Football Biography

João Cancelo

“Cancelo”

Portuguese · Barreiro, Portugal · Born 27 May 1994

Full Back

154

apps

goals

portugal caps

p l titles

Technically exceptional Portuguese full-back whose ability to invert into midfield redefined the modern defender role under Pep Guardiola.

João Pedro Cavaco Cancelo was born in Barreiro, Portugal on 27 May 1994. After spells at Benfica, Valencia and Inter Milan, he joined Juventus before moving to Manchester City in 2019 for £60 million. Under Pep Guardiola, he transformed into one of the most innovative full-backs in world football, inverting into midfield and creating chances. He won three Premier League titles (2021, 2022, 2023), the Champions League in 2023, the FA Cup and League Cups. He made over 150 appearances for City. He has earned over 55 caps for Portugal. He later went on loan to Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

Best Known For

Premier League 3x

His role under Guardiola — playing as an inverted full-back who drifted into central midfield — was so innovative it changed how coaches around the world think about full-backs.

Did You Know?

Honours & Achievements

Career Honours

Premier League 3x
Champions League 2023
FA Cup 1x
League Cup 4x

Career Journey

Timeline

1994 👶 Born in Barreiro, Portugal

🏟️ Benfica

🏟️ Inter Milan

🏟️ Manchester City

🏟️ Bayern Munich (2023, loan)

🏆 Premier League 3x

🏆 Champions League 2023

🏆 FA Cup 1x

🏆 League Cup 4x

Apps	154
Goals	9
Portugal Caps	57
P L Titles	3

Club	Shirt No	Apps	Goals
Benfica	#27	2	4
Inter Milan	#10	144	31
Manchester City	#10	121	51
Bayern Munich (2023, loan)	—	—

Nationality	Portuguese
Born	27 May 1994 (age 32)
Birth Place	Barreiro, Portugal
Position	Full Back
Clubs	Benfica (2012-14), Valencia (2014-15), Inter Milan (2017-18, loan), Juventus (2018-19), Manchester City (2019-present), Bayern Munich (2023, loan), Barcelona (2023-24, loan)
Est. Net Worth	$30m

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

5 common questions about João Cancelo

What made Cancelo's role unique?

Guardiola used him as an inverted full-back who drifted into central midfield, creating a new positional concept.

What did Cancelo win at Man City?

He won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, FA Cup and multiple League Cups.

How many Portugal caps has Cancelo earned?

He has earned over 55 caps for Portugal.

Why did Cancelo go on loan?

He reportedly fell out with Guardiola and was loaned to Bayern Munich and then Barcelona.

When was João Cancelo born?

João Cancelo was born on 27 May 1994 in Barreiro, Portugal.

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