Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as the greatest footballer he has ever played with, but insists Gareth Bale is the “most complete” player he has shared a pitch with.
The 34-year-old Brazilian, who won five Champions League titles during a stellar nine-year stint at Real Madrid, spent four seasons at Old Trafford before moving on. He believes Wales legend Bale stands out as the finest all-round talent in his career.
“Cristiano scores at least 15 goals every season, but Bale attacks, defends, heads the ball, and scores,” Casemiro said on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast. “Cristiano is the best, no doubt, he’s in a different league. But if you take Cristiano out of the conversation, for me Bale is the top player, the more complete one. Everything he does is top-notch. He’s incredibly fast and strong. Unbelievable.”
Casemiro shared a dressing room with numerous stars during his time at Real Madrid, where he also claimed three Club World Cups, three La Liga titles, a Copa del Rey, three Spanish Super Cups, and three UEFA Super Cups. At Manchester United, he added an FA Cup and an EFL Cup to his collection, while representing Brazil at two World Cups. Like Bale, Casemiro played for Real from 2013 to 2022.