Cancelo Fires Three Goals as Barcelona Benefits From His Return

Joao Cancelo has emerged as one of the most productive players in Barcelona's squad after scoring three spectacular goals during the opening stretch of the 2026-27 season. The 32-year-old Portugal international has featured in seven of Barcelona's eight competitive matches, operating across multiple positions under coach Hansi Flick while also scoring against Denmark and Norway during the international break.

According to reports published by Goal and Livescore on October 13, Cancelo has started three of Barcelona's last four matches and recorded three goal contributions. His performances have strengthened his position in Flick's plans after returning to the Spanish club on a permanent transfer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.

Cancelo's season began with a spectacular long-range strike during Barcelona's 7-2 victory over Racing Santander in mid-September. The shot reportedly reached 128.5 km/h and earned LaLiga's goal of the month award.

He continued his scoring run with Portugal, helping his country defeat Denmark 4-2 before contributing another goal in a 2-1 victory over Norway. Against Denmark, Cancelo chipped goalkeeper Mads Hermansen from inside the penalty area. Against Norway, he struck a bouncing ball from 17 meters into the top corner, earning a standing ovation at Porto's Estadio do Dragao.

Flick has deployed Cancelo at right-back, on the left side of defense and as a right winger. The coach has highlighted the defender's technical quality and commitment as important elements of his contribution to Barcelona's attacking play.

Flick praised Cancelo's ability and dedication, describing the qualities he brings to the team as:

"fantastic technique" Hansi Flick said.

The Barcelona coach has also emphasized Cancelo's enthusiasm and work rate, describing his approach as:

"great passion" Hansi Flick said.

Cancelo's return followed a complicated transfer process. Barcelona initially attempted to announce him before all the paperwork was complete, delaying the official confirmation until the following day. The club had encountered similar administrative difficulties in January, when it briefly announced a proposed loan before removing the announcement.

According to Goal and Livescore, Barcelona had previously acknowledged that the earlier announcement was premature, explaining that it had acted:

"without clarifying all the important details of the transfer." Barcelona told As.

Cancelo's move became permanent after Al-Hilal terminated his contract, with the defender joining Barcelona on a free transfer and signing an agreement through 2029. Reports also said he had skipped Al-Hilal's training camp while pursuing a return to Catalonia.

He reportedly told Barcelona sporting director Deco:

"that I will either come to Barcelona or not play for a year. I have always identified with this club." Joao Cancelo said.

The defender has identified faith and resilience as guiding principles in his life. He has the English words Faith and Resilience tattooed on the back of his neck alongside a cross.

His current form contrasts with his earlier loan spell at Bayern Munich. The German club signed Cancelo from Manchester City in January 2023, and he finished that season with one goal and seven assists in 24 appearances as Bayern secured the Bundesliga title.

Bayern declined to activate the €70 million purchase option. Former coach Thomas Tuchel later explained that the decision was not based on Cancelo's footballing ability, saying his departure came for:

"no footballing reasons" Thomas Tuchel said.

Tuchel separately praised Cancelo's quality, describing him as:

"because he is a fantastic footballer" Thomas Tuchel said.

Bayern instead relied on Raphael Guerreiro, Alphonso Davies and Josip Stanisic to provide options at full-back. Tuchel said the decision ultimately reflected the club's squad planning and financial considerations:

"So it was a question of position and finances," Thomas Tuchel said.

Cancelo later acknowledged that adapting to German football had been more difficult than he expected, describing the experience as:

"harder than expected" Joao Cancelo said.

He elaborated on his initial expectations of the Bundesliga:

"I thought the Bundesliga was easier than it was, and that Bayern dominated much more, especially because" Joao Cancelo said.