Michael Essien celebrated his 42nd birthday this month, but it’s hard to forget the heartbreaking story of his 30th birthday during his time at Real Madrid.

In 2012, Essien reunited with his beloved "daddy," José Mourinho, when he joined Real Madrid on loan from Chelsea.

During his stint at the Santiago Bernabéu, the Ghanaian star marked a major milestone: his 30th birthday.

To celebrate, the Ghana legend hosted a party and invited the entire squad. Shockingly, only two teammates—Ricardo Carvalho and Luka Modric—showed up.

A photo from the event captured Essien smiling alongside Carvalho and Modric, masking what must have been a disappointment.

Mourinho, deeply fond of Essien, was furious about the no-shows and stepped in to console him.

In José Mourinho: Up Close and Personal, Rob Beasley recounts Mourinho’s frustration with Real Madrid’s fractured locker room dynamics.

“Mourinho said Madrid was a political club with warring factions,” Beasley stated. “He explained to Essien that the absence of teammates wasn’t personal—it was just that the players were self-absorbed and had better things to do.”

The 2012/13 season was tumultuous for Madrid, who ended the campaign trophyless, finishing second in La Liga, falling short in the Champions League semi-finals, and losing the Copa del Rey final to Atlético Madrid.