Éder Militão admits he considered quitting football after serious injuries | OneFootball

Éder Militão was called up for the first time by coach Carlo Ancelotti to defend the Brazilian National Team in this FIFA date's friendlies. After more than a year without playing for Brazil, the defender spoke about his recovery period from two serious knee injuries.

“It was two difficult years, with two very complicated injuries. The second one you face differently, because you already know the process, but it's not easy to deal with. You need to be attached to your family and God, because it takes you out of the routine you are used to. You need to stay at home, depending on someone doing things for you. Thank God I managed to recover and return to a high level. It's not easy. During my second injury, many things went through my mind. I thought about quitting football. But, with the help of my wife, my family, my daughter, and my teammates, today I can be here,” said Éder Militão in a press conference on Wednesday.

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Consecutive knee injuries

Militão's first injury occurred in August 2023, when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. The defender underwent surgery and was out of Real Madrid for about eight months. Recovered, he was even called up by Dorival Júnior to defend the Brazilian National Team in the Copa América last year.

However, last November, the 27-year-old defender again tore the anterior cruciate ligament, but this time in his right knee, in addition to a meniscus injury. After another surgery and a long recovery period, Militão returned to action during the Club World Cup in July.

Over the last two seasons, the defender has played only 31 games with the Real Madrid jersey. In 2025/26, he has already played seven matches, starting in all of them.

Reunion with Ancelotti in the National Team

Called up for the first time since June last year, Éder Militão found a familiar face to help him in this return. The defender worked with Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid between 2021 and 2025. Together they won 11 titles, including two Champions Leagues.

“The coexistence I already had with him and today with him here in the National Team, of course, ends up helping a little. I talk a lot with him. He is a person who has a lot to add not only to me, but to everyone in the National Team. He is a very incredible person and of greatness, for everything he has already achieved as a coach. It now depends on me. Doing well at my club to establish myself in the National Team“, Militão said.

Brazilian National Team Schedule

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.