Casemiro

Casemiro is one of the most decorated defensive midfielders of his generation — a five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid and a Copa América champion with Brazil — who spent much of the early 2020s at Manchester United.

Casemiro rose through São Paulo's academy before joining Real Madrid in 2013. After a loan to Porto, he became the cornerstone of Real Madrid's midfield under Zinedine Zidane, playing a key role in five Champions League triumphs and three La Liga titles, widely admired for his intelligence, pressing, and ability to protect the defence.

He moved to Manchester United in August 2022 for €70.65 million, making an initial strong impression before performances became inconsistent in subsequent seasons. His contract with United was due to expire in June 2026, leaving his club future uncertain. He has been a key Brazil international for over a decade, winning the 2019 Copa América.