Joao Cancelo has revealed that he always favoured Barcelona over Real Madrid, even when Portuguese icons Jose Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo were at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Portuguese full-back made the admission in an interview ahead of El Clasico, explaining how his admiration for the Catalan club’s footballing philosophy shaped his preferences from a young age.
Cancelo’s comments carry added significance with Mourinho back in charge of Real Madrid.
Joao Cancelo explains why he always preferred Barcelona to Real Madrid
Cancelo did not hide his longstanding allegiance when discussing the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid.
“I always supported Barcelona more than Real Madrid, even when Jose Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo were there,” the Portuguese international said in his interview with DAZN (h/t SPORT).
He expanded on the reasons behind that preference, pointing to the players who inspired him and the style of football associated with Barcelona, saying:
“I have always been more of a Barcelona supporter, I cannot deny it. Among my idols, Dani Alves and Ronaldinho are the ones I have identified with the most.
“I have always liked the club’s philosophy, Johan Cruyff’s style, and the football that was more similar to the way Barcelona played.”
Cancelo has always been a Barcelona fan. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Cancelo also acknowledged the connection Portuguese supporters might naturally feel towards compatriots playing for Real Madrid during that period.
“We always tried to support the Portuguese player, but I have always been more of a Barcelona supporter than a Real Madrid supporter.”
Joao Cancelo faces close friend Bernardo Silva in a special El Clasico
The fixture also carries a personal dimension for Cancelo because of his relationship with Bernardo Silva, who will represent Real Madrid.
The pair have known each other since their time in Benfica’s youth system and later shared a dressing room at Manchester City.
Their paths have since diverged, but Sunday’s encounter will bring them together again on opposite sides of one of the most watched matches in world football.
Close friends turned Clasico rivals. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
“Who would have thought we would end up playing in the most-watched match on the planet?”
Cancelo reflected on the occasion and made clear that the rivalry would not affect their friendship.
“It is the match everyone wants to watch. He will defend his colours and I will defend mine, but in the end we will remain the same friends we have always been, because I have great affection and respect for Bernardo,” he said.
“He is one of my best friends in football and one of the people I value the most…”
For Cancelo, the Clasico therefore brings together two important aspects of his footballing life: representing the club he has long admired and competing against a close friend with whom he shares years of history.