Football Success for His Late Mum: Joao Cancelo’s Painful History

Growing up in his hometown, young João Cancelo was one of the kids who enjoyed the fun but chaotic game of street soccer. He then joined his local team, Barreirense, where he got his first taste of competitive football. By the age of 13, Cancelo’s talent was already shining through, catching the attention of scouts from Benfica, who signed him to their academy in 2007.

Tragedy struck before Cancelo could make his competitive senior career debut with Benfica’s first team. At 18, he and his brother Pedro were in an Audi A3 driven by their mother, Filomena, after dropping off their father at the Lisbon Portela Airport. On their way back, they were involved in a car accident that claimed Filomena’s life, while Cancelo and Pedro escaped with minor injuries. Despite the immense pain and grief, Cancelo used the loss of his mother as motivation to succeed.

Football Success for His Late Mum: Joao Cancelo's Painful History

Football Success for His Late Mum: Joao Cancels’s Painful History

We present the Full Story of a Portuguese Football genius with the nickname “Gypsy”.

Our Joao Cancelo Childhood Story, including his Untold Biography Facts, brings you a full account of notable events from Joao’s childhood moments to the time he achieved fame.

The analysis involves his early life, family background, personal life, family facts, lifestyle and other little-known facts about him.

Like Denzel Dumfries, everyone knows of his speed, energy, defensive and offensive capabilities, a feat that sees him as one of the best offensive right-backs in world football.

In our quest to deliver the Life history of Soccer Right Backs, we noticed a gap. The truth is, only many fans have read a concise version of Joao Cancelo’s Biography, which is quite interesting. Now, without further ado, let’s begin.

Joao Cancelo Childhood Story – Early Life and Family Background:

For Biography starters, João Pedro Cavaco Cancelo was born on the 27th day of May 1994 at Barreiro in Setúbal, Portugal. Cancelo was one among two children born to his mother, Filomena, and to his father, Joseph.

Joao Cancelo was born to parents whom little is known about.

Joao Cancelo was born to parents whom little is known about.

The Portuguese national of white ethnicity with European roots was raised at his birthplace in Barreiro at Setubal, Portugal, where he grew up alongside his little-known brother called Pedro.

Joao Cancelo was raised at Barreriro in Setubal, Portugal.

Joao Cancelo was raised at Barreriro in Setubal, Portugal.

Growing up in his hometown, young Cancelo was one of the kids who enjoyed the fun but chaotic game of street soccer. Eventually, he joined the local team, Barreirense, where he got his first taste of competitive football.

Joao Cancelo Education and Career Buildup:

By the time Canecelo was aged 13, he was already deep-rooted in playing football for his boyhood club – Barreirense – and also had great skills that portrayed him as a budding defender with great prospects.

Joao Cancelo pictured with teammates of his boyhood club - Barreirense.

Joao Cancelo pictured with teammates of his boyhood club – Barreirense.

The football prodigy’s skillset was soon appreciated by scouts from Benfica, who got him signed to their academy in 2007.

Thus began Cancelo’s career buildup with ‘the Eagles,’ which developed his capabilities in both right and left-back positions.

Joao Cancelo Biography – Early Life Career:

Cancelo recorded a steady rise through the ranks of Benfica’s youth systems and made his non-competitive debut with the club’s first team during their friendly encounter with Gil Vicente on the 28th of July, 2012.

Subsequent early career endeavours saw Cancelo resume his engagements with Benfica’s B-side where he contributed his quota in helping the team win the Portuguese Cup, also known as the national championship.

A rare photo of Joao Cancelo during his days with Benfica's B-Side.

A rare photo of Joao Cancelo during his days with Benfica’s B-Side.

Joao Cancelo Bio – The Journey to finding fame:

Before Cancelo could eventually make his competitive debut with Benfica’s first team, his world was rocked by the death of his mother, Filomena, in a car accident that he was also involved in.

The then 18-year-old with his brother Pedro were in an Audi A3 driven by his mother, who dropped the family’s head – Joseph – off at the Lisbon Portela Airport.

While returning back, their vehicle was involved in a crash that left Filomena dead while Cancelo and Pedro suffered minor injuries.

Though extremely painful and depressing, Cancelo took the loss of his mom as a driving force to succeed.

As a result, he eventually earned his competitive career debut for Benfica against Gil Vicente in the month of January 2014 and went on to make his maiden appearance in the Primeira Liga.

Cancelo was 18 years old when he lost his mother in a road accident.

Cancelo was 18 years old when he lost his mother in a road accident.

Joao Cancelo Biography – Success Story:

Months later, in August 2014, Cancelo joined Valencia on a loan deal that metamorphosed into a permanent contract.

While at the Spanish side, Cancelo was featured in UEFA Champions League matches before joining Inter Milan, where he forged ahead with his career.

Fast forward to date, Cancelo, like İlkay Gündoğan and Kevin De Bruyne went on to become an established player of Manchester City – a club he joined on the 7th day of August 2019 – after recording a successful spell at Juventus FC, including winning the Supercoppa Italiana and Serie A titles.

The rest is history for the dependable defender, who, like Timothy Castagne, can play as a left-back.

Joao Cancelo and Daniela Machado – The Love Story:

Joao Cancelo is yet to be married at the time of writing. We bring you facts about his dating history and current relationship status.

To begin with, Cancelo is not known to have dated any woman before he met his girlfriend, Daniela Machado.

Joao Cancelo with his girlfriend, Daniela Machado.

Joao Cancelo with his girlfriend, Daniela Machado.

The lovebirds, who met in 2017 when Cancelo was still playing for Inter Milan, have been inseparable ever since.

Daniela Machado, The Italian-born, is not just loved by Cancelo but popular with Fans of Manchester City, who warmly welcomed her to the fold of wags in the premier league.

Although Cancelo and Daniela are expecting the birth of their first child at the time of writing, the Footballer is believed to have a little-known son after uploading an Instagram photo with the caption ‘My kid 🌟❤️’.

A happy Cancelo bonds with his son.

A happy Cancelo bonds with his son.

Joao Cancelo Family Life:

The Portuguese hail from a middle-class family background. Here, we’ll bring you facts about Joao, the family life of a versatile footballer who excels in the Premier League.

About Joao Cancelo’s father:

Cancelo has a dad identified as Joseph. The defender is close to his dad, who he often reminded to watch out for his breakthrough in football.

Though Joseph initially didn’t take Cancelo seriously, he supported him and now lives to celebrate his success.

About Joao Cancelo’s mother:

Cancelo’s mom was Filomena. She was arguably the most important influence in Cancelo’s life as he credits her for transporting him to training and matches, as well as being his greatest fan.

Little wonder her death in 2013 saw Cancelo’s world fall apart as he mourned the irreparable loss. Losing his mum in a tragic car accident was responsible for spurring the defender on to succeed (TheSun Report).

About Joao Cancelo’s sibling:

Cancelo has no sisters but a brother who answers to the name Pedro. Little is known about the sibling at the time of writing, as Cancelo is yet to reveal anything about him.

About Joao Cancelo’s relatives:

Away from Cancelo’s immediate family, Little is known about his paternal grandparents as well as maternal grandfather and grandmother.

Similarly, there are no records of Cancelo’s uncles, aunts, nephews, and nieces, while his cousins have not been identified in notable events of his early life to date.

Personal Life:

What makes Joao Cancelo tick? Sit back as we bring you the makings of his personality in order to help you get a complete picture of him. To start with, Cancelo’s persona is a blend of Gemini’s zodiac traits – similar to Gabriel Martinelli and Yussuf Poulsen.

He is motivated, emotionally in tune, and moderately reveals details about his personal and private life. His interests and hobbies include travelling, swimming, and spending a good time with friends and family.

Travelling is one of Joao Cancelo's Hobbies. He has a Gemini spirit fueled by motivation, emotions, and family.

Travelling is one of Joao Cancelo’s Hobbies. He has a Gemini spirit fueled by motivation, emotions, and family.

Joao Cancelo Lifestyle:

Starting off, Joao Cancelo’s net worth is still under review, however, he has a market value of €55,00 Million at the time of writing.

The origin of his little-known wealth majorly stems from his football endeavours, while an analysis of his spending patterns reveals that he lives a luxurious lifestyle.

Although the true value of his assets, like his house and cars, are yet to be ascertained, there’s no denying the fact that he lives like a king and gives fans a glimpse of such a lifestyle by sharing photos that capture him having nice moments at expensive resorts around the world.

Joao Cancelo was having a good time at a scenic, expensive resort.

Joao Cancelo was having a good time at a scenic, expensive resort.

Joao Cancelo Facts:

To wrap up our Joao Cancelo childhood story and biography, here are facts that are hardly included in his bio.

Do you know?.

  • Cancelo was nicknamed “Gypsy” because of his darker complexion and frustrations whenever he loses games.
  • Whenever Cancelo steps on the pitch he dedicates his performance to his late mum Filomena.
Joao Cancelo dedicates each of his match performances to his late mom before the start of play. Image Credit: TheSun.

Joao Cancelo dedicates each of his match performances to his late mom before the start of play. Image Credit: TheSun.

  • Cancelo has not been spotted smoking at the time of writing. However, he drinks moderately.
  • The defender has tattoos on both arms, with his top left arm depicting what appears to be the image of his late mom, Filomena.
  • Regarding his religion, Cancelo was born and raised as a Christian. However, he is yet to make known his position on matters of faith.

Fact Check:

Thanks for reading our version of Joao Cancelo’s Biography and Childhood Story. We strive for accuracy and fairness in our quest to deliver you the Biography of European Football stars.

Kindly stay tuned for more Biography of Portuguese Footballers. Indeed, the Biography of Fabio Silva (CF), Diogo Dalot, and Rafa Silva would interest you.

If you find something that doesn’t look right in Joao Cancelo’s Bio, please share it with us by commenting below. We’ll always value and respect your great ideas.

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