Eder Militao has returned from cruciate ligament injuries twice in two years

On March 14, 2019, Real Madrid announced the signing of Brazilian center-back Eder Militao on a six-year contract for a transfer fee of €50 million. Under Zinedine Zidane, Militao lingered on the fringes of the first team, making 15 La Liga appearances in the 2019-20 season and 14 in the 2020-21 season. Under the careful guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, Militao has gradually become an indispensable player in the team. The versatile defender successfully filled the gap left by Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos (who left for Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, respectively), and established himself as one of the best defenders in world football.

Partnering with new signing David Alaba at center back, Militao helped Real Madrid regain the La Liga title from Atletico Madrid and also lift the Champions League trophy once again. Militao was no longer a rotation player, benched when Ramos and Varane were injured, but became one of the first choices in the team’s starting lineup, continuing his impressive performances throughout the 2022-23 season.

All signs indicated that he would continue his excellent performances, following in the footsteps of Marcelo, Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, and Casemiro as Real Madrid’s next Brazilian legend. However, in the opening match of the 2023-24 season against Athletic Bilbao, Militao hyperextended his left knee and tore his anterior cruciate ligament. Alaba and starting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois later underwent treatment for cruciate ligament injuries, but this did not prevent Real Madrid from winning another La Liga and Champions League double under Ancelotti.

Militão was originally expected to be out for 10 months, but after just over seven months, he returned at the end of the season, gradually integrating into the team and starting for Brazil in the Copa América alongside Marquinhos. Despite missing a crucial penalty in the shootout loss to Uruguay, he impressed for the USA. He started the 2024-25 season well, partnering Antonio Rudiger in center back in a 2-0 victory against Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup.

Partnering with the experienced German defender, Militao showed signs of returning to his peak form, scoring the opener in the Madrid derby and showcasing his impressive physical prowess and anticipatory ability. However, on November 9th, the unexpected occurred. Just half an hour into the 4-0 victory over Osasuna, Militao was stretchered off again with a knee injury. The diagnosis? A complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right leg.

After a grueling rehabilitation process and a lengthy period of recuperation, Militao was back to square one. The 27-year-old gradually regained his form and finally made his comeback at the Club World Cup. He remained on the bench for the knockout matches against Juventus and Borussia Dortmund, finally returning to action on July 9th.

Paris Saint-Germain led 3-0 in the semi-finals and cruised to a comfortable victory. Xabi Alonso decided to bring on Raul Asensio for Militao in the 64th minute. Although he wasn’t able to help the team return, he was one of Real Madrid’s few bright spots. He made three tackles and one interception, including one last-man tackle; completed two shots (one on target); won three of three ground duels; completed 10 of 12 passes (one of which was a long ball); and won one of three aerial duels.

After the game, Militao admitted in an interview with Spanish Football: “The cruciate ligament injury was a very difficult period for me. I worked so hard to get to this moment, to get these opportunities, and to help the team in every way. I’m very happy that I was able to help them.”

Militao has proven that he can be one of the best center backs in world football, but after suffering consecutive cruciate ligament injuries in both knees, can he prove that he can stay healthy for a full season? Both Alonso and Ancelotti hope that Militao’s injury woes are a thing of the past as he prepares to be ready for the 2025-26 season.