Thiago Silva’s son has received a call-up to the England Under-15
Legendary Brazil defender Thiago Silva has shared a heartfelt message of pride after his son, Iago, received his first call-up to the England Under-15 national team.
Despite his father’s iconic status with the Brazilian national team, the young Chelsea prospect has opted to represent England at the youth level.
A New Path Forged at St George’s Park
His family’s international journey has shaped Iago’s footballing development. He was introduced to the English game when his father moved from Paris Saint-Germain to Chelsea in 2020. While Thiago Silva returned to his native Brazil to play for Fluminense in 2024, Iago remained in London to continue his progress at Chelsea’s renowned Cobham academy.
Posing for a photo at St George’s Park, Iago shared his excitement on social media, writing, “Proud moment to be invited to my first @england camp. The hard work continues.”
What Silva said
His father was quick to respond with an emotional message of his own. “We are proud of you, my son! May God bless you always,” Silva commented.
While many might have expected Iago to follow in his father’s footsteps, FIFA’s residency rules have opened the door for him to represent England.
Players who move to a new country before the age of 10 become eligible to play for that nation after three years of continuous residence. Having lived in London for five years, Iago fully qualifies to wear the England shirt.
However, this does not permanently close the door on a future with Brazil. Iago can still switch his international allegiance later in his career, provided he does not play more than three competitive senior matches or feature in a major tournament for England’s first team.
