9 Big Footballers Who Returned to Their Boyhood Clubs as Thiago Silva Rejoins Fluminense

They say going back isn't always wise, but for these footballers, there was no place like home.

Brazil defender, Thiago Silva, announced on Tuesday his decision to reunite with his hometown club, Fluminense, once his contract with Chelsea concludes at the end of this season.

Per ESPN, Silva will embark on a two-year stint with the Copa Libertadores champions, with Chelsea graciously permitting him to commence training with Fluminense ahead of his official transfer on July 1.

The 39-year-old joins the ranks of football stars who circled back to their roots as their careers wound down, highlighting their deep connection with childhood clubs and bidding farewell on heartfelt terms.

Sports Brief explores nine other players who've embarked on similar journeys back to their origins.

Stars who returned to play for their boyhood clubs

Sergio Ramos (Sevilla)

Sergio Ramos emerged from Sevilla's ranks, spending just one full season with the first team before catching Real Madrid's attention.

Over 16 years with Los Blancos, he became one of the world's top defenders, amassing 671 appearances and 101 goals, GOAL reported.

After a brief stint at Paris Saint-Germain, he returned to where it all began after 19 years - Sevilla - signing a contract at the age of 37.

Arjen Robben (Groningen)

Arjen Robben had a remarkable career spanning top clubs like Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, with two stints at his childhood team, Groningen. After impressing at Groningen's academy, he moved to PSV Eindhoven before joining Chelsea.

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Despite injuries, he excelled at Stamford Bridge before a brief stint at Real Madrid. However, it was at Bayern Munich where he flourished, making 309 appearances and scoring 144 goals in nine years. After retiring in 2019, he briefly returned to Groningen in 2020 for seven games before retiring again.

Carlos Tevez (Boca Juniors)

In 2015, Tevez surprised many by returning to Argentina following a successful stint with Juventus, where he reached the Champions League final and scored 20 Serie A goals.

Despite interest from Atletico Madrid, Liverpool, and PSG, he chose Boca Juniors over European clubs.

After a stint in China with Shanghai Shenhua, Tevez returned to Boca for a third spell.

Wayne Rooney (Everton)

Wayne Rooney's meteoric rise began at Everton, where his unforgettable debut at 16 grabbed global attention. Despite his stellar stint at Goodison Park, he moved to Manchester United in 2004, enjoying 13 remarkable seasons and earning legendary status.

His return to Everton in 2017 was emotionally charged and marked by notable performances. However, he eventually pursued opportunities abroad, playing in MLS with DC United and concluding his career at Derby County.

While he didn't retire at his boyhood club like many legends, Rooney's impact on the sport remains profound.

Dani Alves (Sao Paulo)

However, his stellar form at PSG the following season silenced critics, earning him the title of the most decorated footballer ever with a Ligue 1 win.

Leading Brazil to a Copa America victory this summer, he attracted interest from Barcelona and Manchester City. Despite expectations, he opted for a three-year deal with Sao Paulo, ending his illustrious 17-year European career.

Luis Suarez (Nacional)

Luis Suarez, renowned for his goal-scoring prowess at Liverpool and Barcelona, began his career at Nacional in Uruguay before moving to Groningen and then Ajax, where he truly shined.

Liverpool signed him in 2011, where he established himself as one of football's top strikers.

His success led to a lucrative transfer to Barcelona in 2014, where he spent eight fruitful years before joining Atletico Madrid.

Despite a brief return to Nacional in 2022, Suarez's journey continued with a move to Gremio in Brazil after just 16 appearances back home. He currently plays with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami in the MLS.

Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid)

Fernando Torres, after six years in Atletico Madrid's academy and another six in the first team, made a splash at Liverpool in 2007, becoming their youngest-ever captain.

His time at Anfield was prolific, with 81 goals in 142 appearances. However, his £50m move to Chelsea in 2011 didn't yield the same results, scoring just 45 goals in 172 matches.

After a stint at AC Milan, he returned to Atletico in 2015 for three and a half years before finishing his career at Sagan Tosu in Japan in 2019.

Robin van Persie (Feyenoord)

Robin van Persie rose from Feyenoord's youth ranks, joining Arsenal in 2004, where he flourished under Arsene Wenger, netting 132 goals in 238 games despite enduring significant injuries.

His move to Manchester United in 2012 led to immediate success, including a Premier League title.

After stints at Fenerbahce, he returned to Feyenoord in 2017 before retiring in 2019.

Sergio Ramos snubs Al-Ittihad

In a previous report, Sports Brief stated that Ramos snubbed Saudi Pro League club, Al-Ittihad, after the defender opted for a return to boyhood club, Sevilla.

The 37-year-old had been without a club since his contract with Paris Saint-Germain ended in July and appeared keen on a move to the Saudi giants at one point.