In a recent interview with *Placar* magazine, Brazilian international and Manchester United star Casemiro shared his thoughts on who he believes are the top three footballers of his generation, notably leaving out Brazilian legend Ronaldinho and instead highlighting other well-known names. The 32-year-old defensive midfielder, whose career includes prestigious stints at São Paulo, Real Madrid, Porto, and now Manchester United, has been a part of some of football’s most iconic teams and competitions. With an impressive record that includes five Champions League titles and three La Liga championships, Casemiro has had the opportunity to play alongside some of the game’s most accomplished figures, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Sergio Ramos, and Luka Modric. On the international level, he has represented Brazil in 75 matches, where he’s shared the field with other top players, including Neymar, Philippe Coutinho, and Thiago Silva.
Reflecting on the extraordinary talent he’s witnessed over the years, Casemiro selected Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Neymar as the standout players of his era. He remarked, “I was lucky enough to see Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar, who are the three greatest of my generation.” The midfielder, known for his defensive prowess and game intelligence, expressed admiration for each of these players and acknowledged the privilege of having witnessed their contributions to the sport firsthand.
Casemiro reserved special praise for Lionel Messi, whose skill and consistency, he noted, have cemented the Argentine star’s place in football history. Despite their rivalry on the field, given Casemiro’s background with Real Madrid against Messi’s Barcelona, he spoke with respect and admiration. “Lionel Messi has made football history,” he said. “He has always been a rival, whether with Barcelona or Argentina, but those who love football love Messi. It was a pleasure to face him. He doesn’t need a description; you can just admire him.”
Casemiro’s admiration extended to other football legends as well, mentioning Ronaldo Nazário and Zinedine Zidane among the greats. However, he maintained that the impact of Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar on modern football stands out. While he clearly values these legends for their impact on the sport, his focus remained on the players he feels have shaped his own generation.
In a lighthearted moment during the interview, Casemiro reflected on the unique advantage of having been on the same team as Cristiano Ronaldo for much of his career. “Luckily, I never had to face him!” he joked, acknowledging the benefits of playing alongside Ronaldo rather than opposing him. He credited Ronaldo with helping secure numerous victories and titles during their years together at Real Madrid.
Casemiro’s reflections offer a glimpse into the mindset of a player who has had a front-row seat to some of the most defining careers in football. His respect for Messi, Ronaldo, and Neymar speaks to the way they’ve shaped the game and influenced players around the world.
