João

Cancelo

Versatile, modern full-back...

Portuguese right-back Joao Cancelo joined City from Juventus in August 2019.

The defender penned a deal which keeps him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2025 and followed Angelino and Rodrigo to become Pep Guardiola’s third signing of the summer.

Whilst in Turin, Cancelo established himself as one of Serie A’s best full-backs. Comfortable on either flank and also capable of playing in a more advanced position, Cancelo provides great delivery from wide areas and boasts exceptional athleticism, using his pace to good effect in both offensive and defensive situations.

His professional career began with Benfica, where he progressed through their academy and won the 2013 Portuguese U19 Championship alongside Bernardo Silva.

He made his senior debut the following season, when the Lisbon giants claimed a domestic treble, but joined Valencia on a year-long loan in 2014/15 and did enough in 13 games to convince Los Che to make the deal permanent.

He went on to play 77 times over the next two campaigns before heading off on loan again, this time to Inter Milan, where he thrived.

Cancelo’s form convinced Juventus to swoop for him last summer and he continued to impress in Turin, winning praise for his committed attacking play which yielded one goal and five assists in 34 games as Juve lifted an eighth successive Serie A title.

He followed that up with his first taste of international success, winning the inaugural UEFA Nations League title with Portugal this summer.

Joao made 33 appearances in his first season at City, but his second campaign saw him become an ever-influential team member, playing at right or left-back but often used during games as an additional winger or attacking midfielder.

Having appeared in the Primeira Liga and Serie A Team of the Year, he added the PFA Team of the Year to his impressive list.

He played 43 times in his second campaign for City, scoring three goals.

In 2021/22, Cancelo’s influence on City’s playing style grew even stronger, with his licence to roam an integral part of City’s style.

His 52 appearances included spells at right and left-back and his standards are such he is now regarded as one of the best full-backs in world football.

Cancelo has continued to impress in the 2022/23 campaign and has also been named in the Portugal squad taking part in the 2022 World Cup finals.