Official: Chelsea icon Thiago Silva re-joins European giants at 41

Tom Weber

• 20 Dec 2025 13:32 CST
• 3 min read

News

Chelsea icon Thiago Silva has returned to European football and re-signed with FC Porto.

The 41-year-old surprisingly left his formative club Fluminense following the conclusion of the Brazilian season and thus made himself eligible to be signed on a free transfer.

Silva, whose two sons still play in the Chelsea academy, wanted to be closer to his family again after 18 months back in Brazil. His desire to return to Europe caused a wave of speculation.

Despite his advanced age, the legendary defender remains a very good player, and he was crucial for Fluminense, helping them escape relegation in 2024. When fit, Silva was still pretty much a guaranteed starter in 2025.

AC Milan, one of his former clubs, reportedly mulled over bringing him back in January, while a return to Chelsea or a move to another London-based club was also floated in the media. Ultimately, he has joined a different ex-club of his.

Silva re-joins Porto after 20 years

FC Porto, with the help of transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, have announced that they have re-signed Silva on a deal until the end of the European season with the option for an additional year.

The 41-year-old has unfinished business in Portugal's second-largest city, having previously only suited up for the club's reserve team. He spent a year with Porto B between 2004 and 2005.

"It's like the closing of a perfect cycle, returning to a familiar place, in search of what was missing back then: glory with the first team," an official statement from the club read.

Glory is certainly within Porto's grasp this term. Francesco Farioli's side are currently five points clear at the summit of the Primeira Liga table, so Silva will reinforce a side that is already very strong.

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•App Store