João Cancelo’s football journey has taken him far from the bright lights of Camp Nou, but his heart still beats with the rhythm of Barcelona’s famous blaugrana. In a gesture that’s got football fans buzzing across continents, Cancelo, now plying his trade with Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, recently arrived at a training session donning Barcelona’s second shirt from the 2024/25 season. It’s a move that’s both nostalgic and telling—showcasing a connection to the Catalan giants that time and distance just can’t erase.
Cancelo’s affection for Barcelona is hardly new, but his public display in August 2025 has reignited conversations about his memorable spell in Spain. The Portuguese full-back, who spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Barcelona from Manchester City, quickly became a fan favorite. Under the stewardship of then-manager Xavi Hernández, Cancelo was more than just a solid defensive presence; he was a dynamic force both in attack and defense, notching up four goals and five assists in 42 appearances across all competitions. His relentless energy and versatility—often switching from right-back to left-back, especially after Alejandro Balde’s injury—made him indispensable during a campaign that, while trophyless, was marked by grit and perseverance.
But how did Cancelo end up in Saudi Arabia, and why wasn’t his stay in Catalonia made permanent? The answer, as is so often the case in modern football, comes down to money and market dynamics. Barcelona’s financial struggles in 2023/24 were well-documented. The club simply couldn’t afford to meet Manchester City’s premium asking price for the defender, even after Cancelo had made personal sacrifices to make the loan deal possible. According to several reports, the Portuguese international even gave up a portion of his salary to help facilitate his move to Barcelona, a gesture that endeared him further to the club’s supporters during a period when every euro counted.
“I am delighted with my time at Barça because I will always be able to say that I have played at the club where I always wanted to,” Cancelo told the newspaper SPORT in 2024. “Pepe always told me to go to Madrid, but I have always been a follower of Barça and I was very clear about where I wanted to play if I could ever go to Spanish football.”
That passion wasn’t lost on the fans or the coaching staff. Xavi Hernández, who managed the team during Cancelo’s tenure, consistently trusted him as a starter. When Balde went down with injury midway through the season, Cancelo seamlessly shifted to left-back, demonstrating his tactical intelligence and adaptability. His long runs down the flank and attacking contributions became a hallmark of Barcelona’s play, even as the team struggled to keep pace in La Liga and Europe.
Yet, as the 2023/24 season drew to a close, it became clear that Barcelona’s hands were tied. The club’s economic situation forced tough decisions, and with priorities elsewhere in the transfer market, they couldn’t justify the outlay required to sign Cancelo permanently. Manchester City, for their part, were unwilling to accept a lower offer, eventually selling the defender to Al Hilal for a reported 25 million euros—right in line with his market value. It was a pragmatic move for City, but a bittersweet one for both Cancelo and the Barcelona faithful.
His departure also coincided with a shift in Barcelona’s defensive plans. With Hansi Flick taking over from Xavi, the club placed their trust in Frenchman Jules Koundé to hold down the right-back position for the 2024/25 season—a bet that paid off handsomely, as Koundé’s performances drew widespread praise. Still, for many fans, Cancelo’s absence left a void, both on and off the pitch.
Despite the move to the Saudi Pro League, Cancelo’s bond with Barcelona has remained strong. On August 26, 2025, he was seen at Al Hilal’s sports city, smiling broadly as he slipped into his old Barcelona shirt ahead of a training session. The sight of Cancelo in the famous blaugrana colors, preparing for a league clash against Al Riyadh, was a poignant reminder of the emotional ties that transcend contracts and club allegiances. His social media presence has also reflected this ongoing connection; he’s been spotted sharing photos of himself watching Barcelona matches and has spoken warmly of his time in the “Ciudad Condal.”
For Cancelo, the move to Al Hilal represents a new chapter in a career that’s already spanned some of Europe’s top clubs. Yet, even as he adapts to life in Saudi Arabia under the guidance of Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, his affection for Barcelona remains undiminished. The 31-year-old’s willingness to publicly display his loyalty—especially in a footballing culture as passionate as Saudi Arabia’s—speaks volumes about the lasting impact of his year in Catalonia.
Fans back in Barcelona have taken notice. Social media lit up with images of Cancelo in his old shirt, sparking a wave of nostalgia and appreciation. Many supporters recalled his tireless efforts during a difficult season, his willingness to sacrifice for the club, and his infectious enthusiasm on and off the field. It’s not every day that a player who spent just one season on loan leaves such an indelible mark, but Cancelo’s story is proof that football’s emotional bonds can be as strong as any silverware.
Of course, the realities of the modern game mean that such reunions are rare. With Barcelona’s financial situation still precarious and Al Hilal investing heavily in their squad, a return to Camp Nou seems unlikely—at least in the near future. Still, Cancelo’s recent gesture has ensured that his name will remain fondly remembered among the culés for years to come.
As Al Hilal prepare for their upcoming league match against Al Riyadh, all eyes will be on Cancelo—not just for his performances on the pitch, but for the enduring loyalty he’s shown to a club that clearly means so much to him. Whether in Barcelona’s famous stripes or Al Hilal’s blue, one thing is certain: João Cancelo’s footballing journey continues to captivate fans on both sides of the Mediterranean.
