João Cancelo
Portuguese footballer and Barcelona full-back, known for attacking runs, creative passing and playing on either side of defence.
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Latest
João’s happenings, collected from public sources, plus his backstory and Starbook, where fans write.
Known for
Overview
- Born
- 27 May 1994, Barreiro, Portugal
- Known for
- Attacking full-back who can play on the right or left
- First senior club
- Benfica
- Breakout recognition
- PFA Premier League Team of the Year in 2020/21 and 2021/22
- Current club
- FC Barcelona, permanent contract until June 2029
Mini bio
How it started.
João grew up in Barreiro and played locally before joining Benfica’s youth system. He progressed to the first team in 2013/14, then moved to Valencia, initially on loan. Spells with Inter and Juventus followed before he joined Manchester City in 2019.
Finding his role.
At City, he became known for bringing a midfielder’s creativity to full-back. His 2021 brought a first Premier League title and a first PFA Team of the Year selection. He earned that PFA recognition again in 2021/22, contributing one league goal and seven assists.
What keeps him going.
Cancelo has spoken openly about his mother Filomena’s death in a car accident in 2013. He considered leaving football, but encouragement from his father and Benfica helped him return. In his Champions Journal interview, he described family as the motivation behind his work.
A home at Barça.
After loans at Bayern Munich and Barcelona, he moved to Al Hilal in 2024. He returned to Barcelona on loan in January 2026, helped win La Liga and signed permanently that August. His game still centres on getting forward, creating chances and covering either flank.
Creditschronological, newest first
Club football
- 2026FC BarcelonaLoan return, then permanent signing
- 2024Al HilalPermanent signing from Manchester City
- 2023/24FC BarcelonaFull-back on loan from Manchester City
- 2023Bayern MunichFull-back on loan from Manchester City
- 2019–2024Manchester CityDefender, 154 appearances and nine goals
International football
- 2026Portugal World Cup squadDefender selected by Roberto Martínez
- 2016Portugal senior debutFirst senior international appearance on 1 September
Awards
- La Liga champion2025/26 with FC Barcelona.
- PFA Premier League Team of the YearSelected in both 2020/21 and 2021/22 while at Manchester City.
- Premier League championWon with Manchester City in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
- Bundesliga champion2022/23 with Bayern Munich.
- Serie A champion2018/19 with Juventus.
- UEFA Nations League winner2018/19 with Portugal.
Quotes
I'm where I want to be and I am very happy.João Cancelo, FC Barcelona presentation
Speaking at his presentation on 20 August 2026 after joining Barcelona permanently.
Trivia
- He can play at either full-back position and also moved into central midfield from defence under Pep Guardiola.
- His 2026 La Liga medal joined league titles won in Portugal, Italy, England and Germany.
- He told Champions Journal that he reads about warriors and finds parts of their stories meaningful.
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