João Cancelo recently opened up about the dark side of social media, revealing the horrifying extent of abuse he received after Barcelona’s Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. The 29-year-old footballer shared that he was targeted with comments that went as far as wishing death upon his family, including his unborn baby. In an interview, Cancelo expressed his disbelief and pain at the inhumanity behind these messages, emphasizing that people fail to see the person beyond the footballer portrayed on their screens.
Following the match against PSG, Cancelo faced harsh criticism, particularly for his foul that resulted in a penalty for the opposing team. Even former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand weighed in, describing Cancelo’s actions as “silly” and “childish.” Despite accepting constructive criticism regarding his performance on the field, Cancelo made it clear that targeting his family crosses a line that should not be crossed. He admitted that the aftermath of the game was emotionally challenging, leaving him sleepless and introspective about his role in the team’s defeat.
Cancelo shared his inner turmoil after the Champions League disappointment, highlighting the impact of defeat on his mental well-being. He confessed that failure to secure a win affects him deeply, keeping him up at night as he reflects on his performance and his contribution to the team. The weight of responsibility and expectations as a professional athlete can be overwhelming, with Cancelo expressing the personal struggles he faces in coping with setbacks and criticism from both fans and analysts.
Despite the difficult period, Cancelo remains focused on moving forward and learning from the experience. As Barcelona prepares to face Real Madrid in a crucial LaLiga match, Cancelo sees it as an opportunity to redeem themselves and prove their capabilities on the field. With a chance to narrow the gap with the league leaders, Cancelo views the upcoming game as a chance for redemption and a turning point for the team.
João Cancelo’s journey highlights the harsh realities of professional sports, where success and failure are magnified under the scrutiny of fans and critics. His struggle with online abuse underscores the urgent need for empathy and respect in the sports community, reminding us that behind every player is a person with feelings and vulnerabilities. Cancelo’s resilience and determination to overcome challenges serve as an inspiration for athletes facing similar adversities in their careers.
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