/thiago-silva-la-meilleure-equipe-dans-laquelle-j-ai-joue-1229008/|access-date=25 May 2015|date=9 May 2015|archive-date=27 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527071253/http://www.sports.fr/football/ligue-1/scans/thiago-silva-la-meilleure-equipe-dans-laquelle-j-ai-joue-1229008/|url-status=dead}}</ref> One week later, PSG clinched the [[2014–15 Ligue 1|Ligue 1 title]] in a hard-fought 2–1 away win at Montpellier; Silva was voted man of the match and he was hailed for marking out [[Lucas Barrios]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Montpellier 1–2 PSG|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/psg-foot-paris-saint-germain/notes-joueurs-psg/?id_match=489|access-date=25 May 2015|date=16 May 2015}}</ref> In the final match of the season, Silva was rated as the best player on the pitch in PSG's 3–2 win against Reims.<ref>{{cite news|title=PSG 3–2 Reims|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/psg-foot-paris-saint-germain/notes-joueurs-psg/?id_match=493|access-date=25 May 2015|date=23 May 2015}}</ref> For the third consecutive season, Silva was voted by his peers into the [[Trophées UNFP du football#Team of the Year|Ligue 1 Team of the Year]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Un TGV Lyon-Paros Via Troyes...|url=http://www.tropheesunfp.com/la-24e-edition/|access-date=25 May 2015}}</ref> Silva was also selected in Opta's Ligue 1 Team of the Season based on statistical merit.<ref>{{cite news|title=OptaJean on Twitter|url=https://twitter.com/OptaJean/status/602821704386289664|access-date=25 May 2015|date=25 May 2015}}</ref>

====2015–2020: Sustained domestic success, European final====
[[File:Thiago Silva & David Luiz (PSG 2015-2016).jpg|thumb|right|upright|Silva and [[David Luiz]] playing for Paris Saint-Germain in 2016]]
After playing in the [[2015 Copa América]], Silva finally returned to club training on 20 July in [[New Jersey]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.psg.fr/en/News/003001/Article/71680/Marquinhos-and-Thiago-Silva-are-back|title=Marquinhos and Thiago Silva are back|date=20 July 2015|access-date=8 August 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924083108/http://www.psg.fr/en/News/003001/Article/71680/Marquinhos-and-Thiago-Silva-are-back|url-status=dead}}</ref> The first pre-season match that Silva played in was the final match of the [[2015 International Champions Cup]] against Manchester United, where PSG won 2–0 to win the trophy; Silva was rated as the best player in the match.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/psg-foot-paris-saint-germain/le-psg-bat-manchester-united-2-0-et-remporte-l-international-champions-cup-30-07-2015-4979017.php|title=Le PSG bat Manchester United, (2–0) et remporte l'International Champions Cup|date=30 July 2015|access-date=8 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-utd/player-ratings/player-ratings-manchester-united-0-2-paris-saint-germain_236154.html|title=Player Ratings: Manchester United 0–2 Paris Saint-Germain
|date=30 July 2015|access-date=8 August 2015}}</ref> Two days later, Silva captained PSG to a 2–0 victory in the [[2015 Trophée des Champions]] against Lyon.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.psg.fr/fr/Saison/204002/Match/1515/Paris-Lyon|title=Paris vs Lyon|date=1 August 2015|access-date=8 August 2015}}</ref> Silva had a good match with little to do defensively, as Lyon's star striker [[Alexandre Lacazette]] played an insignificant role in the match.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.footmercato.net/trophee-des-champions/psg-ol-les-notes-du-match_159000|title=PSG – OL : les notes du match|date=1 August 2015|access-date=8 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://rmcsport.bfmtv.com/football/psg-lyon-les-notes-905114.html|title=PSG-Lyon : les notes|date=1 August 2015|access-date=8 August 2015}}</ref>

PSG began their [[2015–16 Ligue 1|league campaign]] with a 1–0 victory against Lille, playing with ten-men for two-thirds of the match.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.psg.fr/fr/Calendrier-Resultats/204003/Analyse-de-match/71834/Paris-lance-sa-saison|title=Paris Lance SA Saison|date=7 August 2015|access-date=8 August 2015}}</ref> Silva had a superb display, leading the defence to a hard-fought clean sheet. His performance was described as dominant, showcasing his intelligence and athleticism throughout the match.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/psg-foot-paris-saint-germain/notes-joueurs-psg/?id_match=501|title=Lille 0–1 PSG|date=7 August 2015|access-date=8 August 2015}}</ref> On 8 May 2018, he played as PSG won 2–0 against [[Les Herbiers VF]] to clinch the 2017–18 [[Coupe de France]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/43949707|title=French Cup final - PSG beat Les Herbiers|date=3 May 2018|website=BBC Sport}}</ref>

In April 2020, PSG were awarded the [[2019–20 Ligue 1]] title after the season was ended prematurely due to the outbreak of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]; at the time of the League's suspension, PSG were in first place, with a twelve–point lead over second–placed Marseille. This was Silva's record seventh Ligue 1 title with the club, which saw him equal the all–time individual record of most Ligue 1 title victories, along with his club teammate [[Marco Verratti]], which was jointly held by [[Hervé Revelli]] and [[Jean-Michel Larqué]] of Saint-Étienne, as well as [[Grégory Coupet]], [[Juninho Pernambucano|Juninho]] and [[Sidney Govou]] of Lyon.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/apr/30/psg-awarded-ligue-1-title-after-season-stopped-by-coronavirus-crisis |title=PSG awarded Ligue 1 title and two teams are relegated after season is scrapped |work=The Guardian |date=30 April 2020 |access-date=13 June 2020 }}</ref><ref name="seventh heaven">{{cite web |url=https://www.ligue1.com/Articles/NEWS/2020/05/07/psg-thiago-silva-and-verratti-in-seventh-heaven |title=Thiago Silva and Verratti in seventh heaven |publisher=Ligue 1 |date=7 May 2020 |access-date=13 June 2020 }}</ref> On 13 June, PSG's sporting director Leonardo revealed that Thiago Silva would be leaving the club at the end of the [[2019–20 UEFA Champions League|Champions League campaign]] in August, alongside his teammate [[Edinson Cavani]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/football/paris-saint-germain/story/4111424/psgs-leonardo-on-edinson-cavani-and-thiago-silva-coming-to-an-end |title=PSG's Leonardo on Edinson Cavani, Thiago Silva: 'Coming to an end' |work=ESPN FC |date=13 June 2020 |access-date=15 June 2020 }}</ref> PSG completed a domestic treble,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/mbappe-training-return-boosts-psg-atalanta-quarterfinal/ |title=Mbappe training return boosts PSG for Atalanta quarterfinal |website=www.sportsnet.ca |date=11 August 2020 |access-date=24 August 2020 }}</ref> while his last competitive match for PSG was the [[2020 UEFA Champions League Final]] on 23 August, which PSG lost 1–0 to [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/report?gameId=573698|title=Bayern Munich beat Paris Saint-Germain to win Champions League|publisher=ESPN|date=23 August 2020|access-date=23 August 2020}}</ref> However, Silva became the first Brazilian to start a Champions League Final as a captain.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53867676|title=Paris Saint-Germain 0–1 Bayern Munich|website=BBC Sport|date=23 August 2020}}</ref>

===Chelsea===
====2020–21: Debut season and European glory====
[[File:Thiago Silva with Club World Cup Trophy 2022.jpg|thumb|upright|Silva celebrating [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] winning the [[2021 FIFA Club World Cup]]]]

On 28 August 2020, Silva joined [[Premier League]] club [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] on a one-year deal with an option for a second.<ref>{{cite news|title=Thiago Silva moves from Paris to London|url=https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2020/08/28/thiago-silva-moves-from-paris-to-london|date=28 August 2020|publisher=Chelsea F.C.|access-date=28 August 2020}}</ref> He made his debut for the club on 23 September, in a 6–0 home win over [[Barnsley F.C.|Barnsley]] in the third round of the [[2020–21 EFL Cup|EFL Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|title='First of many' - Lampard hails hat-trick star Havertz after Chelsea crush Barnsley in Carabao Cup|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/lampard-hails-havertz-chelsea-barnsley-carabao-cup/7scokrsldvv41nz2np7b0a087|date=23 September 2020|publisher=Goal|access-date=24 September 2020}}</ref> Three days later on 26 September, Silva made his Premier League debut in a 3–3 draw against [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]] at [[The Hawthorns]] as captain.<ref>{{cite web|title=Thiago Silva: Theory might explain why Chelsea defender struggled on Premier League debut vs WBA|url=https://www.givemesport.com/1602477-thiago-silva-theory-might-explain-why-chelsea-defender-struggled-on-premier-league-debut-vs-wba|date=27 September 2020|publisher=Givemesport|access-date=27 September 2020}}</ref> On 7 November, Silva scored his first goal for Chelsea in a 4–1 home league win over [[Sheffield United F.C.|Sheffield United]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54758066|title=Chelsea 4-1 Sheffield United: Comfortable win for Blues leaves Sheff Utd bottom|website=BBC Sport|date=7 November 2020|access-date=7 November 2020}}</ref> On 21 December, Silva scored his second goal for Chelsea in a 3–0 victory over [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Rose|first=Gary|date=21 December 2021|title=Chelsea 3–0 West Ham|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/55297949|access-date=3 April 2021|website=BBC Sport}}</ref>

On 3 April 2021, Silva received a second [[Fouls and misconduct (association football)|yellow card]] and got sent off in the 29th minute in Chelsea's 5–2 home defeat to West Bromwich Albion.<ref>{{cite web|last=Steinberg|first=Jacob|date=3 April 2021|title=West Brom beat 10-man Chelsea|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/apr/03/chelsea-west-brom-premier-league-match-report|access-date=3 April 2021|website=The Guardian}}</ref> Silva led the defence as Chelsea reached its third Champions League final, defeating [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]] in the semi-finals.<ref>{{cite web|last=Newson|first=Adam|date=6 May 2021|title=What Thiago Silva did after Mason Mount's goal as Jorginho tears up after Chelsea reach final|url=https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/thiago-silva-chelsea-mason-mount-20534510|access-date=7 May 2021|website=football.london}}</ref> On 29 May, Silva went off injured in the 39th minute while he won his first Champions League trophy after Chelsea's 1–0 victory against [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] in the [[2021 UEFA Champions League Final]] at the [[Estádio do Dragão]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0269-12650cedca55-37515f69768e-1000--report-chelsea-claim-second-title/|title=Man. City 0-1 Chelsea: Havertz gives Blues second Champions League triumph|website=[[UEFA]]|date=29 May 2021|access-date=29 May 2021}}</ref>

On 4 June 2021, Chelsea announced the extension of his contract for another year, keeping him at the club until June 2022.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2021/06/04/thiago-silva-contract-extended|title=Thiago Silva contract extended|publisher=Chelsea F.C.|date=4 June 2021|access-date=6 June 2021}}</ref>

====2021–24: 100 Champions League appearances and departure ====
{{quote box |width=33% |author={{mdash}}Silva, reflecting on a turbulent 2022–23 season for Chelsea.<ref name=david1>{{cite web |title=Thiago Silva reflects on 'frustrating' season full of change, indecision, negligence at Chelsea |url=https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2023/4/19/23689228/thiago-silva-reflects-on-frustrating-season-full-of-change-indecision-negligence-at-chelsea?commentID=4c91a5e3-5ea7-4fff-b87e-5df564b807db |date=19 Apr 2023 |last=Pasztor |first=David |work=[[SB Nation]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230419122350/https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2023/4/19/23689228/thiago-silva-reflects-on-frustrating-season-full-of-change-indecision-negligence-at-chelsea?commentID=4c91a5e3-5ea7-4fff-b87e-5df564b807db |archive-date=19 April 2023}}</ref>
|quote=Life is hard for those who are soft. If it's up to me, I'll get up every time I fall.
}}
On 3 January 2022, Silva extended his contract again, this time until the end of the 2022–23 season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2022/01/03/thiago-silva-extends-chelsea-contract-|title=Thiago Silva extends Chelsea contract|publisher=Chelsea F.C.|date=3 January 2022|access-date=3 January 2022}}</ref> On 11 October 2022, he made his [[List of footballers with 100 or more UEFA Champions League appearances|100th Champions League appearance]] in a 2–0 away win against his former club AC Milan.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0257-0e9a10f58015-92c648e6303d-1000--who-has-played-100-champions-league-games/ |title=Who has played 100 Champions League games? |website=UEFA |date=11 October 2022 }}</ref> On 10 February 2023, Silva extended his contract by another year, taking his contract to the end of the 2023–24 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thiago Silva extends Chelsea stay |url=https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/thiago-silva-extends-chelsea-stay |access-date=2023-02-11 |website=www.chelseafc.com |language=en-gb}}</ref> On February 28, 2023, the club announced he would be out of action for an unspecified time after suffering ligament damage in a game against [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Chelsea's Silva sidelined with knee ligament damage |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64797819 |access-date=2023-02-28}}</ref> In April, Silva was in the starting lineup for the two-legged Quarter Final tie against Real Madrid, which Chelsea lost 4{{ndash}}0 on aggregate. In a post-match interview, Silva hinted that he might have played his last game in the Champions League.{{r|david1}} On 28 May 2023, before Chelsea played their final game of the season against [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle]], Thiago Silva was named [[Chelsea Player of the Year|Chelsea's Player of the Year]], becoming the first defender to win the award since [[John Terry]] in [[2005-06 Chelsea F.C. season|2006]].<ref name="ChelseaPOTY2023" /> Silva became Chelsea's oldest goalscorer after scoring against Manchester City in a 4–4 draw on 12 November 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Antiques collection: Chelsea's 10 oldest Premier League scorers |url=https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/antiques-collection-chelseas-10-oldest-premier-league-scorers |access-date=2023-11-15 |website=www.chelseafc.com |language=en-gb}}</ref>

On 29 April 2024, Chelsea announced that Silva would depart the club at the [[2023–24 Premier League|end of the season]], after spending four years at the club.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-29 |title=Thiago Silva to depart Chelsea at the end of the season |url=https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/thiago-silva-to-depart-chelsea-at-the-end-of-the-season |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=Chelsea Football Club |language=en-GB}}</ref>

===Return to Fluminense===
On 7 May 2024, Silva agreed to join Fluminense as a free agent in July 2024 on a two-year deal, returning to his home club fifteen and a half years later.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 May 2024 |title=O Monstro está de volta! Fluminense acerta a contratação de Thiago Silva |trans-title=The Monster is back! Fluminense agrees to sign Thiago Silva |url=https://www.fluminense.com.br/noticia/o-monstro-esta-de-volta-fluminense-acerta-a-contratacao-de-thiago-silva |access-date=7 May 2024 |website=Fluminense FC |language=pt-br}}</ref>

==International career==
===Early career and 2008 Olympics===
{{multiple image
| align             = right
| image1            = Thiago Silva Brazil-England 2009.jpg
| width1            = 158
| caption1          = Silva playing for [[Brazil national football team|Brazil]] in a friendly against [[England national football team|England]] in November 2009
| image2            = Thiago Silva - Brazil 2011.jpg
| width2            = 148
| caption2          = Silva in a friendly against [[Scotland national football team|Scotland]] in March 2011
}}

After a strong season with Fluminense, Silva was called up to the [[Brazil national football team|Brazil]] preliminary squad for the [[2007 Copa América]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/ESP/Noticia/Futebol/Selecao_Brasileira/0,,MUL91682-4482,00-DEFESA+NOVATA+NA+SELECAO.html|title=Defesa novata na seleção|date=21 August 2007|access-date=16 July 2014}}</ref> though he was not a part of the main team which ultimately won the tournament.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/07/15/live-soon-argentina-brazil/|title=Copa America Final: Brazil 3, Argentina 0|date=15 July 2007|access-date=16 July 2014}}</ref> Silva was then called up for a friendly against [[Algeria national football team|Algeria]] on 15 August,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/ESP/Noticia/Futebol/Selecao_Brasileira/0,,MUL88427-4482,00.html|title=Thiago Silva é convocado para a seleção|date=15 August 2007|access-date=16 July 2014}}</ref> failing to leave the bench, as Brazil won 2–0.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://magharebia.com/en_GB/articles/awi/features/2007/08/23/feature-01|title=Brazil defeats Algeria 2–0 in friendly|date=23 August 2007|access-date=16 July 2014}}</ref> Silva was then selected by [[Dunga]] to play in the [[2008 Summer Olympics]], one of two overage players, alongside [[Ronaldinho]]. Silva won his first two caps for Brazil in pre-Olympic friendlies against [[Singapore national football team|Singapore]] and [[Vietnam national football team|Vietnam]], though he suffered a right calf injury against Vietnam that kept him out of Brazil's first Olympic match.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://olimpiadas.uol.com.br/ultimas/2008/08/08/ult5584u3742.jhtm|title=Thiago Silva volta a treinar e deve jogar contra a Nova Zelândia|date=8 August 2008|access-date=21 July 2014}}</ref> He was finally pronounced fit for the third group match, where Silva started and Brazil won 3–0 against [[China national football team|China]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/mensolympic/beijing2008/matches/round=250016/match=300051797/report.html|title=China PR – Brazil|date=13 August 2008|access-date=21 July 2014}}</ref> He did not start any other matches, only coming on in the 71st minute against [[Belgium national football team|Belgium]] in the third-place match, which sealed the bronze medal for Brazil.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/mensolympic/beijing2008/matches/round=250024/match=300051813/report.html|title=Belgium – Brazil|date=22 August 2008|access-date=21 July 2014}}</ref>

Silva's next cap came in an international friendly against [[Portugal national football team|Portugal]] on 20 November 2008; Brazil won by a convincing 6–2 scoreline,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/fabiano-treble-helps-brazil-beat-portugal-6-2|title=Fabiano treble helps Brazil beat Portugal 6–2|date=20 November 2008|access-date=21 July 2014}}</ref> and Silva was praised for having "dominated" the reigning [[FIFA World Player of the Year]], [[Cristiano Ronaldo]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/may/31/world-cup-2014-brazil-profile-thiago-silva|title=World Cup 2014: Brazil profile – Thiago Silva|date=31 May 2014|access-date=21 July 2014}}</ref> Silva was praised by his teammates for his performance.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/Esportes/Noticias/Times/Selecao_Brasileira/0,,MUL870264-15071,00-THIAGO+SILVA+AGRADECE+ELOGIOS+DE+ROBINHO.html|title=Thiago Silva agradece elogios de Robinho|date=21 November 2008|access-date=21 July 2014}}</ref> He was not a starter during the [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL)|2010 World Cup qualifications]] for Brazil, despite his high level of club performances for Milan.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/Esportes/Noticias/Futebol/0,,MUL1483537-17852,00-CONVOCADO+PARA+AMISTOSO+THIAGO+SILVA+SE+VE+MAIS+PERTO+DA+COPA+DO+MUNDO.html|title=Convocado para amistoso, Thiago Silva se vê mais perto da Copa do Mundo|date=9 February 2010|access-date=21 July 2014}}</ref> He was still playing in friendly matches, and in a November 2009 friendly against [[England national football team|England]], Silva put in a man of the match display in [[Doha]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/1127/player-ratings/2009/11/14/1625016/international-friendly-player-ratings-brazil-1-0-england|title=International Friendly Player Ratings: Brazil 1–0 England|date=14 November 2009|access-date=21 July 2014}}</ref>

===2010 World Cup, 2011 Copa América, and 2012 Olympics===
Silva was an unused substitute in all matches at the [[2010 FIFA World Cup]], where Brazil were defeated in the quarter-finals by the eventual finalists, the [[Netherlands national football team|Netherlands]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_57/default.stm|title=Netherlands 2–1 Brazil |website=BBC Sport |date=2 July 2010|access-date=21 July 2014}}</ref> Silva was selected as captain by new Brazil coach [[Mano Menezes]] ahead of the [[2014 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL)|2014 World Cup qualifying cycle]], replacing [[Lúcio]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://esporte.uol.com.br/futebol/ultimas-noticias/2010/08/10/renovada-apos-fracasso-selecao-inicia-ciclo-contra-os-eua-de-olho-em-2014.jhtm|title=Renovada após fracasso, seleção inicia ciclo contra os EUA de olho em 2014|date=10 August 2010|access-date=21 July 2014}}</ref> Brazil disappointed at the [[2011 Copa América]], losing in a penalty shootout to [[Paraguay national football team|Paraguay]], where every Brazilian player — [[Fred (footballer, born 1983)|Fred]], [[André Santos]], [[Elano]] and Silva — failed to convert their penalties in shocking fashion.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/sports/report/copa-america-brazil-chile-fall-to-shock-defeats/20110718.htm|title=Brazil, Chile fall to shock Copa America defeats|date=18 July 2011|access-date=21 July 2014}}</ref> Silva scored his first goal for Brazil in a friendly match against the [[United States men's national soccer team|United States]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/31/us-soccer-brazil-goals-video-neymar-hercules-gomez_n_1558427.html|title= U.S. Soccer Outclassed By Brazil, 4–1, As Neymar, Thiago Silva, Marcelo, Pato Score Goals (Video) |date=31 May 2012|access-date=21 July 2014}}</ref> International honours still eluded Silva at the [[Football at the 2012 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament|2012 Summer Olympics]], as [[Mexico national football team|Mexico]] surprised Brazil in the final to win 2–1.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/18912627|title=Olympics football: Mexico shock Brazil to win gold |website=BBC Sport |date=11 August 2012|access-date=21 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704163746/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/18912627|archive-date=4 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===2013 Confederations Cup title===
Silva's first international trophy came at the [[2013 FIFA Confederations Cup]], held in Brazil. As a warm-up tournament to the [[2014 FIFA World Cup|2014 World Cup]], the Brazilian side dominated all opposition, winning the tournament with an overall aggregate score of 14–3.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://infosurhoy.com/en_GB/articles/saii/features/sports/2013/07/01/feature-03|title=Brazil defeats Spain for Confederations Cup title|date=1 July 2013|access-date=21 July 2014|archive-date=28 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728134057/http://infosurhoy.com/en_GB/articles/saii/features/sports/2013/07/01/feature-03|url-status=dead}}</ref> Silva was outstanding throughout the tournament; he was rated as the tenth-best player at the end of the group stages,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/statistics/castrolindex/news/newsid=2117757/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627135149/http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/statistics/castrolindex/news/newsid=2117757/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 June 2013|title=Ramos sets pace as Fred, Alba lead pursuit|date=24 June 2013|access-date=21 July 2014}}</ref> and by the end of the tournament, he was rated as the fifth-best player of the tournament by the [[Castrol Performance Index]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/statistics/castrolindex/news/newsid=2128960/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130704203252/http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/statistics/castrolindex/news/newsid=2128960/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 July 2013|title=Fred seizes throne on Brazilian-heavy Index|date=1 July 2013|access-date=21 July 2014}}</ref> Silva was also voted into the Confederations Cup Dream Team by FIFA.com users.<ref name="Dream Team">{{Cite news|url=https://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/dreamteam/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609002516/http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/dreamteam/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 June 2013|title=Dream Team|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref>

Silva scored his second goal for Brazil in a 3–1 friendly victory over Portugal on 11 September 2013.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sambafoot.com/en/news/51920_brazil_3-1_portugal__neymar_leads_selecao_comeback.html|title=Brazil 3–1 Portugal: Neymar leads Seleção comeback|date=11 September 2013|access-date=21 July 2014}}</ref> In a pre-World Cup friendly against [[Serbia national football team|Serbia]], Silva assisted Fred's goal as Brazil ran out with a 1–0 victory.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27383460|title= Brazil 1–0 Serbia |website=BBC Sport |date=6 June 2014|access-date=21 July 2014}}</ref>

===2014 World Cup===
[[File:Brazil and Colombia match at the FIFA World Cup 2014-07-04 (3).jpg|thumbnail|left|Silva celebrating Brazil's victory against [[Colombia national football team|Colombia]] at the [[2014 World Cup]]]]

With Silva playing for the first time at a [[FIFA World Cup|World Cup]], Brazil won 3–1 against [[Croatia national football team|Croatia]] in their first match at the [[2014 World Cup]], held on home soil.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255931/match=300186456/report.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140615054737/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255931/match=300186456/report.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 June 2014|title=Match Report|date=12 June 2014|access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref> Silva was regarded as Brazil's best player in their second match, a 0–0 draw against Mexico,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sambafoot.com/en/news/61530_brazil_0-0_mexico__selecao_player_ratings.html|title=Brazil 0–0 Mexico: Seleção player ratings|date=17 June 2014|access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/brazil-v-mexico--player-ratings-9544503.html|title=Brazil v Mexico – player ratings|date=17 June 2014|access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://placar.abril.com.br/materia/tabelao-da-copa-do-mundo-completo|title=Tabelão da Copa do Mundo – Completo|date=13 July 2014|access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref> making several crucial interventions and getting involved offensively.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/17/brazil-v-mexico-world-cup-2014-live|title=Brazil v Mexico: World Cup 2014 – as it happened|date=17 June 2014|access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref> In the final group match against [[Cameroon national football team|Cameroon]], Silva was again outstanding as Brazil won by a decisive 4–1 scoreline.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sambafoot.com/en/news/61736_brazil_vs__cameroon__player_ratings.html|title=Brazil vs. Cameroon: Player ratings|date=23 June 2014|access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/worldcup/cameroon-vs-brazil-player-ratings--neymar-or-oscar-who-was-the-star-man-for-brazil-9558353.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220507/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/worldcup/cameroon-vs-brazil-player-ratings--neymar-or-oscar-who-was-the-star-man-for-brazil-9558353.html |archive-date=7 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Cameroon vs Brazil player ratings – Neymar or Oscar? Who was the star man for Brazil?|date=24 June 2014|access-date=25 July 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> At the end of the group stage, [[FIFA]] rated Silva as the third-best defender of the tournament, and the ninth-best player overall.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=6/news=rodriguez-hits-front-as-perisic-goes-home-in-second-2387611.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140630003331/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=6/news=rodriguez-hits-front-as-perisic-goes-home-in-second-2387611.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 June 2014|title=Rodriguez hits front as Perisic goes home in second|date=27 June 2014|access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref>

In Brazil's victory over [[Chile national football team|Chile]] in the round of 16, Silva assisted the opening goal scored by [[David Luiz]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/28/brazil-v-chile-world-cup-2014-live-report|title=Brazil v Chile: World Cup 2014 – as it happened|date=28 June 2014|access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref> Chile equalised, and after no goals were scored in extra-time, the match went to a penalty shootout. Silva faced severe criticism for his behaviour, as he was pictured in tears before and during the shootout.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jul/03/brazil-world-cup-2014-psychologist-tears|title=Brazil World Cup team calls in psychologist after Chile match tears|date=3 July 2014|access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref> [[1970 FIFA World Cup|1970 World Cup]]-winning captain [[Carlos Alberto Torres|Carlos Alberto]] asserted that Silva was a weak captain, while Brazilian legend [[Zico (footballer)|Zico]] insisted that Silva should have volunteered to take a penalty, instead of refusing to take one.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://host10.soccerladuma.net/news/articles/teams/brazil/carlos-alberto-torres-and-zico-criticise-brazil-captain-thiago-silva/167794|title=Thiago Silva A Weak Captain For Brazil?|date=1 July 2014|access-date=25 July 2014|archive-date=29 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729103520/http://host10.soccerladuma.net/news/articles/teams/brazil/carlos-alberto-torres-and-zico-criticise-brazil-captain-thiago-silva/167794|url-status=dead}}</ref> After the [[2014 FIFA World Cup#Round of 16|Round of 16]], Silva was still regarded as one of the best defenders of the tournament by multiple media sources.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/10943631/World-Cup-2014-Paul-Haywards-team-of-the-second-round.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140703191818/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/10943631/World-Cup-2014-Paul-Haywards-team-of-the-second-round.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 July 2014|title=World Cup 2014: Paul Hayward's team of the second round|date=3 July 2014|access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/fifa-world-cup-2014/world-cup-news-2014/team-of-the-world-cup--so-far-20140628-zsp79.html|title=Team of the World Cup ... so far|date=1 July 2014|access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref>

Silva was able to silence his critics by scoring the opening goal in the quarterfinal against [[Colombia national football team|Colombia]], and was seen as a top performer in the match;<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/10947907/Brazil-v-Colombia-Player-ratings-from-the-World-Cup-quarter-final.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/10947907/Brazil-v-Colombia-Player-ratings-from-the-World-Cup-quarter-final.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Brazil v Colombia: Player ratings from the World Cup quarter final|date=5 July 2014|access-date=25 July 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> however, Silva picked up his second yellow card of the tournament for obstructing goalkeeper [[David Ospina]], which ruled him out of the semi-final.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://nesn.com/2014/07/brazils-thiago-silva-suspended-for-2014-world-cup-semifinals-video/|title=Brazil's Thiago Silva Out Of World Cup Semis After Yellow Card (Video)|date=4 July 2014|access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref> Brazil tried to appeal his yellow card,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jul/06/brazil-appeal-thiago-silva-suspension-fifa-world-cup-2014|title=Brazil lodge appeal to have Thiago Silva's yellow card overturned|date=6 July 2014|access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref> but it was immediately rejected.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jul/07/world-cup-2014-thiago-silva-brazil-germany|title=Brazil appeal against Thiago Silva's World Cup semi-final ban rejected|date=7 July 2014|access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref> Nevertheless, at the end of the quarter-final stage, Silva was rated by FIFA as the second-best defender of the tournament, and the fourth-best player overall.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=7/news=benzema-rodriguez-bow-out-at-summit-2400533.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707154915/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=7/news=benzema-rodriguez-bow-out-at-summit-2400533.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 July 2014|title=Benzema, Rodriguez bow out at the summit|date=6 July 2014|access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref> Silva's suspension brought apprehension to the team; [[José Mourinho]] even claimed that Silva was Brazil's most important player, praising the stability Silva offers to the defence.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/3790/world-cup-2014/2014/07/05/4938261/mourinho-thiago-silva-is-more-important-to-brazil-than|title=Mourinho: Thiago Silva is more important to Brazil than Neymar|date=5 July 2014|access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref>

Silva was replaced by [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]] defender [[Dante (footballer)|Dante]], who was deemed by [[Germany national football team|Germany]] coach [[Joachim Löw]] as "an excellent player".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/10953272/Brazil-v-Germany-Dante-more-than-capable-replacement-for-Thiago-Silva-say-both-sets-of-semi-finalists.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/10953272/Brazil-v-Germany-Dante-more-than-capable-replacement-for-Thiago-Silva-say-both-sets-of-semi-finalists.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Brazil v Germany: Dante more than capable replacement for Thiago Silva, say both sets of semi-finalists|date=8 July 2014|access-date=25 July 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Without Silva as captain, Brazil capitulated in the semi-final, losing by a record [[Brazil v Germany (2014 FIFA World Cup)|1–7 scoreline to Germany]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/10955368/Brazil-v-Germany-Biggest-humiliation-in-history-of-Brazilian-football-as-7-1-thrashing-in-World-Cup-signals-night-the-music-died.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/10955368/Brazil-v-Germany-Biggest-humiliation-in-history-of-Brazilian-football-as-7-1-thrashing-in-World-Cup-signals-night-the-music-died.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Brazil v Germany: Biggest humiliation in history of Brazilian football as 7–1 thrashing in World Cup signals night the music died|date=8 July 2014|access-date=25 July 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> It was widely recognised that Silva's absence played a crucial part in the shock result.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/with-thiago-silva-suspended-for-the-match-against-germany-brazils-defense-falls-apart/|title=With Thiago Silva suspended for the match against Germany, Brazil's defense falls apart|date=8 July 2014|access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/brazils-defense-falls-apart-without-235038276--sow.html|title=Brazil's defense falls apart without Thiago Silva|date=8 July 2014|access-date=25 July 2014|archive-date=13 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140713013126/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/brazils-defense-falls-apart-without-235038276--sow.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2123461-david-luiz-must-be-held-accountable-for-brazils-embarrassing-world-cup-defeat|title=David Luiz Must Be Held Accountable for Brazil's Embarrassing World Cup Defeat|date=8 July 2014|access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espnfc.com/blog/world-cup-central/59/post/1940597/thiago-silva-proves-to-be-bigger-loss-than-neymar-for-brazil|title=Brazil can't adapt without Thiago Silva|date=8 July 2014|access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref>

In the third-place match, Silva returned, but his presence could not salvage any honours for Brazil, as they were comprehensively beaten 3–0 by the Netherlands. In the second minute of the game, Silva pulled down [[Arjen Robben]], as he ran into [[Júlio César (footballer, born 1986)|Júlio César]]'s box with the ball for a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Under FIFA rules Silva ought to have been shown a red card, but he was shown a yellow card instead by the Algerian referee [[Djamel Haimoudi]]. The referee called for a penalty, while the foul happened outside the box, which was successfully scored by [[Robin van Persie]].

At the conclusion of the tournament, Silva was rated by FIFA as the third-best central defender, and the eighth-best player overall.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=7/news=kroos-finishes-up-top-of-castrol-standings-2405228.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715052510/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=7/news=kroos-finishes-up-top-of-castrol-standings-2405228.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 July 2014|title=Kroos finishes up top of Castrol standings|date=14 July 2014|access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref> Silva was selected into the [[FIFA World Cup awards#All-Star Team|FIFA World Cup Dream Team]] voted by FIFA.com users,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/games/dream-team/index.html |title=Dream Team |access-date=25 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229212753/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/games/dream-team/index.html |archive-date=29 December 2014 }}</ref> and the [[Castrol Performance Index|Castrol World Cup Top XI]] based on statistical merit.<ref name="Castrol Index Top 11">{{Cite news|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/statistics/castrol-index/top11.html |title=Castrol Index Top 11 |access-date=25 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230231236/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/statistics/castrol-index/top11.html |archive-date=30 December 2014 }}</ref>

===2015 Copa América===
Brazil, under Dunga's second stint as manager, went to the [[2015 Copa América]] in Chile with [[Neymar]] as the captain. After his suspension for the remainder of the tournament in their second game, however, the armband did not go back to Silva, but rather to his defensive partner, [[Miranda (footballer, born 1984)|Miranda]]. In Brazil's final [[2015 Copa América Group C|group]] match against [[Venezuela national football team|Venezuela]] at the [[Estadio Monumental David Arellano]] in [[Santiago]], Silva opened the scoring in the ninth minute, volleying in a corner from [[Robinho]]. The eventual 2–1 victory sent Brazil into the quarter-finals as group winners.<ref>{{cite news|title=Brazil 2–1 Venezuela: Thiago Silva and Firmino seal top spot|url=http://www.goal.com/en-ng/match/brazil-vs-venezuela/1947921/report?ICID=MP_MS_5|access-date=21 June 2015|work=Goal.com|date=21 June 2015}}</ref> In the 70th minute of the quarter-final, Silva's handball gave Paraguay the penalty kick from which they equalised for a 1–1 draw; Brazil lost in the subsequent [[penalty shoot-out (association football)|penalty shoot-out]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Brazil 1–1 Paraguay|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33085894|access-date=28 June 2015|website=BBC Sport |date=28 June 2015}}</ref>

===2018 World Cup and 2019 Copa América title===
On 14 May 2018, Silva was named by [[Tite (football manager)|Tite]] to captain the squad for the [[2018 FIFA World Cup|2018 World Cup]] in Russia.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44116590|title=World Cup: Neymar named in Brazil's 23-man squad |website=BBC Sport |date=14 May 2018}}</ref> He would play the full 90 minutes of all five of Brazil's matches at the tournament, before they were eliminated by [[Belgium national football team|Belgium]] in the quarter-finals. Silva managed to score during Brazil's final group stage match on 27 June, getting the second goal in his side's 2–0 win against [[Serbia national football team|Serbia]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/match/300331521/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142827/https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/match/300331521/|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 June 2018|title=2018 FIFA World Cup Russia - Matches - Serbia - Brazil|website=FIFA.com}}</ref>

In May 2019, Silva was included in Brazil's 23-man squad for the [[2019 Copa América]] on home soil.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.football-italia.net/138152/brazil-name-copa-america-squad |title=Brazil name Copa America squad |publisher=Football Italia |date=17 May 2019 |access-date=21 May 2019 }}</ref> He would go on to play every minute for Brazil as they won the tournament, concluding with a 3–1 [[2019 Copa América final|final]] victory against [[Peru national football team|Peru]] on 7 July at the [[Maracanã Stadium|Maracanã]].<ref name="2019 Copa América Final">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2019/jul/06/copa-america-final-brazil-peru-live |title=Brazil 3-1 Peru |work=The Guardian |last1=Smyth |first1=Rob |date=7 July 2019 |access-date=8 July 2019 }}</ref>

===2021 Copa América runner-up and appearance milestones===
In June 2021, Silva was included in Brazil's squad for the [[2021 Copa América]], again held on home soil.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.as.com/en/2021/07/10/football/1625909312_472586.html |title=Brazil national team squad Copa America 2021: selected players, absences... |website=AS.com |date=10 July 2021 |access-date=11 July 2021 |archive-date=21 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221053154/https://en.as.com/en/2021/07/10/football/1625909312_472586.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> He played the full 90 minutes for Brazil in two of their group stage games and all three of their knockout stage fixtures, including their 1–0 defeat to rivals [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]] in the [[2021 Copa América Final|final]] on 10 July.<ref name="2021CAFinalGuardian">{{cite news |last=Graham |first=Bryan Armen |date=10 July 2021 |title=Argentina 1-0 Brazil: Copa América final – as it happened |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2021/jul/10/argentina-v-brazil-copa-america-final-live |work=The Guardian |access-date=13 July 2021 }}</ref>

On 10 October 2021, Silva made his 100th appearance for Brazil in a goalless [[2022 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL)|2022 World Cup qualification]] draw against Colombia.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://onefootball.com/en/news/chelsea-defender-thiago-silva-reaches-100-caps-with-brazil-33891786 |title=Chelsea defender Thiago Silva reaches 100 caps with Brazil |website=onefootball.com |date=11 October 2021 }}</ref> In September 2022, he became the most-capped centre-back in the history of the Brazil national team, surpassing [[Lúcio]].<ref>{{cite news |date=25 September 2022 |title=Thiago Silva Sets A New Record As He Becomes The Most Capped Defender For Brazil National Team |url=https://futballnews.com/thiago-silva-sets-a-new-record-as-he-becomes-the-most-capped-defender-for-brazil-national-team/ |access-date=4 October 2022 |website=Futball News}}</ref>

===2022 World Cup===
On 7 November 2022, Silva was named to Brazil's 26-man squad for the [[2022 FIFA World Cup|2022 World Cup]] in Qatar.<ref>{{cite web|title=Seleção Brasileira está convocada para a Copa do Mundo FIFA Qatar 2022|url=https://www.cbf.com.br/selecao-brasileira/noticias/selecao-masculina/selecao-brasileira-esta-convocada-para-a-copa-do-mundo-fifa-qatar-2022|publisher=[[Brazilian Football Confederation|CBF]]|access-date=7 November 2022|date=7 November 2022|language=pt}}</ref>

Silva started and played the full 90 minutes of Brazil's first two group matches against [[Serbia national football team|Serbia]] and [[Switzerland national football team|Switzerland]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Brazil vs. Serbia - 24 November 2022|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2022/11/24/world/world-cup/brazil/serbia/3749537/|website=Soccerway|access-date=18 July 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Brazil vs. Switzerland - 28 November 2022|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2022/11/28/world/world-cup/brazil/switzerland/3749539/|website=Soccerway|access-date=18 July 2023}}</ref> He then assisted [[Richarlison]]'s goal in a 4–1 round of 16 victory against [[South Korea national football team|South Korea]] on 5 December.<ref>{{cite web|title=Brazil vs. Korea Republic - 5 December 2022|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2022/12/05/world/world-cup/brazil/korea-republic/3298979/|website=Soccerway|access-date=18 July 2023}}</ref>
Four days later, Silva played the full 120 minutes of Brazil's quarter-final elimination by [[Croatia national football team|Croatia]], losing on penalties after extra time.<ref>{{cite web|title=Croatia vs. Brazil - 9 December 2022 - Soccerway|url=https://uk.soccerway.com/matches/2022/12/09/world/world-cup/croatia/brazil/3298983/|website=Soccerway.com|access-date=18 July 2023}}</ref>

==Style of play==
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 defence.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite news|date=4 April 2013|title=Courbis : "Silva? Rarement vu un arrière central aussi fort" (in French)|url=http://www.bfmtv.com/sport/courbis-silva-rarement-vu-un-arriere-central-fort-485600.html|access-date=15 March 2014|archive-date=15 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315172530/http://www.bfmtv.com/sport/courbis-silva-rarement-vu-un-arriere-central-fort-485600.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> A leader from the back, Silva's play has led him to be compared to legendary Italian defender [[Franco Baresi]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.rossoneriblog.com/2011/05/31/baresi-and-maldini-praise-exceptional-thiago-silva/|title=Baresi and Maldini praise "exceptional" Thiago Silva|date=31 May 2011|access-date=15 March 2014}}</ref> Baresi, regarded as one of the greatest defenders in football history,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/8481543/Worlds-greatest-XI-the-best-ever-football-team-in-pictures.html?image=4|title=World's greatest XI: the best ever football team in pictures|access-date=15 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.englandfootballonline.com/TeamHons/HonsWldSocPlyrsCent.html|title=World Soccer 100 Players of the Century|access-date=15 March 2014}}</ref> has gone on record to state that Silva is the defender who most resembles him,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.acmilan.com/en/news/show/149038image=4|title=Franco Baresi on Twitter|date=31 May 2011|access-date=15 March 2014}}</ref> and said in June 2012 that Silva was his "heir".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://football-italia.net/19459/baresi-thiago-silva-my-heir|title=Baresi: Thiago Silva my heir|date=1 June 2012|access-date=15 March 2014}}</ref> Although he has been criticised 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/club/brazil/205/blog/post/3538058/brazil-embrace-thiago-silva-again-after-2014-disaster-and-period-of-apparent-exile |title=Thiago Silva is back in Brazil's good graces after 2014 disaster and exile |publisher=ESPN FC |last1=Duarte |first1=Fernando |date=21 June 2018 |access-date=17 May 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2272889-why-thiago-silvas-marginalised-role-with-brazil-could-benefit-psg |title=Why Thiago Silva's Marginalised Role with Brazil Could Benefit PSG |publisher=Bleacher Report |last1=Johnson |first1=Jonathan |date=19 November 2014 |access-date=17 May 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1922609-thiago-silva-brazil-captain-can-lead-selecao-to-world-cup-glory |title=Thiago Silva: Brazil Captain Can Lead Selecao to World Cup Glory |publisher=Bleacher Report |last1=Blakeley |first1=Robbie |date=14 January 2014 |access-date=17 May 2020 }}</ref>

Silva is heralded as one of the fastest defenders in European football,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.givemesport.com/341445-top-five-fastest-centrebacks-in-europe|title=Top five fastest centre backs in Europe|date=15 April 2013|access-date=15 March 2014|archive-date=15 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315155701/http://www.givemesport.com/341445-top-five-fastest-centrebacks-in-europe|url-status=dead}}</ref> and has been described as a strong defender with good aerial ability.<ref name="CorSportFlu">{{Cite news |url=http://www.corrieredellosport.it/calcio/talent_scout/2008/03/02-20536/Thiago+Silva,+pilastro+Fluminense |author=Stefano Chioffi |title=Thiago Silva, pilastro Fluminense |newspaper=[[Corriere dello Sport – Stadio|Corriere dello Sport]] |date=2 March 2008 |access-date=11 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130124175158/http://www.corrieredellosport.it/calcio/talent_scout/2008/03/02-20536/Thiago+Silva%2C+pilastro+Fluminense |archive-date=24 January 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://sport.sky.it/sport/calcio_italiano/2008/12/11/Milan_Thiago_Silva.html |title=Thiago Silva presto a Milano, lunedì le visite mediche |newspaper=[[Sky Sport (Italy)|Sky Sport]] |date=11 December 2008 |access-date=23 September 2009 |archive-date=20 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090420235559/http://sport.sky.it/sport/calcio_italiano/2008/12/11/Milan_Thiago_Silva.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="goal.com">{{Cite web |url=http://www.goal.com/it/news/3316/goalcom-50/2011/08/10/2612326/goalcom-50-thiago-silva-18 |title=Goal.com 50: Thiago Silva (18) |work=goal.com |date=10 August 2011 |access-date=11 August 2011}}</ref> He combines these physical gifts with a phenomenal tactical intelligence, discipline, and knowledge of the game, as well as an excellent positional sense, which allows him to excel in one on one situations.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/psgs-reluctant-hero-thiago-silva-earns-applause-eyes-door|title=PSG's reluctant hero Thiago Silva earns applause but eyes the door|date=10 April 2013|access-date=15 March 2014}}</ref><ref name="CorSport">{{Cite news |url=http://www.corrieredellosport.it/speciale_derby/2011/03/25-162908/Thiago+Silva+contro+Chivu,+che+duello+nel+derby! |author=Alberto Polverosi |title=Thiago Silva contro Chivu, che duello nel derby! |newspaper=[[Corriere dello Sport – Stadio|Corriere dello Sport]] |date=25 March 2011 |access-date=11 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522000454/http://www.corrieredellosport.it/speciale_derby/2011/03/25-162908/Thiago+Silva+contro+Chivu,+che+duello+nel+derby! |archive-date=22 May 2014 }}</ref><ref name="WorldCupRank">{{cite web |title=#WorldCupRank: No. 12 Thiago Silva |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/news/story/_/id/1820089/no-12-thiago-silva-brazil-psg |work=ESPN.com |access-date=25 February 2022 |date=7 June 2014}}</ref> Thanks to his abilities, he excels at reading the game and at anticipating plays, and he is excellent at closing down and tackling opposing players in possession of the ball.<ref name="goal.com" /><ref name="GazzettaGerna">{{Cite news |url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/26-05-2011/nessuno-come-thiago-silva-801350850346.shtml |author=Jacopo Gerna |title=Nessuno come Thiago Silva. Ma la rivelazione è Silvestre |newspaper=[[La Gazzetta dello Sport]] |date=27 May 2011 |access-date=11 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/news/story/_/id/1829214/how-defend |title=Key Battles: How to Defend |work=ESPN.com |last1=Lewellen |first1=Andrew |date=22 May 2014 |access-date=19 March 2022 }}</ref> Hailed as the best of the new breed of defenders<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/espnfcunited/id/9484?cc=3888|title=Evolution of the centre-back|date=19 September 2013|access-date=15 March 2014}}</ref> — composed in possession, able to create chances for his team from the back with his passing — Silva is a technically gifted defender who is universally praised for his ability, being voted as one of the top two central defenders in Europe for three consecutive years;<ref name="WorldCupRank"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=2042620.html|title=UEFA.com users' Team of the Year 2013 revealed
|date=15 January 2014|access-date=15 March 2014}}</ref> he is considered to be one of the best defenders of his generation,<ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto1"/> with Rio Ferdinand and Ronaldo both describing him as the best defender in the world in 2014.<ref name="Ferdinand"/><ref name="Beckenbauer"/> Although predominantly a centre-back, Silva has also been used in midfield as either a central or defensive midfielder.<ref name="heir to Desailly"/><ref name="travail"/> Despite his ability, however, he has also struggled with injuries throughout his career;<ref name="ultimouomo">{{cite web |url=https://www.ultimouomo.com/migliori-uno-contro-uno-2000-2020/#thiago-silva |title=I migliori difensori nell'uno contro uno (2000-2020) |publisher=www.ultimouomo.com |language=it |date=29 April 2020 |access-date=17 May 2020 }}</ref> notwithstanding these difficulties, he has also drawn praise for his longevity.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/chelsea/news/petr-cech-heaps-praise-on-chelsea-veteran-thiago-silva |title=Petr Cech Heaps Praise on Chelsea Veteran Thiago Silva |publisher=Sports Illustrated |last1=Emms |first1=Nick |date=20 January 2022 |access-date=23 February 2022 }}</ref>

==Personal life==
Silva and his wife Isabele have two sons.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://extra.globo.com/famosos/retratos-da-bola/isabelle-mulher-do-capitao-thiago-silva-faz-ensaio-em-segredo-para-surpreender-marido-admite-sou-amelia-12820093.html|title=Isabelle, mulher do capitão Thiago Silva, faz ensaio em segredo para surpreender o marido e admite: 'Sou Amélia'|website=Extra Online}}</ref> Silva is a [[Christianity|Christian]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/apr/09/world-cup-2014-hand-of-god-brazil-fred-christian,https://www.christiantoday.com/article/11-world-cup-stars-who-are-also-christians/38050.htm|title=World Cup 2014: Hand of God takes on different meaning for Brazil's Fred|website=[[TheGuardian.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-soccer-players-set-to-light-up-the-world-cup.html|title=Christian Soccer Players Set to Light Up the World Cup|website=www.christianpost.com|date=9 June 2014}}</ref> On 15 March 2019 after playing almost seven years in [[France]] with [[Paris Saint-Germain]], Thiago announced that he, his wife and children had also become French citizens.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.europe1.fr/sport/le-defenseur-du-psg-thiago-silva-obtient-la-nationalite-francaise-3874790|title=Le défenseur du PSG Thiago Silva obtient la nationalité française|website=Europe 1|date=15 March 2019 }}</ref> Thiago speaks Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese and English.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Egorov |first=Grigorii |title=Thiago Silva explains why language barrier won't be issue for him at Chelsea |url=https://tribuna.com/en/news/chelsea-2020-09-23-thiago-silva-explains-why-language-barrier-wont-be-issue-for-him-at-chelsea/ |access-date=2023-02-05 |website=Tribuna.com |language=en}}</ref>

Produced by [[Fulwell 73]], [[FIFA]] released ''Captains'' in 2022, an eight-part sports [[docuseries]] following six national team captains in their respective [[2022 FIFA World Cup qualification]] campaigns.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |date=12 April 2022 |title=FIFA launches FIFA+ to bring free football entertainment to fans everywhere |url=https://www.fifa.com/about-fifa/organisation/media-releases/fifa-launches-fifa-to-bring-free-football-entertainment-to-fans-everywhere |access-date=17 October 2022 |website=[[FIFA]]}}</ref> Silva, representing Brazil, starred alongside [[Luka Modrić]] ([[Croatia national football team|Croatia]]), [[Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang]] ([[Gabon national football team|Gabon]]), [[Andre Blake]] ([[Jamaica national football team|Jamaica]]), [[Hassan Maatouk]] ([[Lebanon national football team|Lebanon]]) and [[Brian Kaltak]] ([[Vanuatu national football team|Vanuatu]]).<ref name=":02" /> It was released by [[Netflix]] and also shown on FIFA's own streaming platform, [[FIFA+]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zaazaa |first=Bassam |date=14 October 2022 |title=Lebanon's captain Hassan Maatouk to star in Netflix football documentary |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2181136/sport |access-date=17 October 2022 |website=[[Arab News]]}}</ref>

==Career statistics==
===Club===
{{updated|match played 26 November 2024}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/thiago-emiliano-da-silva/9136/|title=Thiago Silva|website=Soccerway}}</ref><ref name="NFT" />

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|State league{{efn|Includes [[Campeonato Gaúcho]], [[Campeonato Carioca]]}}
!colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes [[Copa do Brasil]], [[Coppa Italia]], [[Coupe de France]], [[FA Cup]]}}
!colspan="2"|League cup{{efn|Includes [[Coupe de la Ligue]], [[EFL Cup]]}}
!colspan="2"|Continental
!colspan="2"|Other
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Pedrabranca Futebol Clube|RS Futebol]]
|2002
|[[Campeonato Gaúcho Série B|Gaúcho Série B]]
|colspan="2"|—||8||2||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||8||2
|-
|2003
|[[Campeonato Gaúcho Série A2|Gaúcho Série A2]]
|colspan="2"|—||17||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||17||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!colspan="2"|—!!25!!2!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!25!!2
|-
|[[Esporte Clube Juventude|Juventude]]
|[[2004 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A|2004]]
|[[Campeonato Brasileiro Série A|Série A]]
|28||3||7||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||36||3
|-
|[[FC Porto B|Porto B]]
|[[2004–05 Segunda Divisão B|2004–05]]
|[[Segunda Divisão|Segunda Divisão B]]
|14||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||14||0
|-
|[[FC Dynamo Moscow|Dynamo Moscow]]
|[[2005 Russian Premier League|2005]]
|[[Russian Premier League]]
|0||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0
|-
|[[Fluminense FC|Fluminense]] (loan)
|[[2006 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A|2006]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flunomeno.com/2017/03/fluminense-em-2006.html|title=Fluminense em 2006|trans-title=Fluminense in 2006|publisher=FLUnômeno|language=pt-BR|access-date=21 March 2020}}</ref>
|Série A
|31||0||4||0||7||0||colspan="2"|—||4{{efn|Appearances in [[Copa Sudamericana]]}}||0||colspan="2"|—||46||0
|-
|rowspan="3"|Fluminense
|[[2007 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A|2007]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flunomeno.com/2017/03/fluminense-em-2007.html|title=Fluminense em 2007|trans-title=Fluminense in 2007|publisher=FLUnômeno|language=pt-BR|access-date=21 March 2020}}</ref>
|Série A
|30||5||9||0||12||3||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||51||8
|-
|[[2008 Fluminense Football Club season|2008]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flunomeno.com/2017/03/fluminense-em-2008.html|title=Fluminense em 2008|trans-title=Fluminense in 2008|publisher=FLUnômeno|language=pt-BR|access-date=21 March 2020}}</ref>
|Série A
|20||1||14||3||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||12{{efn|name=COL|Appearances in [[Copa Libertadores]]}}||2||colspan="2"|—||46||6
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!81!!6!!27!!3!!19!!3!!colspan="2"|—!!16!!2!!colspan="2"|—!!143!!14
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[AC Milan]]
|[[2009–10 AC Milan season|2009–10]]
|[[Serie A]]
|33||2||colspan="2"|—||0||0||colspan="2"|—||7{{efn|name=UCL|Appearances in [[UEFA Champions League]]}}||0||colspan="2"|—||40||2
|-
|[[2010–11 AC Milan season|2010–11]]
|Serie A
|33||1||colspan="2"|—||3||0||colspan="2"|—||6{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||colspan="2"|—||42||1
|-
|[[2011–12 AC Milan season|2011–12]]
|Serie A
|27||2||colspan="2"|—||2||0||colspan="2"|—||7{{efn|name=UCL}}||1||1{{efn|Appearance in [[Supercoppa Italiana]]}}||0||37||3
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!93!!5!!colspan="2"|—!!5!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!20!!1!!1!!0!!119!!6
|-
|rowspan="9"|[[Paris Saint-Germain F.C.|Paris Saint-Germain]]
|[[2012–13 Paris Saint-Germain F.C. season|2012–13]]
|[[Ligue 1]]
|22||0||colspan="2"|—||1||0||2||1||9{{efn|name=UCL}}||2||colspan="2"|—||34||3
|-
|[[2013–14 Paris Saint-Germain F.C. season|2013–14]]
|Ligue 1
|28||3||colspan="2"|—||2||0||4||0||7{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||1{{efn|name=TDC|Appearance in [[Trophée des Champions]]}}||0||42||3
|-
|[[2014–15 Paris Saint-Germain F.C. season|2014–15]]
|Ligue 1
|26||1||colspan="2"|—||5||0||3||0||6{{efn|name=UCL}}||1||0||0||40||2
|-
|[[2015–16 Paris Saint-Germain F.C. season|2015–16]]
|Ligue 1
|30||1||colspan="2"|—||4||0||2||0||9{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||1{{efn|name=TDC}}||0||46||1
|-
|[[2016–17 Paris Saint-Germain F.C. season|2016–17]]
|Ligue 1
|27||3||colspan="2"|—||3||1||3||2||7{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||0||0||40||6
|-
|[[2017–18 Paris Saint-Germain F.C. season|2017–18]]
|Ligue 1
|25||1||colspan="2"|—||5||0||2||0||6{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||1{{efn|name=TDC}}||0||39||1
|-
|[[2018–19 Paris Saint-Germain F.C. season|2018–19]]
|Ligue 1
|25||0||colspan="2"|—||4||0||2||0||7{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||1{{efn|name=TDC}}||0||39||0
|-
|[[2019–20 Paris Saint-Germain F.C. season|2019–20]]
|Ligue 1
|21||0||colspan="2"|—||3||1||1||0||9{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||1{{efn|name=TDC}}||0||35||1
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!204!!9!!colspan="2"|—!!27!!2!!19!!3!!60!!3!!5!!0!!315!!17
|-
|rowspan="5"|[[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]]
|[[2020–21 Chelsea F.C. season|2020–21]]
|[[Premier League]]
|23||2||colspan="2"|—||2||0||1||0||8{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||colspan="2"|—||34||2
|-
|[[2021–22 Chelsea F.C. season|2021–22]]
|Premier League
|32||3||colspan="2"|—||3||0||2||0||9{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||2{{efn|Appearances in [[FIFA Club World Cup]]}}||0||48||3
|-
|[[2022–23 Chelsea F.C. season|2022–23]]
|Premier League
|27||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0||0||0||8{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||colspan="2"|—||35||0
|-
|[[2023–24 Chelsea F.C. season|2023–24]]
|Premier League
|31||3||colspan="2"|—||4||1||3||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||38||4
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!113||8||colspan="2"|—!!9||1||6||0||25||0||2||0||155||9
|-
|rowspan="1" |Fluminense
|[[2024 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A|2024]]
|Série A
|12||0||colspan="2"|—||1||0||colspan="2"|—||4{{efn|name=COL}}||1||colspan="2"|—||17||1
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!545!!31!!59!!5!!62!!6!!25!!3!!125!!7!!8!!0!!824!!52
|}
{{notelist}}

===International===
{{updated|match played 9 December 2022}}<ref name="NFT">{{NFT player|id=17897|name=Silva, Thiago|access-date=23 February 2012}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year
|-
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="15"|[[Brazil national football team|Brazil]]
|2008||3||0
|-
|2009||3||0
|-
|2010||5||0
|-
|2011||13||0
|-
|2012||8||1
|-
|2013||12||1
|-
|2014||9||1
|-
|2015||6||1
|-
|2016||1||0
|-
|2017||7||1
|-
|2018||10||1
|-
|2019||12||1
|-
|2020||4||0
|-
|2021||9||0
|-
|2022||11||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total!!113!!7
|}

{{updated|match played 9 December 2022}}
:''Scores and results list Brazil's goal tally first''<ref name="NFT"/>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Thiago Silva
|-
! No. !! Date !! Venue !! Opponent !! Score !! Result !! Competition
|-
|align="center"| 1 || 30 May 2012 || [[FedExField]], Landover, United States || {{fb|USA}} ||align="center"| 2–0 ||align="center"| 4–1 || rowspan=2|[[Friendly (association football)|Friendly]]
|-
|align="center"| 2 || 10 September 2013 || [[Gillette Stadium]], Foxborough, United States || {{fb|POR}} ||align="center"| 1–1 ||align="center"| 3–1
|-
|align="center"| 3 || 4 July 2014 || [[Castelão (Ceará)|Castelão]], Fortaleza, Brazil || {{fb|COL}} ||align="center"| 1–0 ||align="center"| 2–1 || [[2014 FIFA World Cup]]
|-
|align="center"| 4 || 21 June 2015 || [[Estadio Monumental David Arellano]], Santiago, Chile || {{fb|VEN}} ||align="center"| 1–0 ||align="center"| 2–1 || [[2015 Copa América]]
|-
|align="center"| 5 || 13 June 2017 || [[Melbourne Cricket Ground]], Melbourne, Australia|| {{fb|AUS}} ||align="center"| 2–0 ||align="center"| 4–0 || [[Friendly (association football)|Friendly]]
|-
|align="center"| 6 || 27 June 2018 || [[Otkritie Arena]], Moscow, Russia || {{fb|SRB}} ||align="center"| 2–0 ||align="center"| 2–0 || [[2018 FIFA World Cup]]
|-
|align="center"| 7 || 9 June 2019 || [[Estádio Beira-Rio]], Porto Alegre, Brazil || {{fb|HON}} ||align="center"| 2–0 ||align="center"| 7–0 || [[Friendly (association football)|Friendly]]
|}

==Honours==
[[File:Dilma Rousseff Confederations Cup 2013 (4).jpg|thumb|Thiago Silva and Brazil president [[Dilma Rousseff]] with the 2013 [[FIFA Confederations Cup|Confederations Cup]] trophy]]

'''Fluminense'''
*[[Copa do Brasil]]: [[2007 Copa do Brasil|2007]]<ref name=honours>{{cite news|url=http://www.ligue1.com/joueur/da-silva-thiago-emiliano|title=Thiago SILVA|access-date=31 May 2015|work=Ligue 1}}</ref>

'''Milan'''
*[[Serie A]]: [[2010–11 Serie A|2010–11]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.acmilan.com/en/news/show/133814|title=We Deserved the Scudetto|date=7 May 2011|access-date=18 July 2014}}</ref>
*[[Supercoppa Italiana]]: [[2011 Supercoppa Italiana|2011]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.acmilan.com/en/news/show/135366|title=Super Cup Champions!|date=6 August 2011|access-date=18 July 2014}}</ref>

'''Paris Saint-Germain'''
*[[Ligue 1]]: [[2012–13 Ligue 1|2012–13]], [[2013–14 Ligue 1|2013–14]], [[2014–15 Ligue 1|2014–15]], [[2015–16 Ligue 1|2015–16]], [[2017–18 Ligue 1|2017–18]], [[2018–19 Ligue 1|2018–19]], [[2019–20 Ligue 1|2019–20]]<ref name=honours/>
*[[Coupe de France]]: [[2014–15 Coupe de France|2014–15]], [[2015–16 Coupe de France|2015–16]], [[2016–17 Coupe de France|2016–17]], [[2017–18 Coupe de France|2017–18]], [[2019–20 Coupe de France|2019–20]]; runner-up: [[2018–19 Coupe de France|2018–19]]<ref name=honours/>
*[[Coupe de la Ligue]]: [[2013–14 Coupe de la Ligue|2013–14]], [[2014–15 Coupe de la Ligue|2014–15]], [[2015–16 Coupe de la Ligue|2015–16]], [[2016–17 Coupe de la Ligue|2016–17]], [[2017–18 Coupe de la Ligue|2017–18]], [[2019–20 Coupe de la Ligue|2019–20]]<ref name=honours/>
*[[Trophée des Champions]]: [[2013 Trophée des Champions|2013]], [[2015 Trophée des Champions|2015]], [[2017 Trophée des Champions|2017]], [[2018 Trophée des Champions|2018]], [[2019 Trophée des Champions|2019]]<ref name=honours/>
*[[UEFA Champions League]] runner-up: [[2019–20 UEFA Champions League|2019–20]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2030150--paris-vs-bayern/ |title=Paris 0–1 Bayern: Updates |publisher=UEFA |access-date=16 May 2021}}</ref>

'''Chelsea'''
*UEFA Champions League: [[2020–21 UEFA Champions League|2020–21]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57268064 |title=Manchester City 0–1 Chelsea |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=29 May 2021 |access-date=14 February 2022}}</ref>
*[[UEFA Super Cup]]: [[2021 UEFA Super Cup|2021]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58157867 |title=Chelsea 1–1 Villarreal |first=Mark |last=Sterling |website=BBC Sport |date=11 August 2021 |access-date=14 February 2022}}</ref>
*[[FIFA Club World Cup]]: [[2021 FIFA Club World Cup|2021]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60352740 |title=Chelsea 2–1 Palmeiras |website=BBC Sport |date=12 February 2022 |access-date=14 February 2022}}</ref>
*[[FA Cup]] runner-up: [[2020–21 FA Cup|2020–21]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57055571 |title=Chelsea 0–1 Leicester City |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=15 May 2021 |access-date=16 May 2021}}</ref> [[2021–22 FA Cup|2021–22]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61429640 |title=Chelsea 0–0 Liverpool |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=14 May 2022 |access-date=14 May 2022}}</ref>
*[[EFL Cup]] runner-up: [[2021–22 EFL Cup|2021–22]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60450274 |title=Chelsea 0–0 Liverpool |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=27 February 2022 |access-date=28 February 2022}}</ref>

'''Brazil U23'''
*[[Football at the Summer Olympics|Olympics Bronze Medal]]: [[Football at the 2008 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament|2008]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.olympic.org/olympic-results/beijing-2008/football/football-m|title= Beijing 2008 Football,football men|access-date=18 July 2014}}</ref>
*[[Football at the Summer Olympics|Olympics Silver Medal]]: [[Football at the 2012 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament|2012]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.olympic.org/olympic-results/london-2012/football/football-m|title= London 2012 Football,football men|access-date=18 July 2014}}</ref>

'''Brazil'''
*[[Copa América]]: [[2019 Copa América|2019]];<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48897389 |title=Brazil 3–1 Peru |website=BBC Sport |date=7 July 2019 |access-date=9 July 2019}}</ref> runner-up: [[2021 Copa América|2021]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57776158 |title=Argentina 1–0 Brazil |website=BBC Sport |date=11 July 2021 |access-date=11 July 2021}}</ref>
*[[FIFA Confederations Cup]]: [[2013 FIFA Confederations Cup|2013]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/matches/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121205011002/http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/matches/|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 December 2012|title=Fred and Neymar claim Confeds for Brazil|access-date=18 July 2014}}</ref>

'''Individual'''
* [[Bola de Prata (Brazil)#Bola de Prata|Bola de Prata]]: 2007<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
* [[Prêmio Craque do Brasileirão|Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Best Fan's Player]]: 2008<ref name="Globo Esporte"/>
* [[Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Team of the Year]]: [[2008 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A|2008]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Hexacampeão, São Paulo domina também o Prêmio Craque Brasileirão|url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/Esportes/Noticias/Futebol/Brasileirao/Serie_A/0,,MUL915557-9827,00-HEXACAMPEAO+SAO+PAULO+DOMINA+TAMBEM+O+PREMIO+CRAQUE+BRASILEIRAO.html |access-date=21 June 2009 |date=8 December 2008 |work=Globo Esporte |language=pt}}</ref>
* [[CONMEBOL]] South American Team of the Year: 2008<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/sam-toy.html|title=South American Team of the Year|date=16 January 2009|access-date=10 December 2015}}</ref>
* [[Samba Gold]]: 2011, 2012, 2013<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sambafoot.com/fr/informations/27311_thiago_silva_remporte_le_samba_d___or_2011.html|title=Thiago Silva remporte le Samba d'Or 2011|date=31 December 2011|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sambafoot.com/fr/informations/40948_thiago_silva_remporte_le_samba_d_or_2012.html|title=Thiago Silva remporte le Samba d'Or 2012|date=31 December 2012|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sambafoot.com/fr/informations/55266_thiago_silva_remporte_son_troisieme_samba_d_or_consecutif.html|title=Thiago Silva remporte son troisième Samba d'Or consécutif|date=2 January 2014|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref>
* [[Serie A Team of the Year]]: 2010–11, 2011–12<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.aia-figc.it/dettaglio.asp?ID=6050 |title=Gran Cala' del Calcio 2011: Rizzoli premiato miglior arbitro |date=24 January 2012 |access-date=21 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103212125/http://aia-figc.it/dettaglio.asp?ID=6050 |archive-date= 3 November 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sportlive.it/calcio/oscar-calcio-vincitori-premi-27-gennaio-2013_pag2.html|title=Oscar del Calcio 2012 AIC: vincitori e premi|date=28 January 2013|access-date=21 June 2014|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714224418/http://www.sportlive.it/calcio/oscar-calcio-vincitori-premi-27-gennaio-2013_pag2.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[National Union of Professional Footballers|UNFP]] Ligue 1 [[Trophées UNFP du football#Team of the Year|Team of the Year]]: 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ligue1.com/ligue1/article/ligue-1-team-of-the-year.htm|title=Ligue 1 Team of the Year|date=24 May 2013|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ligue1.com/ligue1/article/ibrahimovic-named-player-of-year.htm|title=Ibrahimovic named Player of Year|date=12 May 2014|access-date=21 June 2014|archive-date=30 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730230720/http://www.ligue1.com/ligue1/article/ibrahimovic-named-player-of-year.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Trophées UNFP : Lacazette, Fékir (OL) et Blanc (PSG) sacrés|url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Trophees-unfp-lacazette-fekir-ol-et-blanc-psg-sacres/559018|access-date=17 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.squawka.com/news/edinson-cavani-named-ligue-1-player-of-the-year-as-six-monaco-players-make-team-of-the-season/948119|title=Cavani named Ligue 1 player of the year as six Monaco players make team of the season|work=Squawka News|access-date=16 May 2017|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ligue1.com/ligue1/article/mbappe-wins-awards-double.htm|title=Mbappé Wins Awards Double|website=www.ligue1.com|date=19 May 2019|access-date=19 May 2019|archive-date=25 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525011547/https://www.ligue1.com/ligue1/article/mbappe-wins-awards-double.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[National Union of Professional Footballers|UNFP]] Ligue 1 [[UNFP Player of the Month|Player of the Month]]: March 2013,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.psg.fr/en/Actus/003001/Article/61912/Thiago-Silva-mejor-jugador-de-marzo|title=Thiago Silva named Ligue 1 Player of the Month!|publisher=Paris Saint-Germain|date=11 April 2013|access-date=21 June 2014|archive-date=26 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726151406/http://www.psg.fr/en/Actus/003001/Article/61912/Thiago-Silva-mejor-jugador-de-marzo|url-status=dead}}</ref> October 2019<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.unfp.org/2019/11/thiago-silva-joueur-du-mois-doctobre/|title=Thiago Silva, Jouer Du Mois D'Octobre!|trans-title=Thiago Silva, Player of the Month of October!|language=fr|publisher=UNFP|date=13 November 2019|access-date=13 November 2019}}</ref>
* [[UEFA Team of the Year]]: 2011, 2012, 2013<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.uefa.com/community/news/newsid=1741715.html|title=UEFA.com users' Team of the Year 2011 revealed|date=18 January 2012|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.uefa.com/community/teamoftheyear/history/season=2012/index.html|title=UEFA.com users' Team of the Year 2012|date=4 December 2013|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=2042620.html|title=UEFA.com users' Team of the Year 2013 revealed|date=15 January 2014|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref>
* [[2015–16 UEFA Champions League|UEFA Champions League Team of the Group Stage]]: 2015<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2317348.html#champions+league+team+group+stage|title= Champions League team of the group stage|publisher=[[UEFA]]|date=15 December 2015}}</ref>
* [[FIFPro#FIFA FIFPro Men's World11|FIFA FIFPro World11]]: 2013, 2014, 2015<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.fifa.com/ballondor/world11/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121203042049/http://www.fifa.com/ballondor/world11/|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 December 2012|title=FIFA/FIFPro World XI|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref>
* [[2013 FIFA Confederations Cup#Awards|FIFA Confederations Cup Dream Team]]: 2013<ref name="Dream Team"/>
* [[2013 FIFA Confederations Cup|FIFA Confederations Cup Castrol Index Top XI]]: 2013<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/statistics/castrolindex/topeleven.html |title=Castrol Index Top 11 |access-date=19 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140721041809/http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/statistics/castrolindex/topeleven.html |archive-date=21 July 2014 }}</ref>
* [[FIFA World Cup All-Star Team]]: [[2014 FIFA World Cup|2014]], [[2018 FIFA World Cup#Awards|2018]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/statistics/castrol-index/top11.html |title=Castrol Index Top 11 |publisher=FIFA |access-date=18 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219115801/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/statistics/castrol-index/top11.html |archive-date=19 December 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Kane crowned King, Mina the PPG VIP |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/kane-crowned-king-mina-the-ppg-vip |website=FIFA.com |publisher=Fédération Internationale de Football Association |access-date=25 July 2018 }}</ref>
* [[2014 FIFA World Cup awards#Dream Team|FIFA World Cup Dream Team]]: [[2014 FIFA World Cup|2014]], [[2018 FIFA World Cup|2018]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/games/dream-team/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528003307/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/games/dream-team/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 May 2014 |title=The Dream Team |publisher=FIFA |access-date=5 September 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://dreamteam.fifa.com/en/home|title=FIFA World Cup Fan Dream Team|website=FIFA.com|publisher=Fédération Internationale de Football Association|date=18 July 2018|access-date=23 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626225201/https://dreamteam.fifa.com/en/home|archive-date=26 June 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[UEFA Champions League]] Squad of the Season: [[2015–16 UEFA Champions League|2015–16]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2369627.html|title=UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season |date=30 May 2016 |publisher=UEFA}}</ref>
* [[Copa América]] Team of the Tournament: [[2019 Copa América#Team of the Tournament|2019]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://copaamerica.com/es/noticias/El-equipo-ideal-de-la-CONMEBOL-Copa-America-Brasil-2019|title=El equipo ideal de la CONMEBOL Copa América Brasil 2019|publisher=CONMEBOL|date=9 July 2019|language=es|access-date=10 July 2019|archive-date=9 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709223649/https://copaamerica.com/es/noticias/El-equipo-ideal-de-la-CONMEBOL-Copa-America-Brasil-2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[International Federation of Football History & Statistics#IFFHS CONMEBOL Man Team of the Decade 2011–2020|IFFHS CONMEBOL team of the decade]] 2011–2020<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.iffhs.com/index.php/posts/921 |title=IFFHS Man Team - CONMEBOL - Of The Decade 2011-2020 |work=IFFHS |date=26 January 2021 }}</ref>
* [[FIFA Club World Cup awards#Golden Ball|FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball]]: [[2021 FIFA Club World Cup#Awards|2021]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/mens/clubworldcup/uae2021/news/thiago-silva-wins-adidas-golden-ball |title=Thiago Silva wins adidas Golden Ball as best player of UAE 2021 |website=FIFA.com |publisher=Fédération Internationale de Football Association |date=12 February 2022 |access-date=12 February 2022}}</ref>
* [[Chelsea F.C. Player of the Year|Chelsea Player of the Year]]: [[2022–23 Chelsea F.C. season|2022–23]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 May 2023 |title=Thiago Silva is your Chelsea Player of the Season |url=https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/thiago-silva-is-your-chelsea-player-of-the-season |access-date=28 May 2023 |website=Chelsea FC |language=}}</ref>
*[[Chelsea Player of the Year#Players' Player of the Year|Chelsea Players' Player of the Year]]: [[2022–23 Chelsea F.C. season|2022–23]]<ref name=ChelseaPOTY2023>{{Cite web |date=30 May 2023 |title=Thiago Silva receives Players' Player of the Season award |url=https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/thiago-silva-receives-players-player-of-the-season-award |access-date=30 May 2023 |website=Chelsea FC |language=}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Sister project links|c=Category:Thiago Silva|d=no|q=yes|n=no|s=no|b=no|v=no|voy=no|m=no|mw=no|wikt=no|species=no}}
* [https://en.psg.fr/teams/first-team/squad/thiago-silva Profile] at the Paris Saint-Germain F.C. website
* {{LFP Ligue 1}}
* {{Premier League player}}
* {{FIFA player}}
* {{UEFA player}}

{{Fluminense FC squad}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Brazil squads
| bg = #FFDF00
| fg = #008000
| bordercolor = Blue
| list1 = 
{{Brazil men's football squad 2008 Summer Olympics}}
{{Brazil squad 2010 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Brazil squad 2011 Copa América}}
{{Brazil men's football squad 2012 Summer Olympics}}
{{Brazil squad 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup}}
{{Brazil squad 2014 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Brazil squad 2015 Copa América}}
{{Brazil squad 2018 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Brazil squad 2019 Copa América}}
{{Brazil squad 2021 Copa América}}
{{Brazil squad 2022 FIFA World Cup}}
}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Awards
| bg = gold
| fg = navy
| list1 = 
{{2014 FIFA World Cup Team of the Tournament}}
{{2018 FIFA World Cup Team of the Tournament}}
{{2013 FIFA Confederations Cup Team of the Tournament}}
{{2019 Copa América Team of the Tournament}}
{{King Fahd Cup / FIFA Confederations Cup winning captains}}
{{2011 UEFA Team of the Year}}
{{2012 UEFA Team of the Year}}
{{2013 UEFA Team of the Year}}
{{2008 South American Team of the Year}}
{{2007 Bola de Prata}}
{{2010–11 Serie A Team of the Year}}
{{2011–12 Serie A Team of the Year}}
{{2012–13 Ligue 1 UNFP Team of the Year}}
{{2013–14 Ligue 1 UNFP Team of the Year}}
{{2014–15 Ligue 1 UNFP Team of the Year}}
{{2015–16 Ligue 1 UNFP Team of the Year}}
{{2016–17 Ligue 1 UNFP Team of the Year}}
{{2017–18 Ligue 1 UNFP Team of the Year}}
{{2018–19 Ligue 1 UNFP Team of the Year}}
{{2008 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Team of the Year}}
{{Samba Gold}}
{{FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball}}
{{Chelsea F.C. Player of the Year}}
}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Silva, Thiago}}
[[Category:1984 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Footballers from Rio de Janeiro (city)]]
[[Category:Brazilian men's footballers]]
[[Category:Men's association football defenders]]
[[Category:Esporte Clube Juventude players]]
[[Category:FC Porto B players]]
[[Category:FC Dynamo Moscow players]]
[[Category:Fluminense FC players]]
[[Category:AC Milan players]]
[[Category:Paris Saint-Germain FC players]]
[[Category:Chelsea F.C. players]]
[[Category:Campeonato Brasileiro Série A players]]
[[Category:Segunda Divisão players]]
[[Category:Serie A players]]
[[Category:Ligue 1 players]]
[[Category:Premier League players]]
[[Category:UEFA Champions League–winning players]]
[[Category:Brazil men's international footballers]]
[[Category:2010 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:2011 Copa América players]]
[[Category:2013 FIFA Confederations Cup players]]
[[Category:2014 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:2015 Copa América players]]
[[Category:2018 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:2019 Copa América players]]
[[Category:2021 Copa América players]]
[[Category:2022 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:Copa América–winning players]]
[[Category:Olympic footballers for Brazil]]
[[Category:Footballers at the 2008 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Footballers at the 2012 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Olympic medalists in football]]
[[Category:Medalists at the 2008 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Olympic bronze medalists for Brazil]]
[[Category:FIFA Confederations Cup–winning players]]
[[Category:Olympic silver medalists for Brazil]]
[[Category:Medalists at the 2012 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Brazilian expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Portugal]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Russia]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Italy]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England]]
[[Category:Brazilian expatriate sportspeople in Portugal]]
[[Category:Brazilian expatriate sportspeople in Russia]]
[[Category:Brazilian expatriate sportspeople in Italy]]
[[Category:Brazilian expatriate sportspeople in England]]
[[Category:Brazilian emigrants to France]]
[[Category:Naturalized citizens of France]]
[[Category:Brazilian Christians]]
[[Category:FIFA Men's Century Club]]
[[Category:French people of Brazilian descent]]
[[Category:21st-century Brazilian sportsmen]]