Joao Cancelo Squashes Beef Rumors Against Cristiano Ronaldo- “Legend In My Country”

A month back, Joao Cancelo shockingly said his Portuguese teammate Cristiano Ronaldo is past his prime. This came from the defender when Ronaldo ended last year as soccer’s top goal-scorer and is still leading the list of Saudi League’s scorers. Fans were undoubtedly upset at Cancelo for downplaying the Portuguese captain. So, rumors had it that the Portuguese forward, and the defender were having a beef. However, the Barcelona full-back’s recent adulatory comments on CR7 prove there is no rift between the compatriots.

Joao Cancelo was recently featured on a FIFPRO video to pick an ultimate five-a-side team. He chose his former Manchester City colleague Ederson to guard the team’s post. In defense, he had City star and compatriot Ruben Dias. He chose Dias’ teammate Bernardo Silva to galvanize the 5-player team’s midfield. Thereafter, Cancelo picked Brazil legend Ronaldinho as the attacking midfielder. When asked about the team’s forward, he chose Cristiano Ronaldo without any reluctance.

 “I will choose Cristiano in attack, because he is a legend in my country and for all the goals he scored, and because he continues to inspire young people,” said Joa Cancelo, explaining why he chose the Al Nassr star as the team’s only forward.

Cancelo’s snub of ex-Barcelona main man Lionel Messi might come as a shock to his fans. Meanwhile, the 29-year-old will be back in the good books of CR7 fans after twice upsetting them with shocking comments on the Al Nassr star and again snubbing him. What did Cancelo exactly do? We have you covered.

How did Cancelo upset Cristiano Ronaldo fans?

Last month, Joao Cancelo first spurred infamy by saying Cristiano Ronaldo is past his peak and is no longer of great importance to the Portugal team. “He is an important player and spent 15 years competing with Messi for the Ballon d’Or, but the peak of a footballer’s career is between the ages of 25 and 32. He is an important player for us, but the national team does not depend entirely on him,” said Cancelo referring to Ronaldo. Thereafter, he again downplayed the 5x Ballon d’Or winner.

In an interview with A Bola, the Barca defender was asked to name the top three soccer players in the world right now. He gave around five names he deemed fit to be in the top tier. These included Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri. That’s how Cancelo turned his back on Ronaldo yet again. It is surely debatable if CR7 is any longer having the same impact as these superstars. However, it is notable that both Mbappe and Haaland ended up playing second fiddle to 38-year-old Ronaldo in last year’s race for the Golden Boot.

Now, Cancelo has finally acknowledged Ronaldo’s greatness after twice overlooking him. Only time will tell when he will milden his stance regarding former Barca maestro Messi.