Thiago Silva, Sergio Ramos, and Fabio produced stunning performances to help their teams snatch important points at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Thiago Silva and Fabio combined to help Fluminense to a well-earned point against Borussia Dortmund. Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos, meanwhile, showcased his attacking prowess as underdogs Monterrey held Serie A giants Inter Milan to a draw.
Club World Cup’s Oldest Players Thiago Silva and Fabio Shine in Fluminense vs Borussia Dortmund
Brazilian side Fluminense squared up against German powerhouse Borussia Dortmund at the MetLife Stadium on Matchday 1 of the Club World Cup. The game had a lively atmosphere, unlike the meeting between Chelsea and LAFC, which left Enzo Maresca disappointed.
Considering their big-match experience and firepower at their disposal, Dortmund were the unabashed favourites going into the match. However, thanks to the heroics of Fluminense veterans Fabio and Thiago Silva, Dortmund had to settle for a goalless draw.
Goalkeeper Fabio, aged 44 years and 261 days, is the oldest player at the FIFA Club World Cup. Despite nearing 45, Fabio was at the top of his game, making three saves against Dortmund. Two of those required him to dive across the goal. The Brazilian, who spent his entire career in the country, also made eight recoveries and delivered five accurate long balls.
Experience paid off for @FluminenseFC against @BVB 🙌
The oldest player, Fábio, and oldest outfield player, Thiago Silva, in the @FIFACWC combined to help secure a clean sheet and opening point for the Rio based side 👏#FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/jLYLNEWE0A
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) June 17, 2025
While Fabio is the outright oldest player at the FIFA Club World Cup, former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain star Silva is the senior-most outfield player. Aged 40 years and 269 days, Silva should have long hung up his illustrious boots. But he chooses to compete, that, too, at the grandest stage.
Against the mighty Dortmund, captain Silva led by example, barely putting a foot wrong throughout the game. Playing the whole 90 minutes, Silva completed 40 passes with 82% accuracy, made three interceptions, cleared the ball six times, and won eight aerial duels. He was integral in keeping Dortmund frontman Serhou Guirassy (29) quiet.
Sergio Ramos, 39, Scores a Crucial Goal for Monterrey Against Inter
While Thiago Silva and Fabio showcased steely defending, Sergio Ramos exhibited his wits and eye for goal. Ramos, who could not find a club in Europe after leaving Sevilla in July 2024, lined up for Monterrey against Inter Milan. It was a gigantic mismatch on paper, and a game which the Champions League finalists were expected to dominate. However, the Ramos-led Monterrey gave fans a different show at the Rose Bowl.
Ramos, who scored some iconic goals for Real Madrid during his 16-year run, fired Monterrey into the lead in the 25th minute. He attacked Oliver Torres’ corner with characteristic familiarity and steered his header into the back of the net. The No. 93 — an ode to his Champions League leveller in 2014 — wheeled away in celebration as Inter looked on in disbelief. The header saw him become the oldest player to score in Club World Cup history, including its previous iterations.
The Liga MX side could not hold on to their lead, with Lautaro Martinez, who featured in one of the highest-scoring knockout ties in the Champions League, equalising before half-time. However, they did ever so well to stop the Nerazzurri from winning.
Ramos, who sat at the heart of the three-man back line, led the way. He made 2 blocks, intercepted the ball 4 times, and recorded 11 clearances. The Spaniard also won four of his five aerial duels.
Watch Ramos’ stunning Club World Cup goal here:
Ramos’ Monterrey will face River Plate on Saturday, 21 June. Silva and Fabio’s Fluminense will return to action against Ulsan HD on Sunday, June 22.
