Militao on Cloud Nine for Champions League Final After ACL Recovery

When Real Madrid centre-back Eder Militao (26) left the field during their season opener against Athletic Bilbao on August 12 with a severely hyper-extended left knee, he believed his 2023-24 season was finished. Having joined Real from Porto five years ago for 50 million euros ($54.27 million), Militao had established himself as one of the world’s top defenders, regularly starting for both his club and Brazil.

As he prepared for surgery to repair a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), Militao could only hope to meet the estimated 10-month recovery timeline, aiming to be fit in time for the 2024 Copa America.

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Surpassing all expectations, Militao recovered ahead of schedule, returning to full training seven months post-surgery and rejoining club action by late March.

“Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine being here now, preparing for a Champions League final,” Militao told Reuters on Monday, as Real Madrid geared up to face Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on Saturday.

“The injury struck at a time when I felt great, both physically and mentally. Now, looking back, it seems like it passed quickly, but living through it was incredibly challenging and painful.”

“Suddenly, you’re unable to continue your normal routine, stuck at home and needing help for even basic tasks like getting up or taking a shower. For an athlete, it was a humbling experience.”

Militao described the solitude and isolation during the early recovery phase as his toughest challenges. He credited his family for helping him maintain a positive perspective.

“If you’re alone and focused entirely on the injury, you can go a bit crazy,” he said. “Focusing on the positives, like spending more time with family, helped a lot. About five months into recovery, when I was joking that I was no longer a footballer, I found myself talking about football again.”

“I started kidding with my physio that maybe I could play a few games later in the season, just thinking about recovering without setbacks.”

Militao’s swift recovery presents Real manager Carlo Ancelotti with a tough choice. The Italian coach has used holding midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni and Nacho alongside Antonio Ruediger in defense after both Militao and David Alaba sustained ACL injuries early in the season.

With Tchouameni now sidelined with a foot injury, Ancelotti must choose between Militao and the 34-year-old Spaniard Nacho, who has had an outstanding season and secured a spot in Spain’s provisional squad for Euro 2024.

Militao is not concerned about starting in Saturday’s final; he is simply grateful to be in a position to help his team chase a record-extending 15th Champions League title.

“I never dreamed I could be available for another European Cup final just nine months later. It feels surreal,” Militao said, smiling. “I feel ready and 100% prepared if I get the call to start.”