In a stunning upset at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16, Fluminense defeated Inter Milan 2-0, sending shockwaves through European football. The match, held on June 30 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, saw 40-year-old Thiago Silva lead Fluminense’s defense to a clean sheet against Inter’s potent attack, spearheaded by Lautaro Martínez. However, the post-match drama stole the spotlight when Martínez, Inter’s captain, publicly called for UEFA to drug test Silva, citing his “superhuman” performance.
Fluminense’s victory was sealed by an early header from Germán Cano and a stoppage-time strike by substitute Hercules. Silva, a former Chelsea and PSG star, was named Man of the Match for his commanding display, neutralizing Martínez and Marcus Thuram. The Argentine striker, visibly frustrated, later told DAZN, “It’s unbelievable how a 40-year-old can play like that. UEFA should look into it.” The statement sparked controversy, with fans and pundits debating whether it was sour grapes or a legitimate concern.
The result marked a historic moment for Brazilian football, with Fluminense advancing to the quarter-finals to face either Manchester City or Al-Hilal. Despite Opta’s pre-match prediction giving Fluminense just a 0.05% chance of winning the tournament, their defensive solidity and counter-attacking flair proved too much for Inter. The match, played in sweltering heat, highlighted Silva’s enduring class, but Martínez’s comments have ignited a firestorm.
Will UEFA respond to Martínez’s call? Can Fluminense continue their improbable run? Stay tuned as the 2025 Club World Cup unfolds with more drama and excitement!
