Joao Cancelo reveals how he forced through Barcelona move from Al Hilal

Joao Cancelo has explained how he refused to leave Al Hilal for any club other than Barcelona during last summer’s transfer window.

The Portugal full-back said he had one year remaining on his contract with the Saudi Arabian club, but made it clear that he would either stay and receive his full salary or secure a move to Barcelona.

“I am at the club I have always wanted to play for, Barcelona,” Cancelo said in comments reported by Catalan newspaper Sport.

Barcelona completed the signing of Cancelo last summer on a three-year contract, ending his spell with Al Hilal. The defender had joined the Saudi club in the summer of 2024.

Cancelo said he had presented Al Hilal with a choice over his future.

“I still had a year left on my contract with Al Hilal, and I told them: either I stay and receive my full salary, or I do not go anywhere else. It was Barcelona or no other club,” he said.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or was also discussed, with Cancelo selecting his Barcelona team-mate Lamine Yamal as the only player he believes deserves the award.

Cancelo said the Spain international’s achievements at such a young age made him the clear choice.

“The only player who deserves to win the Ballon d’Or is Lamine Yamal,” he said. “He has won many titles at the age of 19: the World Cup, the European Championship and every trophy with Barcelona.”

Cancelo described Yamal’s season as extraordinary and said he stood apart from every other player in world football.

“His season was incredible. For me, he is by far the best talent and the best player in the world,” Cancelo added. “There is no other player who can win the Ballon d’Or. It has to go to Lamine.”