AFCON 2025
Portuguese forward João Felix continues his nomadic football career after the expiration of his loan spell at AC Milan.
The former FC Porto academy player takes his football journey out of Europe for the first time as he joins his national team captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, at Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
João Felix sealed the move to Al Nassr in a two-year deal worth €30m, which could potentially rise to €50m in add-ons and a sell-on clause.
The past few seasons have been topsy-turvy for the forward, after failing to reach the height of his potential at Atletico Madrid due to injuries, loss of form, and a fallout with the club’s coach, Diego Simeone.
João Felix joined the Rojiblancos from Benfica for a club record fee of €126 million but struggled to replicate his magical form at Benfica after four seasons in the Spanish capital.
Having had loan spells at Chelsea and Barcelona, Felix joined the Blues permanently in August 2024 but went on loan to AC Milan in the winter transfer window, where he spent the remainder of the season.
This post examines three reasons why João Felix will put his past struggles behind him and reignite his career, given that he’s still a talented player and relatively young.
3 reasons João Felix will succeed at Al Nassr
1. Reunion with Jorge Jesus
Joao Felix is likely to get back to his older self as he reunites with his former manager Jorge Jesus at Al Al Nassr. Jorge Jesus, previously coached Félix at Benfica where he had his best individual season yet. The Portuguese manager has hidden his admiration for the 25-year-old years after separation. He expressed belief in his potential, even as back in 2023 when he coached Al Hilal.
Jesus’s familiarity with Félix’s playing style could help the forward rediscover his form and confidence. Jorge Jesus also have a record of working with young players having worked with David Neres, Bruno Henrique among others.
2. Competitive but less-pressurized league
Al Hilal proved to an extent that the Saudi Pro League is reasonable competitive at the 2026 FIFA Club World Cup as they reached the last eight of the competition.
Joao Felix will play a competitive league but with less pressure compared to the major leagues in Europe.
Given that the 25-year-old signed a two-year contract, he is likely to return to Europe in 2027 after hitting top form in the Saudi Pro League.
Joao Felix talent is never in doubt and the Saudi League will provide him a calm footballing environment to relaunch his career.
3. Relationship with Ronaldo
Reports suggest that Joao Felix flew in Ronaldo’s private jet as joined Al Nassr’s training camp in Austria. The duo enjoy a good relationship having played together in the Portuguese national team at major tournaments including the 2025 Euro Nations League where they emerged as champions.
Joao Felix will look to leverage on his relationship with Ronaldo and leverage on the experience of the five-time Ballon D’or winner having played in the league for the past three years.
