Casemiro explains why Bale is more 'complete' than Cristiano Ronaldo
Former Real Madrid midfielder details comparison between the two stars in an interview with Rio Ferdinand's podcast
May 12, 2026
Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, who played nine years alongside Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid, revealed his opinion about the two players in an interview with the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast. The 34-year-old athlete, currently at Manchester United, stated that Ronaldo is the best player he has ever played with, but considered Bale as the most technically complete.
The champion's view
With five Champions League titles on his resume, in addition to three Club World Cups, three Spanish Championships, and numerous other achievements, Casemiro has more than enough credentials to assess the two stars. The midfielder, who played 84 games for the Brazilian national team, experienced the most victorious era in Real Madrid's history and knows every detail of his former teammates' qualities. His opinion, therefore, carries the weight of someone who actually took to the field alongside these players in decisive matches.
What makes Bale 'complete'
When defining Gareth Bale as the most complete player he has ever known, Casemiro highlighted attributes that go beyond goal-scoring ability. 'Cristiano scores at least 15 goals per season, but Bale attacks, defends, dominates in the air, scores,' declared the Brazilian. The analysis reveals that the Welshman was able to contribute in all phases of the game, both in building and finishing, and even in defensive reorganization. The impressive speed and physical strength were also points highlighted by the midfielder, who added: 'Everything he does is very good. Very fast. Too strong. For me, Bale is incredible.'
Ronaldo's special place
Despite considering Bale more complete, Casemiro was emphatic in stating that Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player he has ever played with. 'Cristiano is the best, he's in another world. Leave Cristiano out of the conversation,' said the Brazilian, showing maximum respect for the Portuguese star. Ronaldo, who scored hundreds of goals for Real Madrid, established standards of productivity and consistency that will hardly be reached by any other player. The duality presented by Casemiro shows that it is possible to recognize distinct qualities in different athletes without necessarily creating an absolute hierarchy.
Legacy at the Santiago Bernabéu
Casemiro's period at Real Madrid, between 2013 and 2022, coincided with the club's most dominant phase in recent European football history. Playing alongside two generations of stars, the Brazilian was able to observe closely the tactical and physical evolution that both attackers brought to the team. The prolonged coexistence with Bale and Ronaldo allowed him to form a well-founded opinion not based on isolated moments, but on years of daily observation in training and games. This context makes his statements even more relevant for those seeking to understand the characteristics that really define a complete player at the highest level of football.