”I always wanted to drink these as a kid, but we never had the money,” Casemiro remarked, tears welling up in his eyes. “We didn’t have enough money to buy some, so my mum would always call me back even though it only cost about 20 cents.”
Four years ago, Casemiro shared a story from his early years when all he could do was stare at the yoghurts on display in his neighbourhood grocery shop in São Paulo with hopeful eyes. Although the majority of South American football players originate from low-income families, Casemiro’s story is not one that should “be told by an idiot.” O Tanque had a purpose from birth.
Similar to numerous other football players hailing from underprivileged regions of South America, Casemiro also had a difficult upbringing. Surprisingly, a socially challenged Casemiro refused to submit to the evils that prevailed in the Sao Jose Dos Campos neighbourhood, one of the most impoverished areas in Brazil, which is notorious for its working-class exploitation, child labour, and impoverished families.
When the 20-year-old midfielder joined Real Madrid in 2013 with an unwavering desire, Spanish news agency MARCA was quick to commend him for his leadership, resilience, and unwavering spirit. Given his unstable upbringing and the “underrated” turmoil of a young child known for his capacity to persevere through difficult moments in both life and on the pitch, he was referred to as a “phoenix rising from the ashes.”
The young “hero” had to witness his father violently leave the three children and their mother when he was five years old, and never come back. The five-year-old’s mother, Venancio Magda de Maria Casemiro, became his “Idolo” since he was raised in the most difficult circumstances. Maria Casemiro battled society, poverty, and social problems head-on in Sau Paolo’s streets. She never gave up trying to raise her kids in a way that had a spiritual influence and gave them courage by saying, “Man can be destroyed but never defeated.”
“My mum was by my side all the time. She has always encouraged me, and I am able to support my family because of God. I’m glad she was there for me when I needed her most.
“I purchased my mother a house with the first money I ever made.” It’s vivid in my memory. A tearful Casemiro, who at a young age realised what was about to happen and held onto the belief that “The sun rises only after the darkest hour,” stated, “She thought I only played football to enjoy myself but I had it very clear that I wanted to help her.”
Casemiro soon moved out of the Sau Paolo slums and joined the club’s youth division in the metropolis. A joyous existence ensued. “When I first set foot in Spain, I had a room, food, air conditioning, and a TV,” the young Brazilian remembered. But at fourteen, Hepatitis struck, although briefly. Our protagonist bounced back, though, and eventually made his Sau Paolo debut in 2010. Praise ensued: Casemiro’s extraordinary performance secured him a spot on the Brazil U-20 team, where he shared the South American Championship victory with players such as Lucas and Neymar.
Casemiro had the opportunity to make his debut on April 20, 2013, following his loan arrival at Real Madrid B in late January 2013. After about two months, on June 2nd, he scored his first goal with Castilla. He left a lasting impression on the Madrid coaching staff, and eight days later, Real Madrid converted his loan from Sau Paolo into a permanent signing.
Casemiro’s life entered its prime as a result. He was a reserve under manager Benitez, but under master Zinedine Zidane, he became a regular starter and, along with Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, formed arguably the best midfield trio—sometimes dubbed “The Holy Trinity” or “The Bermuda Triangle” by Ancelotti—winning trophies that only a select few could have imagined.
