Casemiro Confirms Neymar as Brazil's Cornerstone Ahead of the World Cup

Neymar Remains Brazil's Focal Point, Casemiro Says

The Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has reiterated that Neymar da Silva remains a cornerstone for Brazil, stressing that his extraordinary talents cannot be underestimated and that leadership within the squad should not shift to Vinícius Júnior or Rodrygo just yet.

In an exclusive interview with GE, Casemiro outlined his view of Brazil's future, Neymar's role in the upcoming World Cup, and his assessment of the new generation of Brazilian players.

Neymar remains the team's focal point

According to AS, Neymar's situation continues to draw attention, whether for his form with Santos or his activities off the pitch.

His return to Vila Belmiro wasn't as fruitful as expected, especially with the club's battles to avoid relegation and internal dissent in the locker room.

Nevertheless, Brazilians remain confident in Neymar's ability to deliver, with Casemiro saying his presence is essential for the next World Cup.

The Manchester United star recalled sharing the field with legends such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Modrić, Kroos, Marcelo, Bale, and Benzema — more than ten Ballon d'Or winners altogether.

He added that Neymar should be included among that elite; everyone lives life on and off the pitch, and while Casemiro is more reserved, when Neymar is fully fit physically and mentally, he is indisputably among the best. He is a big fan of Neymar as a player.

Casemiro also affirmed his loyalty to his former teammate: if he had to sacrifice on the pitch to give Neymar the final pass so he could score, he would do so with pride. Neymar is irresistible to any player, but his best form is always required; the decision rests on Neymar to know what to do and what not to do, but we need him, with his skills and experience.

I have known Neymar since he was eleven, and he was always an exceptional talent capable of deciding matches at any moment. I am proud to have played beside him; what he has achieved is not a coincidence but the result of hard work and dedication.

Looking at Neymar and Ancelotti, Casemiro said: the bond with the Italian coach has always been excellent. When Ancelotti returned to Real Madrid for the second time, he helped in Neymar’s development; there were doubts about Vinícius, but Ancelotti nurtured him. He is friendly with Brazilian players and loves humor, but can be stern when the situation demands.

Thinking about the next generation, Casemiro added that every player paves his own path. If asked who should receive the leadership, he would name Marquinhos, with Alisson, Ederson, and Bruno Guimarães also in the mix; Neymar and Rodrygo focus mainly on playing rather than leadership.

Thinking ahead to the World Cup, Casemiro said football is his life, but his family needs time as well. He concentrates on short-term goals and insists you cannot think about the World Cup without performing for your club, taking it day by day: training well tomorrow, a strong weekend match, and so on.

When asked about 2026, he predicted it will be the toughest edition yet because the game is more balanced. Small details decide the outcomes, and out-of-nowhere teams can upset the giants, as Croatia and Morocco did in the last tournament.

Casemiro's view of the current Brazil team is that they will be strong; perhaps behind in terms of time with the coach, but in a good phase with top players. Ancelotti can unite the group, which he believes is a key factor in their success.

From Sao Paulo to the pinnacle of world football, Casemiro was born on February 23, 1992, in Sao João da Boa Vista and is regarded as one of the era’s leading defensive midfielders.

In 2013, he joined Real Madrid on loan from Sao Paulo, quickly establishing himself as a regular thanks to his defensive solidity and ball-winning ability, and his capacity to build play from the back.

He played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s European dominance, contributing to five Champions League titles and four FIFA Club World Cups, along with La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup trophies. Casemiro has become a symbol of tactical discipline and tenacity in midfield.

Internationally, he has worn Brazil’s jersey from youth levels to the senior team, winning the 2019 Copa América and taking part in the 2018 and 2022 World Cup finals, delivering leadership and fighting spirit.

In the summer of 2022, Casemiro moved to Manchester United, where he continued his strong form and established himself as a core pillar. He is known for tactical intelligence, precise passing, robust tackling, and his capacity to contribute offensively when needed.

Punchlines: two light-hearted lines to end the piece: Neymar is so central that even the ball asks him for directions. Casemiro is the safety net who ensures the ball always reaches Neymar’s feet in decisive moments.