“Joao Cancelo’s once-promising career has been derailed by his own temper and lack of patience, leaving him far from the football glory he once seemed destined for”
Joao Cancelo’s football career, once brimming with potential and promise, has taken a dramatic nosedive in recent years, and the primary culprit appears to be his own temperament. A player with immense talent, Cancelo’s inability to rein in his ego and impatience has cost him dearly, stripping away what could have been a glittering career at the highest level.
As of now, Cancelo’s return to Barcelona seems highly unlikely, with the Catalan club struggling to manage their wage bill to even register Dani Olmo. His future at Manchester City, once his home and the stage for his peak performances, is also in jeopardy. Pep Guardiola, who once held Cancelo in high regard, has made it clear that their professional relationship is over. With the top European clubs turning their backs, Cancelo’s best option to maintain his lucrative salary might be a move to Saudi Arabia, where Neymar’s Al Hilal is reportedly interested.
The last two years have seen Cancelo’s career take an unexpected and sharp downturn. Not long ago, he was regarded as one of the best left-backs in the Premier League, a key player in Manchester City’s squad, which is widely considered one of the strongest in Europe. However, despite his undeniable skills, Cancelo found himself loaned out to Bayern Munich and later to Barcelona. Yet, none of these top clubs were willing or able to make his transfer permanent, largely due to the high transfer fee demanded by Manchester City and the reality that Cancelo is approaching 30—a significant age in a sport that values youth.
The seeds of Cancelo’s fall from grace were sown by his own actions. His fiery temperament, impatience, and lack of composure in crucial moments created friction within the team, particularly with Guardiola. Tactical disagreements, disputes over playing time, and personal conflicts brought their relationship to the brink. This tension reached its peak in the 2023 winter transfer window, leading to Cancelo’s loan to Bayern Munich—a move that signaled the beginning of the end for his time at Manchester City.
It’s a stark contrast to what might have been. Had Cancelo managed to avoid the fallout in late 2022, he likely would have played a crucial role in Manchester City’s historic treble-winning season. This would have further solidified his standing in the Premier League and ensured his place as the top left-back in the competition. Before his departure from Etihad, Cancelo was on the path to footballing immortality, poised to become a legend. However, life is full of “what ifs” and “if onlys,” and now Cancelo finds himself facing a harsh reality: despite his desire, his days at the top level of European football may be numbered.
Cancelo’s story serves as a poignant reminder that talent alone is not enough to sustain a successful career at the highest levels of sport. A player’s mentality, attitude, and ability to navigate the pressures of the game are just as crucial. For Cancelo, these lessons have come at a great cost, leaving him to wonder what might have been if he had simply managed to keep his ego in check.
