Five things we learn from a new Casemiro film

The profile piece documents his early years in Brazil all the way to becoming an Old Trafford hero, while highlighting the people who were focal in his rise to become one of the world's most decorated midfielders. These include his family, team-mates, youth coaches and more. 

The Premier League's film will be available to watch on MUTV in the near future. In the meantime, here are five key topics that captivated our attention...

THE INFLUENTIAL YOUTH COACH

Casemiro joined Moreira's Sport football school in his native Brazil as a six-year-old, which was founded by Nilton Moreira, a former footballer who saw great potential in our midfielder right from the start.

"When I stopped playing football, I opened a football school, Moreira's Sport", Nilton says. "His mum found out about the school because it was in a nearby neighbourhood to where they lived. I met him when he was six going on seven, his mum brought him to the football school. Right from the early days we saw that he had great potential. He was a disciplined kid, who had a huge desire to win."

Despite struggling for money and football equipment, Casemiro commends Moreira for making him feel comfortable at the school.

Casemiro says: "He welcomed me right in. I didn't have the money to go and train or afford boots and clothes. And he was the first person who really embraced me like a father figure."

Casemiro's mother, Magda de Faria Casimiro, also praises the immense impact Moreira had on her son.

"He spent a lot of time with Moreira, who was like a dad to him", explains Magda. "Moreira was really important for him, getting into Moreira's Sport with education, and other things. I think Moreira was a great influence on my son."

Years later, Moreira helped Casemiro secure a trial at Brazilan football club, Sao Paulo, where Casemiro would go on to sign his first professional football contract. 

BECOMING A MIDFIELDER

During his time in Sao Paulo's academy, Casemiro would play as a striker in his age group. However, in other age groups, he would opt for the position where he felt he had the best chance to impress.  

Our no.18 has displayed his ability in being a threat going forward at United, with 11 goals to his name so far as a Red. 

"In my age group, I played up front, but then in other age groups, I played in other positions", recalls Casemiro. "I had a knack for this. When I moved to Sao Paulo, there were 300 players there and it was a trial scenario.

"So you go there and they were like, 'who's a goalkeeper?' Three people put their hands up - nobody wants to go in goal. 'Who plays at right-back?' Ten people. 'Who's a forward?' 100 hands go up - everybody wants to score goals.

"I looked around, assessed things and said, 'I won't play up front'. 'Who plays in central midfield?' So I put my hand up, I'll play there, I'll do it." 

CASEMIRO'S QUALITIES AT UNITED

Since moving to Old Trafford in the summer of 2022, Casemiro has been one of our standout players, playing a pivotal role in the Reds' Carabao Cup success last season and securing a return to the Champions League. 

Raphael Varane and Sergio Reguilon, team-mates of Casemiro's at United and Real Madrid, describe the benefits of his presence in our squad. 

Varane said: "He brings a lot of balance on the team, I think he can cut out a lot of counter-attacks we could concede. It's just amazing and with him I have a great connection on the pitch, even without talking, we know exactly where we're going to move for each other. It's very helpful for the team to have a player like him".

Reguilon says: "I have always said he is a leader on the pitch. He brings so much energy, he is so consistent. I think it is so important in football nowadays to have experienced players like him, veterans on the pitch that can push everyone to step up the intensity. He is a role model".

INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION

Casemiro's career path is one many aspiring footballers would hope to emulate, from starting out at Sao Paulo before representing Real Madrid and United, while winning many trophies along the way. As well as captaining his national side. 

Magda explains the great qualities her son possesses to inspire youngsters from their hometown in Brazil. 

"He provides real inspiration for the kids in Sao Jose dos Campos", says Magda. "They say they want to become a great footballer like he is, it's great. He's a hard-working, straightforward person, a proper pro."

Bruno dos Anjos, a former teammate of Casemiro's at Sao Paulo, believes the midfielder has also provided inspiration for kids wanting to follow in his footsteps.

"The footballing school here where he played, a lot of people got to know it because of him", said Bruno. "And have said stuff like, 'my kids have got to play there because Casemiro did and then they can go onto Sao Paulo or elsewhere'. It's great to see that he left this message to everyone here."

CASEMIRO'S CLOSE BOND WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

The Premier League's Casemiro film ends with the 31-year-old being asked his thoughts on the documentary, and the importance of those closest to him.  

"Really emotional. I'm holding back the tears as I don't like to see people cry, but these are important people in my life", Casemiro admits.

 "I think if there's a bad point in my life or career, or if I'm having a bad time, these are the people I think of.

"These are the people who make me stronger. These are the people who make me happy. I'm not sure what to say, I didn't expect any of this."