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Chelsea’s youthful team are just one step away from the Club World Cup final as they prepare to face Brazilian side Fluminense in the semi-final on Tuesday—a team captained by their former stalwart, Thiago Silva.
Now 40, Silva remains a key figure for Fluminense, the club where he began to make his name. The veteran defender joined Chelsea in 2020, already a seasoned professional after a long stint at Paris Saint-Germain, and quickly became a leader at Stamford Bridge. During his four-year spell, he played 155 matches and was instrumental in their 2021 UEFA Champions League triumph.
Silva departed the club a year ago, leaving behind a legacy and having helped nurture some of the club’s emerging talents who now form the core of Enzo Maresca’s side.
Silva has returned to Fluminense, where he previously starred in their run to the 2008 Copa Libertadores final. After rejoining them post-Chelsea, he played a role in their 2023 Copa Libertadores victory and reunited with manager Renato Gaucho, who coached the side in 2008 and is now in his sixth stint.
Fluminense’s journey to the Club World Cup semi-finals has been remarkable. They held Borussia Dortmund in the group stage, knocked out Inter Milan in the last 16, and edged past Saudi club Al Hilal in the quarter-finals.
Despite the presence of several veterans — including 44-year-old goalkeeper Fabio, 35-year-old Samuel Xavier and 37-year-old striker German Cano — it’s 27-year-old Colombian winger Jhon Arias who has caught the eye as a standout performer in the competition.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, preparing to face Brazilian opposition for a third time in the tournament, is under no illusions. “They’re well-organised and have quality players. The coach is doing an excellent job,” he said. Chelsea previously lost to Flamengo in the group stage but bounced back to beat Palmeiras in the quarter-finals in Philadelphia.
Maresca noted that Brazilian teams have had a physical edge, likely because they are entering the tournament at the start of their domestic season, while European sides have concluded theirs.
Tuesday’s clash will take place at the 82,500-capacity MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, giving many Chelsea players their first taste of the massive venue.
Having finished fourth in the Premier League and secured the UEFA Conference League title, Chelsea initially seemed uncertain about the Club World Cup’s significance. But with only one match standing between them and the final — where they could face Real Madrid or PSG — the stakes are now clear.
The average age of Chelsea’s line-up against Palmeiras was just 24, with the club leaning heavily on young talent. Brazilian forward Joao Pedro, 23, recently debuted after arriving from Fluminense, and more reinforcements are on the way. Palmeiras prodigy Estevao Willian, 18, will join ahead of next season, while 20-year-old Jamie Gittens has been signed from Borussia Dortmund.
Midfield anchor Moises Caicedo, still only 23, returns from suspension and is expected to play a central role against Fluminense.
