The full-back takes the number after the departure of Raheem Sterling, leaving vacant the No.27 he has worn since his arrival at the Club from Juventus in 2019.
Normally reserved for attacking players, the Portugal international has previously worn the No.7 for Valencia and Inter.
You can buy Joao’s No.7 shirt here
While he is keen to back up Sterling’s achievements in the shirt, it’s the number’s significance to his family that made Cancelo elect for a change.
“This is a special number for me,” he said during the Club’s pre-season tour of Houston and Green Bay.
“It’s my mother’s birthday and it’s also her favourite number.
“I decided to choose this number because I think it brings me luck and I hope it brings luck to the team too, so this year we can win many titles.
“I know it’s a number that comes with a lot of responsibility for what Sterling has done for the Club.”
Click on the video above to hear more from Joao...
