A few months ago, the Spanish actress and fashion icon Pino Montesdeoca released her book age, is just a song, attitude is everything – a reflection on life with a clear message. It is a message that resonates deeply with Fluminen Pair Fábio and Thiago Silva – two players who have not yet written the last chapter of their career. They still live it.
At the moment, at the FIFA Club World Cup, they write history as the two oldest players in the tournament: 44 and 40 years old respectively.
The veteran goalkeeper and the Midden-Back have formed a formidable wall in the defense of Fluminense, starring in the run of the Brazilian team to the last phases of the tournament.
Veterans key to victory over Inter
Two scoreless treks and a victory in the group stage were enough to see them through. Then came the real test: Inter Milan. On paper, Fluminen Underdogs were against the second place of the Champions League. But no one expected that experience would be their greatest weapon -especially those of Silva, who took a quasi -coaching role and even gave tactical instructions to coach Renato Gaúcho.
That moment went viral. Silva's leadership helped to accompany the flu to a stunning 2-0 win that the Italian giants eliminated. Next in the quarterfinals: Al Hilal.
Silva may have arrived at Chelsea late, but he left as a club legend with a Champions League medal in his hand. His return to Fluminense was seen by many as a symbolic farewell – a last run at home. But with Marcelo and Felipe Melo disappeared, Silva stepped up and became the undisputed leader of the team. His legacy is not nearly over yet – it is still growing.
“I prefer to dream while I'm awake”
In the meantime, Fábio built a legendary career in Brazil and spent 17 years in Cruzeiro. But when Ronaldo Nazário took over it as a club president, Fábio's contract renewal was abruptly stopped at the age of 41. Fluminense did not hesitate – they gave him the runway. Three and a half years later he won four titles, including the Copa Libertadores 2023, and built up a career that the most players would have jealous.
His secret? “I don't sleep much – I prefer to dream while I'm awake,” he says. And he proves it every competition. In this club World Cup he only admitted four goals in four games and has saved two clean sheets.
Now Silva and Fábio are preparing for another big moment this Friday against Al Hilal. Because if they have shown us something, it is that spirit – not age – makes the difference. And in that department they are overcrowded.