João Pedro Cavaco Cancelo - A Detailed Overview
Early Life
João Pedro Cavaco Cancelo was born on 27 May 1994 in Barreiro in Portugal. He had a strong passion for soccer from his early life. Starting in 2007, Cancelo joined the youth academy of Benfica, one of Portugal's leading clubs, where he honed his skills until he was ready to move to professional football.
Club Career - Benfica
João Cancelo began his professional career in 2012 with the senior team of Benfica. After several appearances for the club's reserve team, he made his first-team debut in a Primeira Liga game in 2013. However, his occasions in Benfica were limited and he was often deployed as a right-back. In January 2014, he won the Segunda Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year award.
Club Career - Valencia
In August 2014, Cancelo moved to Spanish club Valencia CF on a one-year loan deal. His performances were impressive, and Valencia sealed a permanent move for the defender in August 2015. During his time at Valencia, Cancelo showcased his potential as an offensive right-back, contributing to numerous goals. However, despite his individual brilliance, the team struggled often during his tenure.
Club Career - Inter Milan
In 2017, Cancelo joined Inter Milan on a season-long loan. Here, he once again demonstrated his attacking prowess but was unable to solidify a permanent place in the team due to the club's financial constraints. He made 26 appearances across all competitions for Inter, scoring once and setting up four goals.
Club Career - Juventus
cancelo transferred to Juventus for €40.4 million in 2018. He had a fairly successful debut season at Juventus, proving to be an integral part of the team that won Serie A. His remarkable performances drew attention from some of the biggest clubs in Europe. However, his stint at Juventus was not as long, and he transferred to Manchester City after only a single season.
Club Career - Manchester City
In August 2019, Cancelo signed a contract with Manchester City for €65 million. While he’s faced competition for the right-back position, he's managed to showcase his talent on numerous occasions. Pep Guardiola, the manager, has utilized him both as a right-back and a left-back. His ability to seamlessly switch positions has proved valuable for the team.
International Career
Cancelo received his first call to the Portugal Senior Team in 2016. He also represented his nation in the 2015 U21 European Championship and 2014 Toulon Tournament. As of today, Cancelo is a key fixture in the national team. He was a part of the winning Portugal team in the 2019 UEFA Nations League, showcasing his talent at the international level.
Playing Style
Primarily a right-back, Cancelo is known for his attacking prowess, excellent dribbling skills, and versatility. He is capable of playing anywhere on the right side of the field and can also adapt to the left when required. Cancelo's offensive contribution, especially his ability to thread defense-splitting passes and efficient crossing, makes him stand out from other defenders. Despite his attacking mindset, Cancelo is effective in defensive roles, showcasing good strength, pace, and positional awareness.
Personal Life
João Cancelo is married to Daniela Machado and the couple has a daughter named Alicia. In 2018, they faced a tragic event when Cancelo's mother, Filomena Cancelo, passed away in a car accident. It was a huge loss for the player who shares a deep bond with his family. He is often seen dedicating his goals to his family members. Despite his fame, Cancelo tries to keep his personal life private and separate from his career.
