João Cancelo and His Multi-Million Euro Journey Through European Football
From Lisbon to Barcelona, via Italy, England, and Germany, João Cancelo has built a career defined by elite talent—and transfer fees that place him among the most expensive defenders in football history.
The return of João Cancelo to LaLiga confirms a career as nomadic as it is costly. At 31, the Portuguese fullback boasts more than a decade at the top level and a résumé that includes eight clubs across six different countries. Altogether, his moves in the transfer market total approximately €145 million, making him the second most expensive defender in cumulative transfer fees, trailing only Matthijs de Ligt.
A product of Benfica, Cancelo took his first professional steps in Portugal before heading out on loan to Valencia. That spell in Mestalla proved decisive: after an initial adjustment period, the Spanish club committed around €15 million to sign him permanently. Although he began as a backup to Antonio Barragán, he quickly earned a starting role and caught the attention of Europe’s elite.
Italy, England, and Reinvention Under Guardiola
The next chapter took João Cancelo to Italy. He first joined Inter Milan on loan, with a purchase option that was never exercised. Without returning to Spain, his career continued at Juventus, who paid close to €40 million to secure his services. In Turin, Cancelo established himself as a starter, filling the void left by Stephan Lichtsteiner and outperforming Mattia De Sciglio for the position.
His definitive breakthrough came at Manchester City. In a complex deal, the English champions invested roughly €65 million—including Danilo—to bring Cancelo to the Premier League. Under Pep Guardiola, he enjoyed the most influential period of his career, winning major trophies and being tactically reinvented, often switching between right and left back. That versatility made him a cornerstone of City’s setup for three seasons.
With reduced minutes and the emergence of Rico Lewis, Cancelo left on loan to Bayern Munich, adding another elite experience to his résumé—though his Champions League campaign ended ironically at the hands of Manchester City.
Barcelona, Saudi Arabia, and a Long-Awaited Return
In the summer of 2024, João Cancelo joined FC Barcelona on loan. His performances were well received, but financial constraints prevented the club from activating a purchase option valued at around €25 million. For that same fee, the Portuguese defender moved to Al Hilal, adding yet another big-money chapter to his career.
A year and a half later, Cancelo returned to Barcelona, completing his fifth loan spell as a professional. His case is unique: a fullback—rather than a center-back—who has commanded transfer figures typically reserved for attacking superstars.
With proven quality and experience across Europe’s top leagues, João Cancelo stands as a prime example of how versatility and excellence can turn a modern fullback into one of the most coveted—and most expensive—players in European football.
