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Casemiro. Photo by Ruben Ortega.

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Casemiro

Brazil is known for producing and introducing some of the greatest football talents, and we have seen dozens of world-class icons and legends rise to glory from the country. From the legendary Pele to the former Barcelona player Ronaldinho, who is adored by millions of football fans and whose playing days we remember each year.

Of course, the two mentioned icons are not the only Brazilians who have won the hearts of many around the world; Casemiro is another such beloved Brazilian who has earned the trust and respect of Madridistas.

Casemiro began his career at So Paulo, where he scored 11 goals in 111 official games before joining Real Madrid in 2013. Casemiro has been a full international for Brazil since 2011, and he played in the 2018 FIFA World Cup as well as four Copa América tournaments, winning the 2019 edition.

1. He has been nicknamed “The tank”

His real name is Carlos Henrique Casimiro. Casemiro was born in So José dos Campos, So Paulo, and grew up in the city’s youth system. He was captain of its sides from the age of 11 onward.  He has been dubbed a “destroyer” by the media for his energetic and combative style of play, as well as his tactical awareness and abilities as a ball winner, which allow him to cover ground, track back, and press opponents.

His tenacity on the pitch, as demonstrated by his fierce challenges and stamina, earned him the nickname “The Tank” from Marca. Aside from his football skills, he is notable for his competitive spirit, mentality, consistency, and determination on the field.

Despite having a good disciplinary record, he has been chastised in the media at times for his overly aggressive challenges on the pitch. Casemiro’s play has been compared to that of former Real Madrid defensive midfielder Claude Makélélé and compatriot Toninho Cerezo.

2. Casemiro was diagnosed with hepatitis at 14 years of age

Hepatitis written on a wooden block. Photo by ALENA DZIHILEVICH.

Casemiro’s childhood was filled with hardships. The Brazilian teenager was diagnosed with hepatitis when he was only 14 years old. This forced him to stay at home because he couldn’t even walk, let alone train on the field with the squad.

Fortunately, the illness did not take away one of the greatest defensive midfielders of all time. He overcame his illness and continued to progress until he made his debut for Sao Paulo in 2010. His good form led him to the Brazil under 20 team, where he won the South American Championship alongside Neymar and Lucas Moura.

3. Casemiro won the Copa Sudamericana in 2012

After replacing the injured Fabrcio early in the game, Casemiro scored the first goal of a 2-0 win over Mogi Mirim Esporte Clube at the Arena Barueri on 7 April 2012, but was later sent off. So Paulo also won the Copa Sudamericana, with the player appearing as a substitute in a 5-0 home win over Club Universidad de Chile in the quarter-final second leg on November 7.

4. Casemiro was loaned to Real Madrid in Spain

Casemiro was loaned to Real Madrid in Spain in late January 2013, and was assigned to the B-team in Segunda División. On February 16, he made his debut in the competition, starting in a 1-3 defeat at CE Sabadell FC.  Casemiro made his La Liga debut on April 20, 2013, appearing in a 3-1 home win over Real Betis.

He scored his first goal in Europe on June 2nd, opening the reserves’ 4-0 win over AD Alcorcón at the Alfredo di Stéfano Stadium eight days later, the move was made permanent for four years and a fee of R$18.738 million.

5. He was loaned to Porto in 2014 

Casemiro. Photo by Granada.

On July 19, 2014, Casemiro was loaned to Porto for the season. He appeared in 41 games for the Portuguese side, scoring four goals, including a free kick on 10 March 2015 in a 4-0 home win over Basel in the UEFA Champions League last 16. 

6. Casemiro joined Manchester United in August 2022

Manchester United Stadium. Photo by Larry RW.

Real Madrid and Manchester United announced an agreement for the transfer of Casemiro on August 19, 2022. Three days later, he signed a four-year contract with the English club, with a one-year extension option. According to reports, the deal was worth £60 million, plus £10 million in add-ons. He was introduced to the fans at Old Trafford on the same day, prior to Manchester United’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool.

7. At Manchester United, Casemiro wears the number 18 jersey

Casemiro jersey. Photo by Ardfern.

It was confirmed on August 26, 2022, that he would wear the number 18 shirt last worn by Bruno Fernandes. On August 27, 2022, he made his debut for the club as a substitute in a Premier League win away at Southampton. Casemiro made his European debut for United on September 8, 2022, in a 0-1 Europa League loss to Real Sociedad.

8. Casemiro is a defensive midfielder

Casemiro is primarily a defensive midfielder, but he has also been used in a box-to-box role in the center of the pitch, and on occasion as a center-back. While he is not particularly talented or skilled technically (although he did improve in this area under manager Zinedine Zidane during their time together at Real Madrid).

Casemiro is an intelligent, physically strong, mobile, aggressive, and hard-tackling midfielder with an extremely high work-rate. He is widely regarded as one of the world’s best defensive midfielders.

9. His wife is three years older than him

He is married to Anna Mariana Ortega Brahm, a native Brazilian who married her compatriot in 2014. They’ve actually known each other for a long time, and they only got married after years of getting to know each other.

One interesting fact about Casemiro’s wife is that she is three years older than her husband.

10. Casemiro is the Norwegian premium natural water brand, ambassador

Bottled drinking water. Photo by Noppadon Manadee.

The Brazilian international footballer has been named the Norwegian premium natural water brand’s new ambassador.

Casemiro and Nordic Life collaborate to create a one-of-a-kind experience that goes beyond healthy hydration. Nordic Life embodies clarity, purity, and exclusivity, identifying with Casemiro’s spirit of overcoming and winning.