Former Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has criticised plans by Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti to carry out a major overhaul of the national team at the start of the build-up to the 2030 World Cup.
Brazil failed to impress at the 2026 World Cup and Ancelotti has insisted that his team’s exit in the round of 16 at the tournament would oversee a “new cycle”.
The former Real Madrid manager added that there’s a need “for young talent.”
However, speaking ahead of Brazil’s squad announcement on Wednesday for the upcoming friendlies against Australia and India, Silva who now plays for Fluminense told Rádio Tupi as reported in GloboEsporte: “Do you want me to lie or tell the truth? You can’t rule out players who are 31, 32 or 33.
“I almost went to the World Cup at 41. You can’t rule out players who are in good form.”
Silva, who will turn 42 on Sep. 22, captained Brazil at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
He was left out of squad for the recent top tournament despite having hopes of making the World Cup squad after strong performances for FC Porto, the club he joined on loan from Fluminense in the second half of last season.
Thiago Silva gestures during the CONMEBOL Libertadores match between Fluminense and Independiente Rivadavia at Maracana Stadium on August 11, 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Ruano Carneiro/Getty Images)
Silva, who has represented his country 113 times, believes rebuilding the national team cannot be done quickly.
“With the Brazilian national team, things have to be done gradually,” the former Chelsea star said. “You can’t just get rid of everyone and bring in new players. It has to be done step by step. It’s very difficult to be a Brazilian national team player; it’s very different from club football.
“He [Ancelotti] comes from European football, where it’s easier to make changes. It doesn’t work like that here. You need to adapt and deliver results. And, if possible, play well. I don’t like this sort of change. I don’t agree with it, but he’s the one in charge.”
Brazil’s early exit from this summer’s competition marked their worst performance at a World Cup since a group stage elimination in 1966.
Ancelotti signed a four-year contract extension earlier this year with Brazil’s Football Confederation, with the Italian having been appointed in May 2025 after leaving Real Madrid.
It’s now left to be seen who will make his squad when Brazil will travel Down Under to play two games against Australia later this month before facing India on Oct. 3 in Calcutta.
