Casemiro, the Brazilian midfielder currently plying his trade at Manchester United, spent years locking horns with and alongside some of the finest talents in world football during his tenure at Real Madrid. When asked to name the most complete player he has ever seen, the 32-year-old did not hesitate to look beyond his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
Instead, Casemiro pointed to a fellow Brazilian icon: Ronaldo Nazário, widely known as R9. “Too fast. Too strong. An unbelievable existence,” Casemiro said. “He was superior in everything – speed, strength, technique, and intelligence. I’ve never seen a player so perfectly put together.”
Casemiro, who played alongside Ronaldo during his early days at Real Madrid and also faced him on international duty, insists the legendary striker’s all-around game set him apart from even the greatest modern stars. While Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal-scoring record and physical prowess are often celebrated, Casemiro ranks R9 as a more complete package.
The statement has sparked fresh debate among fans and pundits, as Casemiro’s verdict carries weight due to his experience playing with and against multiple Ballon d’Or winners. For the Brazilian, the answer is clear: Ronaldo Nazário remains the benchmark for perfection in football.
