Éder Militão Reveals Dark Moment: “I Thought About Quitting Football”

In a deeply personal and emotional revelation, Real Madrid defender Éder Militão has opened up about the darkest period of his career, admitting that he seriously considered quitting professional football after suffering his second devastating ACL injury. Speaking at a press conference with the Brazilian national team on October 8, 2025, the 27-year-old centre-back shared the mental anguish he endured during more than a year on the sidelines, offering a rare glimpse into the psychological toll that serious injuries can take on elite athletes.

“After the Second Injury, I Thought About Giving Up”

Éder Militão’s candid admission stunned reporters and fans alike when he revealed just how close he came to walking away from the game he loves. “After the second injury, a lot of things went through my mind. I thought about giving up football, because it’s not easy,” the Brazilian international confessed. “It’s not easy to go through all that. It was two very tough years, with complicated injuries.”

The statement from Éder Militão carries particular weight given his status as one of the world’s elite defenders and a crucial component of Real Madrid’s success in recent seasons. For a player at the peak of his career, with Champions League titles and numerous trophies to his name, to contemplate retirement at age 27 underscores the devastating psychological impact of severe injuries.

The timeline reveals the cruel twist of fate that befell Éder Militão. Just as he was establishing himself as one of the best defenders in world football, his first ACL tear in August 2023 robbed him of an entire season. After grueling rehabilitation work lasting nine months, he returned to action late in the 2023-24 campaign, only to suffer another catastrophic setback in November 2024—this time to his other knee, with additional damage to both menisci.

The Support System That Saved His Career

While the physical rehabilitation from two ACL tears required immense dedication and effort, Éder Militão credits his mental and emotional recovery to the unwavering support of his loved ones. “But with the support of my wife, my daughter, and my teammates, today I’m here to play well,” he explained, his voice filled with gratitude.

The Real Madrid defender revealed that during his lowest moments—when the prospect of another nine-month recovery seemed unbearable and retirement appeared as a tempting escape from the pain—it was his family and faith that kept him grounded and motivated. His wife and young daughter became his anchors, reminding him of what truly mattered and giving him reasons to push through each difficult day of rehabilitation.

The support from his teammates at Real Madrid also played a crucial role. The Santiago Bernabéu dressing room, known for its professional atmosphere and winning mentality, rallied around Éder Militão during his darkest hours. Fellow players who had experienced serious injuries themselves could relate to his struggle, while others offered encouragement and maintained his connection to the team even when he couldn’t be on the pitch.

Real Madrid’s Defensive Crisis

Éder Militão’s injuries came at a particularly challenging time for Real Madrid, who found themselves facing an unprecedented defensive crisis. When the Brazilian suffered his second ACL tear against Osasuna on November 9, 2024, he became the third major defensive absence for the club, joining Dani Carvajal and David Alaba on the treatment table.

The timing couldn’t have been worse. Real Madrid were in the midst of a campaign where defensive stability was paramount, competing across La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey. The loss of Éder Militão, who had become an indispensable part of the backline since the departures of Sergio Ramos and Raphaël Varane, left manager Carlo Ancelotti scrambling for solutions.

The club was forced to turn to youth academy graduate Raúl Asencio, who replaced Éder Militão when he was stretchered off against Osasuna. The situation prompted speculation about emergency signings in the January transfer window, as Real Madrid found themselves dangerously thin at the back.

From São Paulo to Real Madrid: A Journey of Resilience

To understand the depth of Éder Militão’s despair, it’s important to recognize the remarkable journey that brought him to Real Madrid. Born in Sertãozinho in São Paulo state on January 18, 1998, he began his career with São Paulo FC’s youth academy in 2010. After breaking into the first team and making 57 appearances, he earned a move to Porto in Portugal.

His single season with Porto in 2018-19 was spectacular. Éder Militão quickly established himself as one of Europe’s most promising young defenders, earning the Primeira Liga’s defender of the month award for four consecutive months. His performances caught the attention of Real Madrid, who paid €50 million to secure his services on a six-year contract in March 2019.

At Real Madrid, Éder Militão’s career trajectory accelerated. Initially serving as a backup and learning from veterans like Sergio Ramos and Raphaël Varane, he gradually earned more playing time. The 2021-22 season marked his breakthrough as a regular starter, partnering with David Alaba in central defense under Carlo Ancelotti. That campaign brought him La Liga and Champions League glory, with Éder Militão playing a crucial role in both triumphs.

By 2023, he had established himself as one of the world’s elite centre-backs—strong in the air, quick on the ground, excellent in one-on-one situations, and capable of playing out from the back. In January 2024, recognizing his importance, Real Madrid rewarded him with a contract extension through 2028, including a €1 billion release clause—the maximum allowed under La Liga regulations and a testament to his value to the club.

Then came the injuries that threatened to derail everything he had worked so hard to achieve.

The Physical and Mental Battle of ACL Recovery

ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) tears are among the most feared injuries in football. The ligament, which connects the thighbone to the shinbone and helps stabilize the knee joint, is crucial for the cutting, pivoting, and rapid directional changes that define modern football. When it tears, the road back is long, painful, and uncertain.

For Éder Militão, the first injury came at the worst possible time—the opening day of the 2023-24 season against Athletic Bilbao. Having spent the summer preparing to prove himself as Real Madrid’s defensive leader, he instead found himself facing nine months of rehabilitation. The process is grueling: surgery, initial immobilization, progressive weight-bearing exercises, muscle strengthening, proprioception training, running, cutting, and finally return to full training and match fitness.

The mental challenge often exceeds the physical one. Athletes like Éder Militão spend months working in isolation while their teammates compete for trophies. They watch from the stands or on television as matches are won or lost without them. The fear of re-injury haunts every training session and every tentative movement as fitness returns.

When Éder Militão finally returned to action late in the 2023-24 season, he had conquered those fears and completed the long rehabilitation. The joy of being back on the pitch, however, was short-lived. On November 9, 2024, in a cruel twist of fate, his right knee buckled in a match against Osasuna—a complete ACL tear with damage to both menisci. The nightmare was starting all over again.

“When it happened the second time, I was devastated,” Éder Militão later recalled. The prospect of another surgery, another nine months away, another long battle back to fitness—it was almost too much to bear. This is when the thoughts of quitting surfaced.

Carlo Ancelotti: The Manager Who Understands

In his recent press conference, Éder Militão made a point of praising Carlo Ancelotti, who managed him at Real Madrid and now coaches the Brazilian national team. The Italian manager’s understanding and support during the injury crisis proved invaluable.

Ancelotti, with decades of experience managing elite players, understands the psychological fragility that can accompany serious injuries. He maintained regular contact with Éder Militão throughout the rehabilitation periods, ensuring the defender never felt forgotten or abandoned by the team. The manager’s decision to avoid rushing Militão back and to prioritize long-term health over short-term availability demonstrated wisdom that the player clearly appreciates.

Now, with Ancelotti at the helm of Brazil’s national team and Éder Militão back to full fitness, their relationship continues on the international stage. The defender’s inclusion in recent Brazil squads—including call-ups for friendlies against South Korea and Japan in October 2025—signals both his return to form and Ancelotti’s confidence in him.

The Triumphant Return

Éder Militão’s return to competitive action came on July 9, 2025, in the Club World Cup semi-finals against PSG—eight months after his second ACL tear. Entering the match in the 64th minute, he completed his long journey back to the pitch, a moment that represented not just physical recovery but mental and emotional triumph.

Since that return, Éder Militão has gradually regained his place in Real Madrid’s starting XI. Recent performances, including a thunderous strike against Espanyol in a 2-0 La Liga victory, suggest he has not only recovered but has rediscovered the form that made him one of Europe’s elite defenders.

The 2025-26 season has seen him navigate minor setbacks—including an ankle contusion sustained in the Madrid derby—with greater perspective. These smaller injuries, which might have worried him deeply before, are now manageable obstacles rather than existential crises. He understands his body better, trusts his knee stability, and has developed the mental resilience to handle the ups and downs of professional football.

A Message of Hope for Others

By sharing his story so openly, Éder Militão has provided inspiration and hope to countless athletes—professional and amateur—facing similar struggles. His willingness to admit vulnerability, to acknowledge that he considered quitting, makes him more relatable and his ultimate success more meaningful.

“If I can help someone by sharing my story, then it’s worth talking about it,” Éder Militão said. His message is clear: even in the darkest moments, with the right support system and mental fortitude, recovery is possible. The thoughts of quitting, while real and understandable, don’t have to become reality.

For Real Madrid, having Éder Militão back at full strength is crucial. The club invested heavily in him, both financially and in terms of faith during his recovery periods. His return to form validates that investment and provides the defensive stability that has been missing during his absences.

For the Brazilian national team, Éder Militão’s experience and resilience make him a valuable leader, especially for younger players who may face their own injury challenges. His story serves as a reminder that setbacks, no matter how severe, can be overcome with determination, support, and faith.

As Éder Militão continues his career, the two ACL tears that nearly ended it will remain part of his story—not as the conclusion, but as chapters of struggle that made his success even more meaningful. His openness about his mental health struggles during recovery adds an important dimension to conversations about athlete welfare, reminding us that physical healing is only part of the battle.

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