Manchester City is set to face a familiar opponent in the Club World Cup’s last 16, as Joao Cancelo returns to play against his former team for the first time since his departure in 2024. The encounter promises to be intriguing, especially considering the strong summer performances from City, highlighted by their impressive group stage results.
The team, under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, has recently welcomed new talent, including Rayan Ait-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders, and Rayan Cherki, all of whom have made significant contributions. Their 5-2 victory over Juventus marked one of their best outings yet, showcasing the developing partnership between Ait-Nouri and Jeremy Doku on the left flank. This win allowed City to top Group G, avoiding a potential clash with football giants Real Madrid in the knockout stage.
In their next match, City will take on Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, which features several players familiar to Manchester City fans, including Ruben Neves and Kalidou Koulibaly. However, the spotlight will likely shine on Cancelo, who had a notable tenure at City before his unexpected exit.
Cancelo joined City in 2019 for £60 million, initially taking time to settle but eventually becoming a key player, especially during the glorious 2021-2022 season. However, his situation changed dramatically by the 2023-2024 season. After being a regular starter, he unexpectedly found himself on the bench, with Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji gaining preference in the lineup. This sudden change led to his loan move to Bayern Munich and later a transfer to Barcelona before finally joining Al-Hilal.
Despite speculation about a fallout with Guardiola, Cancelo clarified that his departure was a mutual decision stemming from his diminished playing time. He emphasized his gratitude to Guardiola and the club for helping him develop as a player. Cancelo stated, “I didn’t feel important to the team in recent games. I spoke with the manager and he agreed… I will never forget it.”
The upcoming match is filled with narrative as Cancelo faces the club where he made a name for himself. City’s current form and new additions suggest that they are well-prepared to tackle this challenge, reinforcing their quest for further success in the Club World Cup. It’s a moment that not only tests former loyalties but also highlights the dynamic nature of football, where players and clubs experience both highs and lows.