João Cancelo has officially completed his return to FC Barcelona, marking a milestone that cements his status as a financial heavyweight in world football.
The Portuguese right-back, who joined from Saudi giants Al-Hilal on a loan deal until the end of the season, has now been involved in transfer fees totaling nearly €145 million (approximately R$ 914 million) throughout his career. According to Mundo Deportivo, this astronomical figure places Cancelo as the second-highest-grossing defender in history, trailing only Manchester United’s Matthijs de Ligt, whose cumulative fees approach €200 million.
The Million-Euro Journey
Cancelo’s career is a roadmap of Europe’s biggest clubs. His financial footprint includes:
- Benfica to Valencia: €15 million.
- Valencia to Juventus: €40.5 million.
- Juventus to Manchester City: €65 million.
- Manchester City to Al-Hilal: €25 million.
In addition to these permanent moves, Cancelo has become the “king of elite loans,” having represented Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, and now Barcelona twice.
”𝙄 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙗”
– João Cancelo pic.twitter.com/1BlEQiACGT
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 14, 2026
“It’s an Honor”: The Flick Era Begins
Now under the guidance of Hansi Flick, Cancelo didn’t hide his emotion during his first training sessions at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. “I didn’t think twice about returning. I told everyone I would wait for Barça. Representing this club is an honor—it’s the best in the world,” he declared after being welcomed by his teammates.
His arrival is a strategic masterstroke for Flick, who needed defensive reinforcements following the injury to Andreas Christensen. Cancelo’s versatility allows him to cover both flanks, potentially freeing up Jules Koundé to return to his preferred central defense role.
The team welcomes Cancelo! 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/6NfZAclW1G
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 14, 2026
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Champions’ Return: Debut Against Racing Santander?
Barcelona returns to official action this Thursday (15th) with their morale at an all-time high after clinching the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid. The Culés visit Racing Santander in the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey.
While Cancelo has just integrated into the squad, there is high expectation that he could see minutes as Barcelona looks to maintain their momentum and pursue a domestic treble.
Match Details:
- Fixture: Racing Santander vs. FC Barcelona
- Competition: Copa del Rey (Round of 16)
- Date/Time: Jan 15, 8:00 PM (UK Time)
- Where to watch: Disney+
