Casemiro aiming to lead by example after regaining Brazil captaincy

Casemiro is embracing his new leadership role under Carlo Ancelotti with the Brazil national side as he prepares to captain his country for the 17th time on Friday. 

Brazil face South Korea in an international friendly at Seoul World Cup Stadium before taking on Japan four days later as they begin their preparations for next year's World Cup. 

Casemiro has been called up to Selecao for the first time since Ancelotti replaced Dorival Junior in May, and is the oldest player in the Italian's latest squad. 

The pair know each other well, with Casemiro making 75 appearances across all competitions under Ancelotti for three seasons during their time together at Real Madrid. 

With Alisson Becker and Marquinhos injured, Casemiro will captain Brazil for the first time since October 2023 against Uruguay, and he is relishing the chance to do so again. 

"I am one of those players who thinks that there are several leaders, several ways of leading. Each one leads in their own way," Casemiro told reporters on Thursday. 

"I would like to give more examples of how to do things – how to arrive, how to be, where to be, how to work."

Casemiro left the Spanish capital in August 2022 to join Manchester United. His form has been questioned at Old Trafford, but he has started the 2025-26 season strongly. 

Indeed, in the Premier League this season, only four players in the Red Devils' ranks have completed more passes than Casemiro (175) in the Premier League this term. 

But after being reinstated as Brazil's captain, Casemiro acknowledged his prior relationship with Ancelotti helped establish the trust that he could lead the team.

"Without a doubt, my relationship with the coach, whom I have known for over ten years, creates a greater affinity," Casemiro added.

"But I like to show it – being the first, being at the gym, setting an example for the younger players."