Joao Cancelo

João Cancelo's Daring Leap: From Man City to the Sands of Saudi Football!

Hold on to your footballs! João Cancelo swings from Manchester City to Al Hilal – and he's sending his love back to Pep!

In a sensational twist in the world of football, Portuguese international full-back João Cancelo has taken the plunge, leaving the illustrious Manchester City for the vibrant sands of Saudi Arabia, joining Al Hilal on a permanent deal. Having enjoyed a stellar career with the Cityzens, where he made a whopping 154 appearances, Cancelo has now embarked on a new adventure in the Saudi Pro League. Initially joining Manchester City from Juventus in 2019, Cancelo quickly became a key player, helping the team secure multiple Premier League titles and the Carabao Cup in his early seasons.

The move comes after Cancelo had loan spells at Bayern Munich and Barcelona, where his talents lit up the pitch but seemingly didn't find their home at City this time around. Potentially feeling like a fish out of water, Cancelo impressed during those loan stints, showcasing why he is regarded as one of the top full-backs in the game. His form at these clubs suggested that he was far from finished, proving that he still has plenty to offer on the pitch.

After signing with Al Hilal, Cancelo couldn't help but reflect on his time at Manchester City with a heartfelt parting message to fans and teammates alike. "I’m thankful to everyone at the club and will cherish the memories we’ve made together," he shared. It’s clear that despite his departure, his love for City and the support he received from fans will remain forever in his heart.

While Cancelo's transfer marks the end of one chapter, it also highlights an ongoing trend of European stars making their way to the Saudi Pro League. With Al Hilal being one of the league's richest and most successful clubs, it’s a new home that promises exciting challenges ahead. And let’s not forget that this is just one of many moves in the ever-evolving football landscape, as the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar have also chosen to leap into the spotlight of Saudi football.

Did you know? João Cancelo was crucial in Manchester City’s historic 2022 season where they clinched the Premier League title, highlighting his defensive prowess as well as his ability to contribute to attacking plays! And here's a quirky fact: Al Hilal, known for its vibrant blue kits, is often called the "Blue Waves" and boasts a fanbase that could rival any major club in Europe!