JOAO CANCELO BECOMES FIRST FOOTBALLER EVER TO ACHIEVE INCREDIBLE FEAT AFTER BARCELONA'S LA LIGA TITLE SUCCESS

Joao Cancelo has written his name into the history books following Barcelona’s clinical 2-0 victory over Real Madrid to secure the La Liga title. While the Blaugrana celebrated domestic dominance at the Camp Nou, the Portuguese defender reached a milestone that has eluded the greatest icons of the game.

A historic Clasico triumph

The Blaugrana secured the Spanish top-flight crown after a win against their bitter rivals in Sunday night's El Clasico at the Camp Nou. In doing so, they have achieved a historic first by winning La Liga as a result of a direct match against Los Blancos. Barcelona only needed to avoid defeat against Alvaro Arbeloa's side, as they led Real by 11 points going into the 35th game of the campaign.

Hansi Flick’s men delivered the goods in style, recording their 11th successive league victory on a night of double celebration. A stunning free-kick from Marcus Rashford - the first such goal in a Clasico since Lionel Messi in 2012 - was followed by a Ferran Torres strike to confirm Barca's 29th league crown and leave their rivals in turmoil.

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Cancelo stands alone in the history books

For ex-Manchester City defender Cancelo, who won six major honours under Pep Guardiola, he has now finally won the league title that evaded him during his previous loan spell at Barca in the 2023-24 season. Brought back on loan from Saudi side Al Hilal in January, Cancelo, who appeared as a starter in last night's match, has been key in the club's stunning form in 2026, chipping in with one goal and three assists from 13 La Liga matches.

Deployed on both sides of defence, the 31-year-old has now become the first footballer to win league titles in four of Europe's 'Top Five' divisions. Having won the Primeira Liga with Benfica in 2014, the Serie A title with Juventus was the Portugal international's first 'Top Five' league championship. He then scooped three Premier League crowns while at the Etihad Stadium, before lifting the Bundesliga title while on loan at Bayern Munich. Now, with a La Liga medal secured, only France's Ligue 1 remains for him to complete the set.

Outperforming the legends

A host of legendary players have won league championships in three of the 'Top Five' leagues, but none could reach the fourth. David Beckham had the opportunity to become the first person to achieve the incredible feat; he was successful in England, Spain and France, but failed to win the Serie A title across two loan spells at AC Milan. Similarly, Cristiano Ronaldo triumphed in England, Spain and Italy, but never added a fourth major league to his haul.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic also came up trumps in Spain, Italy and France, and had the chance to create history when he joined Manchester United in 2016. However, he finished sixth in his only full season in the Premier League, though he did win the Europa League, League Cup and Community Shield. Other notable players to win titles in three major countries include Thierry Henry, Kingsley Coman, Dani Alves, Arturo Vidal, Maxwell, Sami Khedira and Claude Makelele.

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What lies ahead for the history-maker?

Despite his loan deal from Al Hilal proving incredibly successful, questions remain regarding Cancelo's long-term future. It remains to be seen what the future holds for Cancelo come the summer, and whether Barcelona press ahead with another loan deal, look to turn his temporary stay into a permanent switch or if he returns to the Middle East.

There is, of course, the tantalising prospect of completing the "Top Five" set. With titles in England, Spain, Italy, and Germany secured, only France's Ligue 1 remains. Should Cancelo decide to leave the Camp Nou this summer, a move to a French powerhouse could provide the platform for the ultimate clean sweep of Europe's major championships.

- Donny Afroni

REPORTS REVEAL AL-HILAL'S ASKING PRICE TO SELL JOAO CANCELO TO BARCELONA IN THE SUMMER

Cancelo pictured with his daughter

According to Mundo Deportivo, Al-Hilal are demanding €15 million to let Cancelo join Barcelona in the summer. The full-back has demonstrated his usefulness under Hansi Flick, especially in games where his energy and attacking aggression from full-back have stood out.

The price is not outrageous in today’s market, especially for a player with Cancelo’s experience and versatility. He can operate on either flank, brings creativity in the final third, and already understands the demands of playing for Barca.

At the same time, this is still not a simple deal. Barcelona do not just have to decide whether Cancelo is worth that amount, they also have to judge whether that money should be used on a 31-year-old whose game offers clear quality but can have defensive lapses.

Barcelona are not out of the woods financially and this is quite a significant investment to be making on a player who is on the wrong end of his peak years. As good as his impact has been on his loan stint so far, no one knows how long it will continue.

Considering Cancelo is no longer in Al Hilal’s plans, if the player intends to continue at Barcelona, the Catalan club will have the upper hand in negotiations and can drive a hard bargain to bring the fee down. It remains to be seen how things play out on this front in the coming months.

- Kannan

OFFICIAL: BARCELONA SIGN JOAO CANCELO ON LOAN; SHIRT NUMBER CONFIRMED

 

Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images

FC Barcelona have officially confirmed the return of Joao Cancelo, with the Portuguese defender joining the club on loan from Al Hilal until the end of the current season. 

The move marks a familiar reunion, bringing back a player who already knows the environment, the demands, and the expectations of playing at the Spotify Camp Nou.

After weeks of speculation surrounding Barcelona’s search for defensive reinforcement, the club moved to secure Cancelo’s services once again. 

A sweet homecoming 

In an official announcement released by the club, Barcelona confirmed the deal and welcomed the defender back to Catalonia.

“Cancelo is once again a Barça player. FC Barcelona and Al Hilal Saudi FC have reached an agreement for the loan of the Portuguese full-back until the end of the season,” read a statement from the club.

The signing was formalised on Tuesday at the club’s offices, with several key figures present to mark the occasion. 

Hay lugares que nunca se olvidan.

Bienvenido de nuevo al Barça, João 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/m16iA067Tc

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) January 13, 2026

President Joan Laporta attended the ceremony alongside first vice-president Rafael Yuste, board member Joan Soler, and Director of the Football Area, Deco. 

Notably, this is not Cancelo’s first spell at Barcelona, as the full-back previously wore the Blaugrana shirt during the 2023/24 season, when he arrived on loan from Manchester City. 

Back then, Cancelo featured in 42 matches across all competitions, becoming a regular presence in the starting XI and offering consistency at both right-back and left-back.

Lastly, Barcelona have confirmed that Cancelo will once again wear the number ‘2’ shirt. 

The number became available after Pau Cubarsi switched to the number ‘5’, which was vacated by Inigo Martinez during the summer. 

- Swapnil Bhopatkar

RONALDO OVERTAKES MESSI: PORTUGAL STAR BREAKS RECORD IN WORLD CUP QUALIFIER THRASHING

Cristiano Ronaldo registered yet another record as Portugal crushed Armenia 5-0 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers opener. Ronaldo scored twice in the game and also paid emotional tribute to late teammate Diogo Jota.

Cristiano Ronaldo applauds fans after being substituted. Image: Reuters

Cristiano Ronaldo starred again as Portugal thrashed Armenia 5-0 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers opener on Saturday night. The 40-year-old scored twice in the match as Portugal dominated from start to finish.

Portugal got off to a fast start when Joao Felix scored in the 10th minute. Ronaldo doubled the lead in the 21st minute with a close-range finish, followed by Joao Cancelo’s goal in the 32nd minute. Ronaldo then added a brilliant goal in the 46th minute, before Portugal scored the fifth goal later in the match.

- FP Sports Desk