Returning militao thought about quitting football after injury nightmare

Real Madrid defender Eder Militao was considering retiring from football ahead of his return to the Brazil squad for the first time in more than a year after recovering from two anterior cruciate ligament injuries that sidelined him for 438 days.

Militao, 27, has been named in Brazil’s squad for its friendlies against South Korea and Japan as the team continues its preparation for the 2026 World Cup.

The defender missed 94 real games during his recovery, which included two operations – first on his left knee in 2023 and, a year later, on his right knee.

«After the second injury, many things went through my mind. I thought about quitting football because it is not easy, but with the help of my wife, my daughter and my teammates, I am here today to play well,» Militao told a press conference in South Korea on Wednesday.

The road back has been anything but smooth for the centre-back, who was a key figure for Brazil at the 2022 World Cup.

«It was a difficult two years, with two very complicated injuries. You face the second one differently because you already know the process,» he said.

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«It’s not easy to deal with. You have to be very attached to your family, to God… suddenly you’re at home, depending on help, on someone else to do things for you. Thank God I recovered from my injuries and returned to the highest level, which is not easy,» he added.

Militao returned to action for real at the Club World Cup in June and has gradually reinserted himself into the plans of Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, who had already played under the Italian in Madrid for several years.

«The time I spent with him helps a little with the relationship. We talk a lot, and he is a man who adds value not only to me, but also to the entire national team,» Militao said.

“He is an incredible person, with great respect for everything he has achieved, and it is up to me to do well for my club to establish myself in the national team.”

Published on October 8, 2025