Carlo Ancelotti reveals talks with Thiago Silva over sensational Brazil recall as 40-year-old defender continues to shine at Fluminense

Carlo Ancelotti has revealed he's been in contact with Thiago Silva over a sensational recall to the Brazil squad, with the defender still delivering stellar performances for Fluminense at the age of 40. Silva, who has won 113 caps for the Selecao to date, has not played for his country since their 2022 World Cup quarter-final defeat against Croatia in 2022.

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  Sliva shining for Fluminense

  Silva continues to dazzle in the Brazilian Serie A for Fluminense, and also played a key role in their surprise run to the Club World Cup semi-finals in June. He moved back to his homeland in 2024 after his Chelsea contract expired.

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  Ancelotti opens door for Brazil recall

  Brazil boss Ancelotti, who has worked with Silva in the past at AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, has revealed that he chatted with the veteran centre-back a few days ago. The Italian coach says he would be happy to include the Fluminense star in his Selecao squad if he continues to prove himself with consistent performances for his club.

• 'I don't look at the passport' – Modric example cited

  Ancelotti has suggested that Silva falls into the same bracket as ex-Real Madrid star Luka Modric and AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini, as he added: "Thiago Silva is a player I know very well, I signed him for Milan and PSG. I spoke to him ten days ago, I know him very well. To make a decision (about a call-up), I don't look at the passport, the player's age… I think that, if Thiago Silva is better than someone else, I don't see a problem. Last year, one of Real Madrid's best players was Modric, who was 40 years old. In 2007, I won the Champions League with Maldini as captain, who was 40 years old."

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  Friendlies on the horizon for Brazil

  Brazil have secured a berth in the 2026 World Cup after the conclusion of the CONMEBOL qualifiers during the September international break. They are now scheduled to play Asian giants Japan and South Korea in back-to-back international friendlies in October, but it remains to be seen if Silva will feature.