Real Madrid Superstar Reveals Retirement Considerations Following Devastating Injury Blow
Éder Militão confessed he contemplated "quitting football" following two severe knee injuries sustained in consecutive seasons.
The Real Madrid center-back was sidelined for almost the entire 2023–24 season due to an ACL tear in his left knee, keeping him out for 214 days. Militão then endured the same injury, affecting his right knee this time, in the following campaign.
The second ACL rupture sidelined the Brazilian international for 234 days, depriving Carlo Ancelotti of his premier center-back for virtually the complete duration of his last two seasons managing the Spanish club.
Militão, who has now fully recovered and returned to peak performance for Los Blancos, disclosed that he couldn't avoid contemplating retirement during his most recent extended absence.
"During my second injury, many thoughts crossed my mind," Militão stated while with Brazil's national squad. "I considered quitting football because it's incredibly challenging, but with support from my wife, my daughter and my teammates, I'm here today performing well."
The 27-year-old received his first Brazil selection since his comeback and will feature for the Seleção in international matches against South Korea and Japan during the October international break.
Militão: Beyond 'Two Extremely Difficult' Injuries
Throughout most of the past two years, Militão could only observe Real Madrid compete while confined to the treatment room. Being unable to contribute to the team's efforts weighed heavily on the defender.
"It's been two challenging years, featuring two extremely difficult injuries. You approach the second one with a different mindset because you understand the recovery process," Militão explained.
"It's incredibly tough. You must stay connected to your family, to God. It disrupts your daily routine, the activities you're accustomed to—training sessions. Suddenly, you're confined at home, relying on others for assistance.
"Thankfully, I overcame both injuries and returned to my peak form, which is no simple feat," he concluded.
Militão has emerged as an exceptional performer for Los Blancos in their 2025–26 season, providing crucial defensive solidity to Xabi Alonso's defensive line. The Brazilian has completed the full 90 minutes in six of his seven matches this season and even scored the decisive goal in Real Madrid's 2–0 victory over Espanyol.
The center-back aims to carry his impressive club form into Brazil national team duty as he reconnects with former manager Ancelotti for the first time while donning the yellow jersey.