Eder Militao: I Couldn’t Even Imagine Playing In Champions League Final This Season

Real Madrid center-back, Eder Militao, suffered a severe hyperextension of his left knee during their season opener against Athletic Bilbao on August 12, leading him to believe that his 2023-24 season was prematurely ended.

After being signed by Porto for 50 million euros ($54.27 million) five years ago, Militao had reached the peak of his career and was recognized as one of the top defenders globally. He was a regular starter for both Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team.

While lying on a hospital bed, preparing for surgery to mend a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), Militao could only envision meeting the expected 10-month recovery period in time for the start of the 2024 Copa America, a tournament he eagerly awaited.

Despite being 26 years old, Militao surpassed all expectations by making a speedier recovery. He resumed full training just seven months post-surgery and made his comeback to club action in late March.

He expressed disbelief, stating that ‘not even in his wildest dreams’ imagined being in his current position, lacing up his boots and participating in Real Madrid’s training sessions just days before his second Champions League final.

“I feel like I’m watching a movie,” Militao said on Monday as Real Madrid prepare to face Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on Saturday. “The injury came along at a time when I was feeling well, on a physical and mental level. It all seems to have gone so quickly now, doesn’t it? But for me, having gone through that period, it was very difficult and painful.”

“Suddenly you are forced to stop doing everything you’re used to doing in your routine and you’re at home unable to do simple things on your own, having to depend on the help of others to get up, to take a shower… As an athlete, it was a humbling experience…”

During the toughest stages of his recovery, Militao identified solitude and isolation as his primary adversaries. It was during these dark moments that he turned to his family for support, as they assisted him in viewing things from a fresh perspective.

“If you’re out there by yourself and 100% focused on the injury, it feels like you end up going a bit crazy,” he said. “The way out was to appreciate the good things I got from that time, like spending more time with my family… And suddenly, around five months (after the surgery) when I was even joking that I was not even a footballer anymore, I caught myself talking ball again.”

“I started joking with my physio that maybe I could snatch a couple of games later on in the season… maybe three… I was just thinking about recovering with no setbacks…”

Militao’s swift recovery has presented Real manager Carlo Ancelotti with a challenging dilemma. In the absence of Militao and David Alaba due to ACL injuries earlier in the season, the Italian coach deployed holding midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni and Nacho alongside Antonio Rudiger in defense.

In the absence of Tchouameni due to a foot injury, Ancelotti faces the decision between the Brazilian Militao and Spanish veteran Nacho, aged 34. Nacho, who has had an exceptional season, earned a place in Spain’s preliminary squad for Euro 2024.

Eder Militao is unfazed by the prospect of starting in Saturday’s final; he is simply grateful to be back in a position to contribute towards his team’s quest for a record-extending 15th Champions League title.

“I wouldn’t even dream that I could be available to play in another European Cup final nine months later… It’s just crazy,” Militao said with a smile.

“I insist, not in my wildest dreams. I feel ready and 100% if I get the call to start.”