Manchester United's Casemiro is preparing for an emotional farewell at Old Trafford this Sunday, and he's made headlines with a surprising take on two of his most famous former teammates.
The Brazilian midfielder, who has been a standout performer for the Red Devils this season, announced earlier in 2026 that this would be his final campaign at the club. With nine goals across all competitions, Casemiro has been a driving force behind United's climb to third place in the Premier League table. His farewell match against Nottingham Forest promises to be a poignant moment, with fans expected to give him a rousing send-off.
In a recent interview on Rio Ferdinand's podcast, "Rio Ferdinand Presents," Casemiro was asked to compare two legends he played alongside during Real Madrid's golden era: Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. The response was unexpected.
"Cristiano scores, Cristiano has 15 goals. Minimum 15 goals," Casemiro began, acknowledging Ronaldo's unmatched goal-scoring prowess. "But Bale attacks, defends, heads, scores, fouls." He quickly added, "Cristiano is the best. Cristiano is the best. Cristiano is another one. Take Cristiano off the conversation."
However, when pressed further, Casemiro revealed his personal preference. "For me, Bale is the best, more complete player. Because he attacks, he defends, he scores with the head, wins fouls. Everything he does is very good, very quick. Too strong. And for me, Bale is an unbelievable player. Unbelievable player."
It's a bold opinion from a player who knows both men intimately—Casemiro won four Champions League titles alongside Ronaldo and Bale at Real Madrid. While Ronaldo's legacy as a goal machine is untouchable, Casemiro's admiration for Bale's all-around game offers a fresh perspective on what makes a truly complete footballer.
For United fans, Sunday's match will be a chance to celebrate Casemiro's contributions before he moves on. Whether you agree with his take on Ronaldo vs. Bale or not, one thing is clear: the Brazilian's passion for the game—and his teammates—runs deep.