The Portuguese couldn't control his temper.Getty ImagesPortuguese international footballer João Cancelo has found himself at the centre of an airborne controversy after a video emerged on social medi...
The Portuguese couldn't control his temper.
Getty Images
Portuguese international footballer João Cancelo has found himself at the centre of an airborne controversy after a video emerged on social media documenting a tense mid-flight confrontation.
The clip, which circulated widely on platform X, appears to show the 31-year-old Al Hilal and Portugal defender engaged in a dispute with a fellow passenger. According to sources familiar with the incident, the altercation began when the passenger, whose identity remains unknown, began recording Cancelo without seeking his consent.
Eyewitness accounts suggest Cancelo initially approached the individual and made a civil request to cease filming. After this request was reportedly ignored, a brief verbal exchange ensued. The situation then escalated physically, with the video showing Cancelo seizing the passenger's arm and taking possession of the mobile phone to stop the recording.
Joao Cancelo assaulted a man for filming him on the flight pic.twitter.com/HdmMIqp2Kl
— Troll Football Media (@Troll__Footbal) December 15, 2025
Neither Cancelo nor his representatives have issued an official statement regarding the incident at this time. The defender, who completed a high-profile €25 million move from Manchester City to Saudi Pro League champions Al Hilal last summer, has been a key figure for the club. In his debut season, he has made 44 appearances, contributing 3 goals and 14 assists under a contract that secures his services until 2027.
The event has sparked debate regarding the boundaries of privacy for public figures, even in non-public spaces like commercial aircraft cabins, and the appropriate means of addressing unsolicited filming.
Category: General Sports
