Portuguese full-back João Cancelo has been steadily reasserting his class at Al Hilal ahead of their Club World Cup opener vs Real Madrid. Signed from Manchester City in August 2024 for around €25 million, Cancelo brings Champions League pedigree and tactical intelligence to the Saudi giants .
A hamstring issue earlier in April sidelined him for crucial AFC Champions League and domestic matches, but Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus expressed full confidence that Cancelo will return at peak fitness for the U.S.-based tournament .
He Adds:
– Tactical flexibility: adept as a wing-back, inverted full-back, or midfield pivot
– Winning mindset: three Premier League titles with City, plus Bundesliga and La Liga stints aboard loan tours
– International experience: 60 caps for Portugal bring leadership and composure
As Al Hilal’s squad boasts a blend of Neymar, Ruben Neves, and Aleksandar Mitrović, Cancelo’s return could elevate their defense just in time for the challenging Group H opener against Real Madrid in Miami.
