44+40 = Club World Cup brick wall

A few months ago, the Spanish actress and fashion icon Pino Montesdeoca released her book Age Is Just a Number, Attitude Is Everything - a reflection on life with a clear message. It’s a message that resonates deeply with Fluminense pair Fábio and Thiago Silva - two players who haven’t written the final chapter of their careers just yet. They’re still living it.

Right now, at the FIFA Club World Cup, they’re making history as the two oldest players in the tournament: 44 and 40 years old, respectively.

The veteran goalkeeper and center-back have formed a formidable wall in Fluminense’s defense, starring in the Brazilian team’s run to the tournament’s latter stages.

Veterans key to victory over Inter

Two goalless draws and a win in the group stage were enough to see them through. Then came the real test: Inter Milan. On paper, Fluminense were underdogs against the Champions League runners-up. But no one expected experience to become their greatest weapon - especially Silva’s, who took on a quasi-coaching role, even giving tactical instructions to coach Renato Gaúcho.

That moment went viral. Silva’s leadership helped guide Flu to a stunning 2-0 win that knocked out the Italian giants. Next up in the quarter-finals: Al Hilal.

Silva may have arrived late to Chelsea, but he left as a club legend with a Champions League medal in hand. His return to Fluminense was seen by many as a symbolic farewell - one last run at home. But with Marcelo and Felipe Melo gone, Silva stepped up and became the team’s undisputed leader. His legacy is far from over - it’s still growing.

“I prefer to dream while I’m awake”

Fábio, meanwhile, built a storied career in Brazil, spending 17 years at Cruzeiro. But when Ronaldo Nazário took over as club president, Fábio’s contract renewal was abruptly halted at age 41. Fluminense didn’t hesitate - they handed him the starting job. Three and a half years later, he’s won four titles, including the 2023 Copa Libertadores, and built a career most players would envy.

His secret? “I don’t sleep much - I prefer to dream while I’m awake,” he says. And he proves it every match. In this Club World Cup, he’s conceded just four goals in four games and kept two clean sheets.

Now, Silva and Fábio are preparing for another big moment this Friday against Al Hilal. Because if they’ve shown us anything, it’s that spirit - not age - makes the difference. And in that department, they’re overflowing.