Real Madrid star Eder Militao hopes his injury hell is behind him after a nightmare two years in the Spanish capital.
The Brazil international developed into a vital player for Carlo Ancelotti in the 2021/22 season, with 34 La Liga appearances as Los Blancos clinched the title, and the UEFA Champions League.
He remained first-choice in the following campaign, alongside new arrival Antonio Rudiger, at the heart of Ancelotti's backline.
However, his 2023/24 season was thrown into chaos after suffering an ACL tear in the first game of the league campaign, and he missed eight months of action due to a gruelling rehabilitation programme.
As part of his recovery, Real Madrid showed their faith in the former Porto centre-back, with a contract extension signed in January until 2028.
Despite powering through a full preseason ahead of 2024/25, another ACL injury cruelly struck in November 2024, which sidelined the 27-year-old for another eight months.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Militao's mental resilience was praised by former boss Ancelotti, with the defender optimistically stating the success of his first recovery allowed him to stay focused in the second.
Xabi Alonso gave him a cameo role at the FIFA Club World Cup, and he's currently in his longest run of injury-free action since 2023, but there were dark days on his road to recovery.
"With my second injury, I thought about quitting football. It's not easy to go through all that," he told Marca whilst on Brazil duty.
"Thanks to my family and teammates, and my faith, I'm here today, strong and ready to give my all. The recovery wasn't just physical, it was a mental battle, a constant challenge against hopelessness and pain."
Militao is now back as starting centre-back for Alonso and Ancelotti at Brazil with the Samba Boys already qualified for next summer's World Cup.
Real Madrid news and related links
- Trent Alexander-Arnold’s girlfriend sparks buzz with birthday post
- Real Madrid star makes objective clear in upcoming El Clasico
- Rodrygo makes his stance clear amid Real Madrid future speculations