Carlos Henrique Casemiro’s farewell to Real Madrid unfolded in an emotional gathering at Valdebebas, a moment that encapsulated a decade of dedication. The Brazilian midfielder, who spent nine seasons with the club, prepared to move to Manchester United at the age of 30, embarking on a four-season stint that would redefine a chapter of his career. The club’s decision to acknowledge his era came with a substantial financial note, underscoring the value placed on his contributions as a player and teammate.
The event began with a heartfelt speech from the club’s president, who spoke with clear affection for Casemiro. Tears welled as a commemorative video highlighted the best moments of his Real Madrid journey. The speaker recalled a boy who first joined Castilla in 2013 when Casemiro was only 20, noting how the player helped keep Castilla competitive in the Second Division and then propelled the first team to the historic Décima. He emphasized that Casemiro is among Real Madrid’s greatest legends, a sentiment that carried both nostalgia and pride. The president admitted it was difficult to envision the day, describing it as a moment of genuine feeling shared by everyone who witnessed those unforgettable triumphs and emotional milestones.
Across the club’s social channels, tributes poured in. The moment captured the social media surge around a legend whose influence extended beyond matches to the locker room and the club’s broader culture.
– Real Madrid CF
A figure of leadership for teammates
“We are proud of the history they wore on Real Madrid’s jersey. Casemiro always supported his teammates, treating younger players with care and setting an example of perseverance and respect. He gave everything to the end, embodying the club’s ethic of work and loyalty. Ending a cycle in which he played a leading role was never easy, yet his farewell demonstrated the courage to pursue a new chapter. As president, I am proud that he moves to a club as storied as Manchester United, where he will continue to serve as an ambassador for Real Madrid. He will forever be one of us and a member of this family. Thank you, dear Casemiro.”
The moment also brought Casemiro to the microphone, a rare public moment that carried heavy emotion. He spoke from the heart about the shift from a new arrival to a central figure in the club’s identity. He recalled arriving with his wife, stepping into a country and a club they did not yet know, and building a life and a family in a place that came to feel like home. He started in Castilla, a reminder of how closely intertwined his career paths are with the club’s youth system. The experience, he said, helped him grow as both a person and a player. He credited his family, the coaches, and his teammates for shaping his journey, noting that the most meaningful triumph was the daily education that came from training at Real Madrid. He thanked his mother, siblings, and everyone who supported him along the way, acknowledging that those relationships were essential to every victory. He reflected on friendships with teammates and recalled the joy of magical nights with the fans, including final triumphs like the Champions League. He affirmed his belief that Real Madrid’s identity would continue to drive future successes and expressed a desire to return someday to contribute again. “Go to Madrid,” he said, sealing the moment with a promise of ongoing connection to the club he called home.
When the ceremony concluded, Florentino Pérez presented Casemiro with a badge of honor alongside the trophies he helped win, a total of 18 pieces of silverware, including five Champions League titles. The gathering included current players and celebrated alumni such as Carlo Ancelotti, Raúl González, Emilio Butragueño, and Álvaro Arbeloa, underscoring the breadth of Casemiro’s impact across generations. With this farewell, Casemiro’s chapter at Real Madrid closes as he embarks on a fresh path with Manchester United, carrying with him the badge, the memories, and the legacy of a player who defined an era at one of the world’s most storied clubs.