João Cancelo, the right back of FC Barcelona, has been involved in a scoring streak that has caused some media to consider him a possible “candidate” to occupy the position of false center forward. During the last eight games, for both the club and the Portuguese national team, the Portuguese has scored four goals and provided one assist, demonstrating that his offensive contribution goes beyond his traditional defensive role.
The first goal of the season came on September 16, when Cancelo scored in a 7‑2 victory over Racing de Santander. The Barça striker, who usually appears on the wing, showed his ability to attack from the baseline and take advantage of shooting opportunities from outside the area. The second goal, also on the same day, occurred after a rebound of the ball that slipped into the rival goal, which demonstrated his sense of position and his ability to be in the right place at the right time.
In the following matches, Cancelo continued his scoring form. On September 19, although he started again in the match against Sevilla, he failed to score. However, on October 1, in the match against Denmark, he scored again, and on October 4, in the match against Norway, he replicated the same result with another goal. These performances reinforced the idea that the full-back is taking advantage of his position to generate and achieve scoring opportunities.
The highlight of the season came in the match against Galatasaray, where Cancelo scored a crucial goal that helped Barça secure a 4‑1 victory. The goal, which came in the final minutes of the match, demonstrated his ability to contribute decisively in critical moments. Additionally, his active involvement in playmaking and attacking vision were evident, leading some analysts to suggest that he could play as a false center forward in certain formations.
Despite his offensive performance, Cancelo remains a key player in Barcelona's defense. His versatility allows him to cover both the wing and the defensive midfield position, and his ability to recover balls and distribute the game remains essential for the team's tactical scheme. With the 2026-2027 season in full swing, Cancelo's future as a possible additional offensive option will be a topic of interest for both the club and the Portuguese national team, who will continue to monitor his development in upcoming matches.