Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Fluminense in the Club World Cup semi-final wasn’t just a battle between Europe and South America – it was a passing of the torch, as one former Chelsea legend went head-to-head with a new star on the rise. Thiago Silva, now with Fluminense, found himself trying to stop a young man he once admired from afar: Joao Pedro.
The Brazilian striker, who joined Chelsea from Brighton, stole the spotlight with two superb goals to send the Blues to the final. For Thiago Silva, there was pain in the defeat, but also pride in the player who delivered it.
“This kid is special, I have a lot of affection for him,” Silva said in his post-match interview, speaking glowingly of Joao Pedro’s performance.
It wasn’t the first time Silva had noticed Joao Pedro’s talent. Their paths had crossed before in the Premier League when Pedro was at Watford – and even then, Silva could see the potential.
“I faced him a few times at Chelsea, when he was still at Watford, and he had two great games against us. I said, ‘Man, this kid is special’.”
That admiration went beyond the pitch. Silva revealed that he even recommended Pedro to his own physiotherapist in Europe, a professional who also treats Silva’s children.
That quiet nod of respect shows how highly the Chelsea legend rates the young forward.
“A while ago, I recommended him to the people who take care of my physical health. He works with my physiotherapist in Europe, who also takes care of my children.”
But even with all the praise, Silva didn’t see this kind of performance coming. Joao Pedro’s brace was a display of precision and confidence – exactly what Chelsea fans have been hoping for since his arrival.
“I didn’t expect him to be inspired today, he hit some great shots,” Silva admitted.
“One of our kids knocked us out of such an important competition, but good luck to him.”
It’s a bittersweet moment. Fluminense’s journey ended, but Chelsea’s future looked brighter than ever with Joao Pedro leading the line.
For Chelsea fans, this match will be remembered not just for the win, but for what it represents: a glimpse into what Joao Pedro can become. And if Thiago Silva’s words are anything to go by, the Blues might have just unearthed another Brazilian gem destined for greatness.