Cancelo Breaks Silence: Europe Dream, World Cup Ambitions, and a Tense Standing in Saudi Pro League

The Portuguese right-back Joao Cancelo, the standout for Al Hilal, has finally spoken out, addressing his future, his international ambitions, and a few personal tensions surrounding his club stint. He is currently with the Portugal squad during the international window, preparing for clashes with Ireland and Armenia as part of the European qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup.

Portugal sits atop its group with 10 points, having collected three wins and a draw, and only one point stands between them and a confirmed place in the World Cup finals.

Back to Europe

In a press conference on Tuesday, Cancelo said, “Of course I dream of returning to Europe, specifically via Benfica—the club where I started and where I turned pro across several major leagues.” He added: “I respect my contract with Al Hilal; I have two more years, but I would love to return to Benfica as I said, always seeking fresh challenges in my professional career.”

He stressed that he is content with what he has achieved thus far, but he remains hungry for more—both at club level and for the national team.

World Cup Dream

Cancelo touched on the enduring comparison between the Champions League and the World Cup. “Winning the European Cup is unique and has its own special flavor,” he noted, “but if you ask me to choose, I would pick the World Cup without a doubt. It’s a dream that involves an entire nation’s joy.”

He praised Portugal’s depth, saying the squad boasts top players across every position, which fuels healthy competition. He also highlighted how the team’s atmosphere—on and off the pitch—has a positive ripple effect on results.

Asked about the quality of the Portuguese group, Cancelo affirmed, “We have a group of players at the highest level, capable of achieving this dream. There is genuine competition for every role, and the vibe away from the field is excellent.”

Saudi League Strength and Current Tensions

Cancelo also reflected on the Saudi Pro League, insisting it remains in a phase of evolution. “Everyone in the Kingdom is working hard to advance football,” he said. “The league is full of both foreign and local talents that have raised the level year after year.”

He compared his experience with leagues around the world, noting that while the English Premier League remains the benchmark in his view, the Saudi League’s trajectory is strong, with Spaniards, Germans, and Italians contributing to a rising standard. He cautioned that direct comparisons with Europe’s top leagues are premature, but the league is increasingly competitive and may soon sit among the best in the world.

However, the same period has seen controversy. Reports emerged that Cancelo was excluded from the domestic squad due to a muscle injury, a decision he publicly criticized as lacking consultation or a clear recovery plan. He argued such exclusions impact his positioning and mindset within the group, especially as he seeks to prove his prominence to fans and critics alike.

Officials behind the scenes attributed the decision to purely technical and medical reasons, aimed at safeguarding the player and ensuring a full return to match fitness for domestic duties and continental commitments, including the AFC Champions League. Cancelo, for his part, requested formal clarity about his future role and wants to be part of a transparent plan that allows regular participation as soon as feasible.

The episode underscored the importance of robust communication between club management and high-profile foreign stars in the Saudi League, to prevent future friction and preserve the players’ focus and form. With Cancelo back in the national team setup, the pressure on the club administration to align on his path only intensifies.

A mysterious turn came when Cancelo posted a cryptic message on Instagram a few weeks earlier after his domestic omission: “I don’t lose, this is impossible. You may hurt me, but you will never defeat me.” The post ignited a social-media flurry, seen by some as a jab at the leadership, and by others as a vow to return stronger as he navigates the current challenges.

In sum, Cancelo’s year has been a blend of elite ambition, disciplined self-assessment, and a touch of drama. The road back to Europe and to a pinnacle like the World Cup remains clearly in his sights, but it will require patience, transparent dialogue with his club, and continued performances that remind everyone of his once-in-a-generation talent.

Punchline time: If Europe is the goal, Cancelo’s compass points to Benfica—though the GPS keeps insisting on a layover in the coffee shop. Also: in a world where players chase trophies, Cancelo’s chase comes with a fan club that never sleeps, and a contract that seems to have its own bar tab. Punchline two: the Saudi Pro League just upgraded its Wi‑Fi, probably to stream Cancelo’s next press conference in high definition—and yes, the buffering will be dramatic.