Never give up: The Casemiro story

Brazilian footballers have always had that certain something. A way of doing things effortlessly. The skill to make the fans jump off their seats in anticipation and delight. Such ability is usually associated with Brazil’s attacking players who thrilled the world: Ronaldinho, Pele, Ronaldo, Zico, Rivaldo, Neymar, Romario, Kaka… but there are players who ooze class even though their job on the football pitch isn’t too glamourous. Real Madrid’s Casemiro is one of those.

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He’s a player who allows Los Blancos to attack by staying behind to protect the backline and the way he does it makes it look simple even though it’s a position where mistakes are easily exposed and usually very costly. He covers a huge area of the pitch, cuts off passes, makes tackles and wins ball for his team. When he’s in possession, he always seems to find the best option to help the play flow. Even when he’s surrounded by opposition’s players, Casemiro manages to remain calm and get rid of the ball with two simple touches or find a forward with a forward ball. In short, he’s the kind of player every coach could only wish for.

But there was a time when a young Carlos Henrique Casimiro didn’t even know if he’ll be playing football for a living. Life was hard for his single mother after his father had walked out on them. To him, the sport was simply a way to get away from reality.

"When I was six years old, I played football only at my school. I dreamt of becoming a football player while I was watching the matches on TV but I didn't believe it was possible. Maybe getting to the first team of Sao Paulo or some foreign league... but nothing more. Talented kids are determined to go to big clubs and earn big money as soon as they realize they’re any good. It wasn’t like that for me."

Casemiro had a difficult childhood. He grew up in poverty and had to make great sacrifices to play the game he loved.

"When I was 7 or 8, I used to ask my teammates if I could sleep in their houses to be able to get a better night's sleep before a game. I didn't live in the favela, but it was a difficult neighbourhood".

His talent was such that he played with 17-year-olds when he was just 9 or 10 years old. His natural ability and the will to run after the ball tirelessly was spotted and he was admitted to Sao Paulo’s academy and it’s where his life started to change.

"I had a room, food, air conditioning and a TV. That’s more than I’ve had before."

Not even a serious illness could stop him. The Brazilian was diagnosed with hepatitis at the age of 14. He could not live normally for three months and struggled to even walk, let alone train. Still, with the help of his family and friends, the player managed to overcome the terrible condition. He recovered and returned to playing and captaining Sao Paulo’s youth sided. Carlos continued to progress until he made his debut for Sao Paulo in 2010, aged 18. His good form led him to the Brazil Under-20 side with whom he won the South American Championship along with Neymar and Lucas Moura.

Casemiro's maturity led him to become an established first-teamer over the next three seasons with big clubs starting to notice him.

He arrived to Real Madrid as a 21-year-old. But despite his first-team exploits in Brazil, he didn’t arrive as a star. An initial loan deal was struck and young Case started with Real’s reserve side Castilla. Nothing was certain but hard work and talent ensured a permanent transfer for the youngster in early 2013.

Jose Mourinho had full confidence in young Casemiro and gave him his first-team debut just three months later. It was the first step of the Brazilian’s journey in a white shirt of Real Madrid – one that doesn’t look like stopping anytime soon.

Casemiro playing for Brazil in the 2018 World Cup (©AFP)

The Brazil international has already won two La Liga titles as well as four Champions League trophies and is en route to bringing more glory to the Spanish giants. He and his team-mates have gotten over a difficult period earlier in the season but they’re again looking dangerous and determined to go all the way in Europe’s biggest competition. Their quarterfinal clash with Liverpool promises to be an exciting one with Casemiro getting ready to face the likes of Thiago, Fabinho and Wijnaldum in the all-important midfield battle.

Not bad for a kid who only wanted to kick a ball around the playground to get away from a difficult childhood.