João Cancelo and Bernardo Silva, two lifelong friends, will face each other this Sunday in the Spotify Classic, when the Portuguese full-back plays for Barça and the playmaker plays for Real Madrid. Both are 32 years old and share a history that goes back to their adolescence at Benfica, where they trained in the youth team, shone in the reserve team and reached the first team in the 2013-14 season. Since then, they have been teammates in the Portugal national team, going through the youth and senior phases, before parting ways professionally when Cancelo moved to Manchester City in 2019.
The relationship between both players has always been one of camaraderie and mutual respect. In an interview with DAZN, Cancelo recalled that Bernardo is “one of my closest friends” and that, despite competing in the most watched match in the world, they will continue to be the same friends they have always been. “When we played for Benfica, we shared everything and now, although we will defend our respective teams, the friendship remains intact,” said the Portuguese full-back. Cancelo's club, Barcelona, also has the presence of José Mourinho, who, although Portuguese, manages Real Madrid and is in the same competition as Cancelo.
The match at the Camp Nou promises to be intense. Cancelo, who has shown his versatility as a right back and playmaker, will face Bernardo, who has been a key player in Real Madrid's offense. Both players have the experience of having played together at Manchester City, where Cancelo was loaned to Bayern and crossed paths with the playmaker on several occasions. The friendly rivalry between them adds an extra element to the Clásico, which is already a high-tension spectacle between two giants of Spanish football.
Regarding preparation, Cancelo has expressed his desire to defend the Barça shield with the greatest possible effort. “I want to defend the shield of this club and that is what I will try to do this Sunday,” said the full-back. For his part, Bernardo Silva has remained focused on his offensive role, seeking to help Real Madrid maintain its position in La Liga and the Champions League. Both players are fit and ready to give their best in a match that will be decisive for the season title.
The Spotify Classic will not only be a duel of technical and tactical skills, but also a testament to the friendship and respect that Cancelo and Bernardo have maintained throughout their careers. With Barcelona and Real Madrid set to compete, the match promises to be a memorable spectacle that will mark another chapter in the history of both teams and in the relationship between these two lifelong friends.