Brazil midfielder Casemiro will captain the national team for the 17th time when they face South Korea in a friendly match on Friday in Seoul. The veteran’s return to the armband comes under the direction of head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who is preparing the squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Casemiro last captained Brazil in October 2023 against Uruguay. His reinstatement marks a new phase in Ancelotti’s tenure. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the 33-year-old Manchester United midfielder said he believes leadership comes in many forms.
”I am one of those players who think there are several leaders, several ways of leading. Each one leads in their own way,” Casemiro said. ”I like to give more examples of how to do things — how to arrive, how to be, where to be, how to work.”
Casemiro’s close professional relationship with Ancelotti, built during their years together at Real Madrid, played a major role in his reinstatement. The chemistry they share is believed to create expected results.
”Without a doubt, my relationship with the coach, whom I have known for over ten years, creates a greater affinity,” he added. ”But I like to show it — being the first, being at the gym, setting an example for the younger players.”
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Casemiro has earned more than 70 international caps since making his senior debut for Brazil in 2011. Over the past decade, he has been an important part of the national team’s midfield, featuring in multiple Copa América and FIFA World Cup campaigns. Known for his physical dominance in the field, the Manchester United midfielder has played a crucial role in maintaining balance and leadership on the pitch, often serving as the link between Brazil’s defense and attack.
After the friendly in Seoul, Brazil will travel to Tokyo for another match against Japan on Tuesday at Ajinomoto Stadium. These back-to-back fixtures are expected to help Ancelotti evaluate combinations, leadership chemistry, and tactical flexibility ahead of World Cup qualifying.
Casemiro’s leadership will likely be central to guiding Brazil’s younger players through this phase by matching Ancelotti’s coaching philosophy and building a stronger team as the qualifiers approaches.
