Barcelona signs João Cancelo from Al-Hilal

January 13, 2026 / 5:33 PM

Sharjah 24 – AFP: FC Barcelona has announced the loan signing of Portuguese full-back João Cancelo from Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal, marking his second spell with the Catalan club.

Player background

Cancelo, 31, joined Al-Hilal in August 2014 on a three-year contract but was no longer part of Italian coach Simone Inzaghi’s plans. The Portuguese international previously played for Barcelona on loan from Manchester City during the 2023-2024 season.

Squad details

Cancelo will wear the number 2 jersey for Barcelona. The signing ceremony was held at the club’s offices in the presence of club president Joan Laporta.

Team performance

Barcelona, the reigning Spanish league champions, currently lead the standings by four points over rivals Real Madrid. The team recently secured a 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah, boosting morale ahead of Cancelo’s return.