Cancelo Journey,Football is a sport that has the power to transcend borders, cultures, and languages. It unites people from all over the world and creates heroes on the pitch. One such hero is João Pedro Cavaco Cancelo, popularly known as Cancelo, a Portuguese professional footballer who plays for English club Manchester
The Early Years: Joining Benfica’s Youth Academy
Cancelo was born on May 27, 1994, in Barreiro, Portugal. He began playing football at the age of six and joined the youth academy of his local club, Barreirense. However, it wasn’t long before his talent caught the attention of bigger clubs, and at the age of 14, he joined the youth academy of S.L. Benfica, one of the biggest clubs in Portugal.
Cancelo quickly excelled in the youth teams at Benfica, impressing coaches and fellow players with his pace, technical ability, and decision-making on the pitch. In 2012, at the age of 18, he was promoted to the first team and made his professional debut for Benfica in a Portuguese League Cup match against Gil Vicente. This marked the beginning of Cancelo’s professional career, and he continued to make a name for himself with his performances on the field.
Rising Through the Ranks: Establishing Himself as a Key Player
Despite being just 18 years old, Cancelo showed maturity and composure on the field, catching the eye of Benfica’s then-manager, Jorge Jesus. He was praised for his offensive and defensive abilities, as well as his versatility to play in multiple positions, including right-back, left-back, and even as a winger.
In the 2013-14 season, Cancelo was loaned out to La Liga club Valencia, where he continued to impress with his pace and attacking prowess. He made 10 appearances for the club and scored his first professional goal in a match against Granada. His performances caught the attention of top European clubs, and in the following season, he was back at Benfica, this time establishing himself as a key player in the first team.
Cancelo’s versatility and technical abilities saw him feature in 26 games for Benfica in the 2014-15 season, helping the team win the Primeira Liga title. He also made his debut in the UEFA Champions League that season, proving himself to be a valuable asset to the team. However, it was during the 2015-16 season that Cancelo truly established himself as one of the best young players in Europe.
The Breakthrough Season: Winning the Portuguese League and Solidifying His Place in the National Team
The 2015-16 season was a breakthrough year for Cancelo, both at the club and international level. He featured regularly for Benfica, helping them clinch the Portuguese League title for the second consecutive year. He also made his debut for the Portugal national team in a friendly match against Bulgaria, marking the beginning of what would be a successful international career for Cancelo.
His performances on the field were lauded by fans and experts alike, with some comparing him to legendary Portuguese full-backs like Paulo Ferreira and João Pereira. Cancelo’s speed, crossing ability, and defensive contributions were crucial in Benfica’s title-winning campaign, and it wasn’t long before he caught the attention of top European clubs.
The Italian Adventure: Making a Name for Himself in Serie A
Cancelo’s move to Juventus saw him become teammates with some of the best players in the world, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala, and Giorgio Chiellini. Although he faced tough competition for a starting spot, he quickly made an impact on the team with his attacking mindset and impressive performances on the field.
Finding Success at Inter Milan: A Loan Spell at San Siro
Despite impressing in his debut season at Juventus, Cancelo was loaned out to fellow Serie A club Inter Milan in 2017. This proved to be a turning point in his career, as he became a crucial player for the team, helping them secure a Champions League spot and reach the Europa League Round of 16.
His performances at Inter Milan were praised by fans and experts, with many considering him one of the best full-backs in Serie A that season. He also earned a call-up to the Portugal national team for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, proving that he had cemented his place as one of the best young players in Europe.
Establishing Himself as One of the Best Full-Backs in the World: A Stellar Season at Juventus
After a successful loan spell at Inter Milan, Cancelo returned to Juventus for the 2018-19 season, determined to prove himself as one of the best full-backs in the world. He did just that, becoming a key player for the team and helping them secure their eighth consecutive Serie A title.
The Move to Manchester City: Joining Guardiola’s Squad of Superstars
In 2019, Cancelo was sold by Juventus to English club Manchester City for a reported fee of €65 million. His move to the Premier League saw him become one of the most expensive full-backs in history, as well as the most expensive Portuguese defender of all time.
Cancelo’s arrival at Manchester City was met with high expectations, as he joined a star-studded squad managed by one of the best managers in the world, Pep Guardiola. However, he quickly settled into the team and proved to be a valuable asset on the pitch with his impressive performances.
Conclusion
João Cancelo’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of remarkable. From joining Benfica’s youth academy at the age of 14 to becoming one of the most sought-after players in the world, he has proven himself to be a talented and versatile player both on and off the pitch. His journey from Benfica to Manchester City has been filled with ups and downs, but Cancelo’s determination, hard work, and exceptional skills have helped him overcome every obstacle and establish himself as one of the best full-backs in the world.
