Both players, who have shared the pitch with Jota for years on the international stage, struggled to hold back tears during the ceremony. Despite the magnitude of the quarterfinal clash, the human side of the sport was on full display.

For a few minutes, the competitive stakes were set aside, as Cancelo and Neves reminded the soccer world that behind every jersey is a person — and behind every teammate, a lasting bond.

The tribute served as a somber but powerful reminder of Jota’s impact not just as a player, but as a cherished figure in the locker room and within the Portuguese national team.

What happened to Diogo Jota?

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva — a professional player for FC Penafiel in Portugal — tragically passed away in a car accident in Spain early Thursday morning. The incident was first reported by Portuguese media and later confirmed by Spanish authorities, who released further details on the crash.

According to local officials in Zamora, the accident occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m. on the A-52 highway — a major route connecting Madrid to Galicia in the northwest region of Spain, near the Portuguese border.

Authorities stated that the two brothers were traveling in a Lamborghini when the vehicle veered off the road and crashed into a barrier. The impact caused the car to catch fire. Emergency services responded quickly, but both men were pronounced dead at the scene.

While the exact cause of the accident has yet to be officially determined, Spanish police told the BBC that preliminary reports suggest the driver may have lost control after the car suffered a rear tire blowout.

In a video released by FIFA in 2023, Joao Cancelo was asked about who in his perspective was the best player in the history of the FIFA World Cup and he answered: “The best player in the history of the World Cup? This is very, very difficult. I want to put a Portuguese… (then) Cristiano.”

Joao Cancelo’s statements attracted attention because he chose as the best player of this competition a player who has never won it and who has not even reached a World Cup final. However, he explained that he wanted to choose a Portuguese player.

What makes these statements by Joao Cancelo so surprising?

It was even more surprising that Cancelo did not choose Lionel Messi, who led Argentina to two World Cup finals, winning the most recent edition and earning MVP honors. Interestingly, Cancelo made these remarks just a few months after joining FC Barcelona on loan, sharing his thoughts on the 1PARA1 podcast:

“I have always been a Barcelona fan. Of course, more in the golden era, from about 2008 onwards, I grew up watching Barcelona play. For me, I grew up watching the best team in soccer play, which is Barcelona in 2009, and a lot of my idols played here,” stated Joao Cancelo on December of 2023.

What makes Cancelo’s statement even more intriguing is his long-standing support for FC Barcelona since 2008. Despite his affection for FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi’s remarkable achievements, including a World Cup victory and being the fourth-highest scorer in tournament history with 13 goals, Cancelo chose Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 8 World Cup goals, as the greatest player in the competition’s history.

Joao Cancelo shares controversial comments about Cristiano Ronaldo

Despite Joao Cancelo’s previous praise for Cristiano Ronaldo, their relationship appears strained. Cancelo’s recent strong remarks about Ronaldo have ignited a heated debate in Portugal, raising questions about their dynamic both on and off the pitch:

“He is an important player and he spent 15 years competing with Messi for the Ballon d’Or, but the peak of a player’s career is between the ages of 25 and 32…He is an important player for us, but the national team The team does not depend entirely on him,” stated Joao Cancelo on RTP (Radio and Portuguese Television).

Joao Cancelo recently stated that Cristiano Ronaldo is no longer indispensable to the Portuguese national team, noting that his peak years are behind him, though he remains an important figure. These remarks seem to have caused tension, as the two players have not appeared particularly close in recent matches.

Cancelo clarified that his intention was to highlight the team’s growth, emphasizing that Portugal no longer relies on a single player, with stars like Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao, and Bruno Fernandes now capable of leading the squad.

After losing the bid for Nico Williams in a negotiation that took success for granted, Barcelona has found the ideal reinforcement for their midfield. For this reason, the club’s board of directors accelerated the decision to sign one of the stars of the Spain National Team in the consecration of the Euro in Germany.

On the other hand, Barcelona is close to closing the definitive incorporation of a full-back, who already showed his quality during his loan at the club last season, he has become a key piece in the team’s scheme. His arrival will bring experience, quality, and versatility to the Barça defense.

Who will be Barça’s new brain in midfield?

The talented Spanish player Dani Olmo, who shone at the European Championship, will arrive at Camp Nou from RB Leipzig for a figure close to 55 million euros and will become the new brain of FC Barcelona’s midfield. Olmo is expected to wear the mythical number 10 shirt, following in the footsteps of legends such as Messi and Ronaldinho.

The arrival of Dani Olmo provides Barcelona with a player with a great vision of the game, and the ability to get unmarked and score. His versatility allows him to play in various positions in midfield, which gives him great adaptability to Hansi Flick’s tactical scheme. In addition, his youth and future projection make him a long-term bet for the club.

Barcelona prepares for a new cycle

On the other hand, Barcelona is close to closing the definitive incorporation of the Portuguese Joao Cancelo. With the signings of Dani Olmo and Joao Cancelo, Barcelona is building a team with a mix of youth and experience. The Barça board has shown ambition in the transfer market, looking to strengthen all the lines of the team to be able to compete at the highest level.

The next season is presented as a new cycle for Barcelona. With a renewed team and an exciting sporting project, the Catalans hope to regain prominence in Spanish and European football.

The video shows a group of teenage and twenty something fans asking for photos, with Cancelo in his car, and autographs but the player is firm to state that some of the autograph seekers are “here every day”. Cancelo goes as far as saying no to one of the people looking for an autograph.

On social media the video was uploaded, and many fans hit back at Cancelo for not signing autographs and having a bad attitude. The full back took to social media to clear up what happened and maintains his stance on “supposed fans” looking to make a profit from the passion of others.

João Cancelo responds to online criticism

After the video showed Cancelo saying to a Barcelona supporter, “You’re so annoying, my God. You are here every day. Do I have to stop my car every day?” Many fans were not pleased with the player, but Cancelo cleared it all up by responding to the comments.

“For all the stupidity that is being written (on Instagram) in the comments I have a few things to say.

“First of all, they are not supporters, they are “kids” that are in their 20’s who go every day at the entrance of the club, at the park when I am with my daughter, or simply having dinner with my girlfriend.

“Second, they ask for autographs on training gear and jerseys to resell them later. And this repeats every day, it’s always the same people.”

Cancelo went on to state, “These people don’t respect the space of others.” For Cancelo clearing up the air will smooth things over with the Barcelona fans where he has started on the right foot at the club.

Cancelo’s numbers at Barcelona

Cancelo has played in six La Liga games and has scored two goals and provided 1 assist in league play so far. Cancelo has also played in both UEFA Champions League matches this season.

Currently on loan from Manchester City, Cancelo has played for a who’s who of clubs, ranging from Benfica, Valencia, Inter Milan, Juventus, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City where he had 5 goals in 98 Premier League appearances.

In the summer of 2021,for instance, Barça were only able to sign free agents Eric Garcia and Sergio ‘Kun’ Agüero, and couldn’t bring in Raheem Sterling, who was their primary target. Months later, they pulled off the signing of Ferran Torres, but couldn’t get the signature of Bernardo Silva.

It makes sense, since many of their targets were way above their budget. However, it looks like they had everything ready to sign another ‘Citizen’ this season until Pep Guardiola stepped in.

Pep Guardiola reportedly blockedJoão Cancelo’s move to Barcelona

According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona had agreed on terms with Manchester City for the transfer of Portuguese right-backJoão Cancelo in winter, but Guardiola blocked the move.

Barça were reportedly aware that Pep’s relationship with Cancelo was broken, and therefore tried to seize the opportunity to strengthen at the position. However, for some reason it was their former coach who didn’t let the defender move to the Camp Nou.

Cancelo was eventually sent on loan to Bayern Munich, and Barcelona stuck to their options with Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, or Sergi Roberto performing as right-back.

The African team has already shown its credentials at Qatar 2022, finishing as Group F leaders against all odds before pulling off a shock against Spain in the Round of 16. Now, it’s Portugal’s turn to make sure Morocco don’t produce another upset.

Fernando Santos has therefore named a star-studded starting eleven, which will have some notable absences regardless. Apart from Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Cancelo is also starting on the bench.

Why was Joao Cancelo benched for the Portugal game against Morocco

Joao Cancelo doesn’t have any injury, so the reason he’s not starting against Morocco is a tactical decision. Santos has chosen Diogo Dalot and Raphael Guerreiro asstarting wing-backs, so the Man City star will have to wait on the bench.

How far do you think Portugal will go in this year’s World Cup?Using this World Cup Predictor, you can see every potential outcome of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Enjoy all the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup matches from the United States through FuboTV. Click here and to take advantage of their 7-day free trial offer.

Portugal’s national team is seen as a very strong squad full of stars. They must prove what they’re capable of in Qatar 2022 and repeat what they did in the Euro 2016 when they won the title.

But now starts a whole different tournament for them. In the Round of 16, they’ll face Switzerland with a couple surprises in their starting 11, including Joao Cancelo, who will go to the bench.

Why is Joao Cancelo not starting for Portugal vs. Switzerland?

The most important part of Qatar 2022 has started with the knockout stage. In the last game of the Round of 16, Portugal will face Switzerland to see which squad will play against Morocco in the Quarter-finals.

For this game, Fernando Santos, Portugal’s coach decided to make some changes. A big surprise in the starting 11 is Cristiano Ronaldo, but also Joao Cancelo, who will seat next to CR7 in the bench.

Fortunately, Joao Cancelo is not injured and will be available for Fernando Santos as a substitute. Raphael Guerreiro will start as Portugal’s left back instead of the Manchester city player.

Play with Bolavip – Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Predictor!

Qatar 2022 has already started and Bolavip has made a FIFA World Cup Predictor! Here you can select which countries will advance through each round and predict which national team will get the title. Click right here to play it and share your results with your friends!

Enjoy all the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup matches from the United States through FuboTV. Click here and to take advantage of their 7-day free trial offer.

The robbers made off with jewelry and club Manchester City issued the following statement, “We are shocked and appalled that Joao Cancelo and his family were subjected to a burglary at their home this evening during which Joao was also assaulted. Joao and his family are being supported by the club and he is helping the police with their enquiries as they investigate this very serious matter.”

Cancelo joined Manchester City in 2019 and has played in 63 games scoring 3 goals during his time at the club. This is the fifth incident this season where robbers targeted players or coaches in the Premier League.

Joao Cancelo shares images of attack on Instagram

Joao Cancelo shared the images on Instagram and stated, “Unfortunately today I was assaulted by four cowards who hurt me and tried to hurt my family. When you show resistance, this is what happens. They managed to take all my jewelry and leave me with my face in this state. I don’t know how there are people with such meanness. The most important thing for me is my family and luckily, they are all OK. And I after so many obstacles in my life, this is just one more that I will overcome. Firm and strong, like always.”

The police continue to investigate the incident and at the moment no further details have been revealed. Manchester City and Cancelo return to action Saturday against Arsenal.

That’s why they secured the signings of Sergio Aguero and Eric García, but according to a report by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, they’re far from done spending. If anything, they want to add even more former Citizens to their ranks.

The report states that Barcelona President Joan Laporta has turned his attention to 4 Manchester City players. And, with Pep Guardiola reportedly eyeing Ousmane Dembeléand/or Sergi Roberto, there could be a swap in the works right as we speak.

Report: Barcelona Interested In 4 Manchester City Players

4. Bernardo Silva

Even though he has been one of the most reliable players since joining the Manchester City, Bernardo Silva has been losing ground in Guardiola’s pecking order. He’s a perfect fit for the Cule’s schemeand could be a part of a swap for Ousmane Dembelé.

3. Aymeric Laporte

Leftie center-back Aymeric Laportehas been linked with a move away from the team for some time now, and it seems like Real Madrid are also interested in his services. Barcelona are looking forward to reinforcing their final third of the roster with a top-notch player next to Samuel Umtiti.

2. Joao Cancelo

Joao Cancelo has reportedly been on Barcelona’s radar for the past two or three seasons. His versatility and ability to play on both flanks are some of the mainreasons why Ronald Koeman has made him a priority, and he could be swapped for Sergi Roberto.

1. Riyad Mahrez

The Blaugrana have kept tabs on Riyad Mahrez since he played for Leicester City. And even though he’s far from his best, he’s still a valuable piece that could make a huge impact coming off the bench. The Citizens want to sign Harry Kane and/or Jack Grealish, so he’d lose a lot of ground if that happens.