Casemiro is steps away from joining Manchester United in a £60 million move. The Brazilian hardman is as iron-willed as they come, but rarely in his career has he needed it to the degree he does now, in committing to the sinking ship of Manchester. A midfield mainstay at Real Madrid, part of a successful side and one-third of the Spanish club’s iconic midfield troika- alongside Luka Modric and Toni Kroos– there are few players as pedigreed as the 30-year-old.
An integral part of manager Carlo Ancelloti’s scheme, it is a mild surprise that he chooses to ditch the Merengues for Manchester’s crisis team. But after nine seasons of wild success- including five Champions Leagues and three La Ligas– it’s all perhaps gotten a bit boring at the Bernabeu. Harder to stifle the yawns in sunny Spain, Casemiro will soon settle into a life of grey chaos.
Also Read: Casemiro to Manchester United: Will Brazilian solve their midfield woes?
Who is Casemiro?
Born Carlos Henrique Casimiro in Sau Paulo, he came through the famed Sau Paulo FC academy. Captain of age-group sides since he was 11, he made his professional debut in 2020, aged 18, against rivals Santos FC. His first professional goal came in a 2-2 draw against Belo Horizonte’s Cruzeiro Esporte Clube. He was also part of the club’s victorious Copa Sudamericana squad in 2012, making a solitary appearance off the bench in their 5-0 quarter-final second leg win against Club Universidad de Chile.
He was loaned out to Real Madrid in January 2013, joining their B-team in Spain’s second division. By April end, he had broken into the senior team, making his debut in the club’s 3-1 win over Real Betis, playing the full 90 minutes. Within a month and a half, Los Blancos had made his move permanent, signing him for £5.1 million. Sent on a season-long loan to Portugal’s FC Porto for the 2014/15 season, he impressed over his 41 appearances, scoring four goals. He rejoined Madrid after the season’s end but was warming the benches under then-manager Rafael Benitez.
Benitez suffered the sack at Real Madrid, to be replaced by Zinedine Zidane. The French maestro immediately struck a chord with Casemiro, making him a first-team regular. The season would end with the first of three straight Champions League titles. The midfielder made 11 appearances in Europe, including 120 minutes of the final against derby rivals Atletico Madrid. The season after- Zidane’s first full season at the club- was laden with trophies. Kicking off with the Super Cup win against Seville followed by the Club World Cup triumph against Japan’s Kashima Antlers. Madrid cantered to the league title, also pocketing their second Champions League on the bounce.
Casemiro was crucial to Madrid’s third Champions League on the trot. In the 12 games, he scored one goal but was an unshakeable midfield presence. Since then, he twice won the league- in 2019/20 and 2021/22- and another Champions League- defeating Liverpool in last season’s final– among other silverware. His final trophy in Madrid colours came in this season’s Super Cup. In 221 league appearances, he has 24 goals for the club.
Also Read: Why Casemiro is moving from Real Madrid to Manchester United
Casemiro made his international debut on 14 September 2011, in a nil-all draw against Argentina. Over the years, he has amassed 63 appearances and five goals, including appearances in the 2018 World Cup. His only international success to date is the 2019 Copa America, winning the trophy in front of a frenzied crowd at the Maracana.
Technical limitations aside, Casemiro is known for his game-intelligence and positioning.
