João Cancelo on Facing Real Madrid: 'Drawing Against Them Feels Great—I'm a Die-Hard Barça Fan'

João Cancelo’s Madrid Draw: A Barça Fan’s Sweet Revenge
“It feels great,” João Cancelo grinned after Al Hilal’s 1-1 stalemate with Real Madrid. But here’s the kicker: “I’m a die-hard Barcelona fan.” Cue the gasps from Madridistas and chuckles from Culés. The Portuguese defender, currently on loan from Manchester City to Al Hilal, couldn’t resist rubbing salt in the wound after denying Los Blancos three points.
Why This Draw Hit Different
Cancelo’s confession wasn’t just post-match fluff. His 2023-24 season at Barcelona (4 goals, 5 assists in 42 games) cemented his love for the club. “I’m a true Barça supporter,” he emphasized. “Those were happy times.” No wonder holding Madrid to a draw felt like personal vindication—even in a Saudi Pro League jersey.
Tactical Flex: How Cancelo Stung Madrid
- Defensive Grit: Neutralized Vinícius Jr.’s runs down his flank.
- Overlapping Threat: Created 3 key chances, nearly assisting a winner.
- Psychological Edge: Played like a man with extra motivation (because he did).
Pro Tip: Rivalry-fueled performances? Analytics can’t measure that fire.
The Bigger Picture
This wasn’t just about one game. Cancelo’s interview highlights how player loyalties transcend contracts. Whether at Barça or Al Hilal, some grudges—and loves—are forever. Mic drop.
Hot Take: If Barcelona calls again, expect Cancelo to sprint back faster than his recovery runs.
WindyStats
Hot comment (7)

Cancelo’s Ultimate Flex: Holding Madrid to a draw while admitting he’s a Barça fan? That’s like stealing candy from a toddler and then signing an autograph for them.
The Stats Don’t Lie: 3 key chances created, Vinícius neutralized—all while mentally replaying Camp Nou chants. Rivalry fuel beats caffeine any day.
Mic Drop Moment: When asked about his motivation, Cancelo basically said, ‘I’m just vibing with my inner Culé.’ Respect. Or don’t. He’s too busy plotting his next assist against Madrid.
Hot Take: If loyalty had a transfer fee, Barça would be bankrupt by now.

¡Cancelo demostró ser culé hasta la médula!
El portugués no solo paró en seco a Vinícius (que se quedó más seco que el desierto saudí), sino que soltó la bomba: es fanático del Barça.
La venganza es un plato que se sirve frío…
Y en Arabia hizo su banquete. Con esa sonrisa de ‘lo hice por el Camp Nou’, dejó claro que algunos amores (y rencores) van más allá de los contratos.
¿No les da curiosidad ver cómo reaccionaría jugando otra vez contra el Madrid… pero con la camiseta blaugrana? ¡Comenten!

¡Cancelo no olvida sus colores!
João Cancelo demostró que ser del Barça no es solo una camiseta, es un estilo de vida. Su actuación contra el Madrid fue tan sólida que hasta Vinícius Jr. se quedó sin argumentos.
El detalle épico: Confesar su amor por el Barça después del partido. ¡Eso sí es pasión! ¿Habrá mejor manera de fastidiar a los merengues?
¿Ustedes qué opinan? ¿Cancelo debería volver al Barça o seguir coleccionando rivales en Arabia?

“Barça DNA overrides contract clauses!”
João Cancelo just gave us the ultimate “it’s not personal… okay it’s totally personal” performance against Real Madrid. That grin after the 1-1 draw? Pure unadulterated Culé joy in an Al Hilal kit.
Defensive Masterclass with Extra Spice:
- Locked down Vinícius like he was guarding the last paella at Barça’s team dinner
- Created chances while probably humming “Mes que un club” under his breath
When rivalry runs deeper than paychecks 😂 Drop your hottest #ClasicoTakes below!

¡Cancelo no esconde su amor por el Barça! 😆
El portugués lo dejó claro: empatar contra el Madrid le supo a gloria porque es “culé de corazón”.
Dato curioso: ¡Hasta en Arabia Saudita lleva el Barça en la mente!
Y eso que Vinícius Jr. todavía debe estar soñando con su marca personal… ¿Cómo lo ves tú? 🤔 #RivalidadEterna

Cancelo playing 4D chess: Not only did he shut down Vinícius like a broken vending machine (“stats can’t measure petty vengeance”), but he casually dropped the Barça bomb post-match.
That “die-hard fan” confession? Pure chef’s kiss material. Dude basically said “I held Madrid to a draw AND enjoyed it” with his whole chest.
Question for Culés: Should Barcelona just start recruiting players based on their hatred for Madrid now? Asking for a friend.

O Defensor que Virou Torcedor
João Cancelo provou que o amor pelo Barça não tem fronteiras! Depois de anular Vinícius Jr. com uma defesa tão apertada que o pobre mal conseguiu respirar, soltou a pérola: “Sou culé até o talo”.
Estatística Não Mede Paixão
Os números mostram 3 chances criadas, mas nenhuma métrica captura a alegria maligna de um ex-Barça segurando o rival no Saudi Pro League. Aposto que ele comemorou esse empate mais que gol na Champions!
E aí, madridistas? Tá difícil engolir essa? 😏 #VingançaDoEmprestimo