Joao Cancelo gives ‘undisputed’ performance for Portugal, despite ex-Man City star’s shock Saudi Pro League admission

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Former Man City star Joao Cancelo reminded everyone what he’s capable of with his latest performance for Portugal, despite making a shocking admission about how he’s now viewed.

Cancelo left Man City in August of 2024 to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for £21million, but he was quick to prove that his qualities remain the same during Portugal’s latest game against Hungary.

Portugal won a crucial match in their World Cup qualification campaign, winning 3-2 in a five-goal thriller.

Cancelo played a key role by scoring the match-winner in the 86th minute. He also got an assist earlier in the match, as he had an influential performance.

Joao Cancelo delivered a crucial performance for Portugal

Cancelo’s performance for Portugal was a stark reminder that he’s still got plenty to offer at international level, and the Portuguese media reaction showed that it was understood.

A Bola awarded Cancelo the Man of the Match award for his seven out of 10 performance, as they praised his efforts and versatility on the pitch.

“Portugal’s undisputed king in this doubleheader that (hopefully) paves the way for the 2026 World Cup. He plays full-back, winger, winger, and right-sided midfielder.

“He can also dabble in other positions if necessary, but it’s there, on the right, that he’s at his happiest. He has inexhaustible stamina and a rare ability to make decisions at high speed.

“Even when he’s stopped, Cancelo is on the move, stopping at the right moments and letting the play reach the moment it needs to decide.

“He provided the assist for the 1-0 win and, at the crucial moment, won the ball back and finished the move for 3-2, scoring a beautiful goal.”

Cancelo completed more dribbles (3) than anyone on the pitch, while he showed his defensive qualities by also winning more duels (8) than anyone else at the same time.

It was a distinctly more impressive performance than Man United’s Bruno Fernandes, who struggled to make an impact and was only given a five out of 10 rating.

Joao Cancelo admits he’s not been viewed the same since leaving Man City

Although Cancelo struggled to get into the Man City side since the end of the 2021-22 campaign, he was considered a significant force in world football.

The Portugal international had loan spells at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, but his move to Saudi Arabia cast a different light on him. He believes people view him differently as a player.

The Saudi Pro League might be growing in popularity due to the players moving there, but the quality isn’t seen on the same level as the Premier League, as he reflected on to O Jogo in the mixed zone after the game.

“Whenever I come here, I always try to give my best. People look at me differently, since I play in a less competitive league, but I’m still the same.

“The quality remains the same, and I’ve demonstrated that, and that’s how I want to continue.

“I don’t think much about individuality. In the games I play, I always try to give my best, especially for my country.”