João Cancelo: Athlete's Biography

Club Career

Benfica

Cancelo began his senior career at Benfica, initially playing for the reserve team in 2012 and making his first-team debut in 2014. During his time there, he was recognized for his potential, earning a permanent spot after a successful loan spell at Valencia.

Valencia

In August 2014, Cancelo joined Valencia on loan before making the move permanent in 2015. At Valencia, he transitioned from a substitute to a regular starter and scored his first goal in the Champions League for the club. His time at Valencia helped him gain valuable experience in European competitions and showcased his versatility on the field.

Inter Milan

In the 2017–18 season, Cancelo was loaned to Inter Milan, where he faced initial challenges but ultimately excelled, earning a spot in the Serie A Team of the Year.

Juventus

Juventus signed Cancelo in 2018 for €40.4 million. He made a significant impact, helping the team secure the Serie A title and the Supercoppa Italiana in his first season.

Manchester City

Joining Manchester City in 2019 for a record fee, Cancelo faced a challenging first season but soon became integral to the team's defense. His adaptability and innovative playstyle contributed to Manchester City's multiple Premier League victories and their first UEFA Champions League final appearance in the 2020–21 season.

Bayern Munich

In 2023, Cancelo went on loan to Bayern Munich, where his performances contributed to the club winning the Bundesliga title.

Barcelona

Later in 2023, he joined Barcelona on a season-long loan, continuing to display his influential playing style in La Liga.

Al-Hilal

In 2024, Cancelo signed with Al-Hilal, marking the latest chapter in his accomplished career.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Cancelo represented Portugal at various youth levels, including the 2012 UEFA European Under-19 Championship and the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He was also part of the under-21 squad that finished as runners-up in the 2015 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

Senior National Team

Cancelo debuted for the senior Portugal national team in 2016, quickly establishing himself with several goals in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He was part of the team that won the 2019 UEFA Nations League, contributing to Portugal's triumph on home soil. Despite missing UEFA Euro 2020 due to COVID-19, he was included in the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2024, illustrating his enduring importance to the national team.

João Pedro Cavaco Cancelo, born on May 27, 1994, is a renowned Portuguese professional footballer whose agility and tactical versatility have established him as one of the premier full-backs in modern football. As of the latest update, he plays for Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League and is a key player for the Portugal national team. Cancelo's career is marked by significant achievements, including multiple domestic league titles across Europe and a UEFA Nations League victory with Portugal.

Achievements

Team Achievements

• Primeira Liga with Benfica: 2013–14
• Serie A with Juventus: 2018–19
• Premier League with Manchester City: 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23
• Bundesliga with Bayern Munich: 2022–23
• UEFA Nations League with Portugal: 2018–19

Individual Achievements

• Serie A Team of the Year: 2017–18, 2018–19
• PFA Premier League Team of the Year: 2020–21, 2021–22
• ESM Team of the Year: 2020–21, 2021–22
• FIFA FIFPRO World 11: 2022
• La Liga Goal of the Month: September 2023

Awards and Recognition

Cancelo's prowess on the field has earned him a place in the FIFA FIFPRO World 11 and other prestigious acknowledgments, recognizing his sustained excellence and impact in European football.

Career Overview

João Cancelo's career is a testament to his adaptability and technical excellence. His journey through top European clubs has shown his ability to adapt to different leagues and playing styles, making a significant impact wherever he plays.

Off the Field

Personal Life

Cancelo leads a family life in the public eye, having overcome personal challenges like the loss of his mother, which shaped his resilient character both on and off the field. His life in Manchester was briefly disrupted by a burglary in 2021, highlighting his focus and determination despite personal adversities.

His career is not just about his success on the field, but also his resilience and ability to overcome personal and professional obstacles, making him both an admired player and person.