Militao: 'I once thought about retiring'

Militao's career was constantly interrupted by injuries.

Few people know that Militao once wanted to give up everything, after two terrible cruciate ligament injuries in two consecutive years.

“After the second knee injury, I thought a lot. I even thought about giving up football, because it was really difficult. But thanks to my wife, daughter and teammates, I am still here today, ready to compete,” Militao said, choking up.

27 years old, two torn ligaments, 438 days of struggling between pain and loneliness. For others, it might have been the end. But Militao chose to rise from the ashes.

“The last two years have been tough,” he continued. “The second injury made me understand the recovery process, but it didn’t make it any easier. When you can’t train, when you can’t walk, everything falls apart. You just cling to your family and your faith in God. Luckily, I’m back, and I’m back at the highest level.”

Militao’s story is a chronicle of pain and determination. On August 12, 2023, he collapsed at San Mames with a completely torn left cruciate ligament. Barely recovered, in November 2024, his right knee suffered the same fate – this time more severely, with both menisci torn.

Two surgeries, two grueling years, 94 missed games, but Militao did not give up. He was reborn in silence, training like a man haunted by an unfulfilled dream.

In June, Militao felt like a player again for the first time when he participated in the 2026 FIFA Club World Cup. Carlo Ancelotti – now the captain of the Brazilian national team – was still cautious, not calling him up during the September FIFA session. But this time, in the October training session, Militao returned – ready to pair up with Gabriel Magalhães in the friendly against South Korea on October 10.

From the depths of despair, Militao went on to wear the Selecão shirt once more. And perhaps it was this moment - rather than any title - that was the greatest triumph of his career.

Source: https://znews.vn/militao-toi-tung-nghi-den-viec-giai-nghe-post1591936.html