João Félix, the 25-year-old Portuguese forward, is Al-Nassr’s latest signing, joining the Saudi club led by Cristiano Ronaldo and coached by Jorge Jesus. The transfer, officially announced on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, marks Félix’s permanent departure from Chelsea, where he struggled to secure a starting role. The contract with Al-Nassr spans two seasons, until June 2027, with an initial transfer fee of €30 million, potentially rising to €50 million with performance bonuses. Félix traveled to Austria, where the team is holding pre-season, for medicals and to finalize the deal. The move, which outbid competition from Benfica, his former club, underscores the growing influence of the Saudi Pro League in global football. Expectations are high that the Portuguese duo will elevate Al-Nassr’s competitiveness in domestic and continental competitions.
Félix’s move to Saudi Arabia follows stints at top European clubs like Atlético de Madrid, Barcelona, and Milan, where he alternated between moments of brilliance and inconsistency. Conversations with Ronaldo and Jesus, who emphasized Al-Nassr’s sporting ambitions, influenced his decision. Earning an estimated €17.5 million annually, Félix sees the transfer as a chance to regain prominence and strengthen his role in Portugal’s national team for the 2026 World Cup.
Key transfer details:
Initial fee: €30 million, with bonuses up to €50 million.
Contract duration: Two seasons, until June 2027.
Annual salary: Approximately €17.5 million, tax-free.
Competition: Outbid Benfica’s €25 million offer for 50% of rights.
The Saudi fanbase is already celebrating Félix’s arrival, expecting a formidable attacking partnership with Ronaldo. Al-Nassr, which finished third in the last Saudi Pro League season, is banking on Félix’s talent to challenge for the title against rivals like Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad.
Lightning-fast negotiation with Chelsea
João Félix’s transfer to Al-Nassr was finalized swiftly, catching even Benfica off guard as they negotiated his return. Chelsea, who paid €52 million in 2024 to sign him permanently from Atlético de Madrid, saw Félix score just 11 goals in 40 games, failing to secure a regular spot. The sale to Al-Nassr, with a resale clause, allows Chelsea to recoup part of their investment and free up payroll space for new signings.
The initial €30 million deal, potentially rising to €50 million with add-ons, was well-received by Chelsea, who faced pressure to comply with financial fair play rules. Al-Nassr’s aggressive approach outmaneuvered Benfica’s €25 million bid for half of Félix’s rights. The Saudi club’s offer, which included full ownership and a salary five times higher than in England, proved decisive.
Factors influencing the decision:
Financial offer: €17.5 million annual salary, tax-free.
Ronaldo’s influence: Direct talks with the Portuguese star.
Sporting project: Title ambitions under Jorge Jesus.
2026 World Cup: Chance to secure a spot in Portugal’s squad.
With our CEO and Sports Director 💛João Félix signs his contract with #AlNassr ✍️and sends a special message to all AlNassr fans 🤩 pic.twitter.com/7SK4qHNpkU— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) July 29, 2025
João Félix’s European football journey
João Félix emerged as a global prospect at Benfica, scoring 20 goals in 43 games in the 2018-2019 season. His €126 million move to Atlético de Madrid in 2019 brought high expectations, but adapting to Diego Simeone’s defensive style proved challenging. Despite winning La Liga in 2021, Félix never became a regular starter, scoring 34 goals in 131 matches.
Loans to Chelsea (2023), Barcelona (2023-2024), and Milan (2025) showed flashes of talent but lacked consistency. At Chelsea, he scored 11 goals in 40 games; at Barcelona, 10 in 44; and at Milan, just 3 in 21. His uneven performances led Félix to seek a fresh start, with Al-Nassr offering a less pressured environment and significant visibility.
Expected impact at Al-Nassr
João Félix’s arrival bolsters Al-Nassr’s ambitions to dominate the Saudi Pro League and progress in the Asian Champions League. With players like Sadio Mané and Aymeric Laporte already in the squad, Félix is expected to form a lethal attacking trio with Ronaldo and Mané. Under Jorge Jesus’s offensive tactics, Félix will have the freedom to showcase his creativity and finishing ability.
Pre-season in Austria has begun integrating Félix into the squad, with friendlies scheduled against European teams. Saudi fans are eager to see him in action against rivals like Al-Hilal, featuring Neymar, and Al-Ittihad. The Saudi Pro League, starting in August, will be Félix’s first test as he aims to rediscover the form that made him a global prospect at 18.
Al-Nassr’s season goals:
Win the Saudi Pro League after finishing third last season.
Advance in the Asian Champions League with strong performances.
Build a potent attack with Félix, Ronaldo, and Mané.
Boost global visibility with high-profile signings.
Football world reacts to the transfer
Félix’s move to Saudi Arabia at 25 has sparked debate in European football. Some, like former Atlético de Madrid player Mario Suárez, criticized the decision, arguing Félix should prioritize competitive leagues over financial offers. Others, including Félix’s father, Carlos Sequeira, hailed the move as a “major step,” citing Al-Nassr’s structure and the chance to work with Ronaldo and Jesus.
Benfica fans expressed frustration online, disappointed by the failed return to their club. Despite efforts from president Rui Costa, Al-Nassr’s financial power and Chelsea’s stance made the deal unattainable. The transfer highlights the growing trend of young talents joining emerging leagues, drawn by lucrative contracts and ambitious projects.
Market reactions:
Criticism: Some view the move as a step back for Félix’s career.
Support: Family and Saudi fans celebrate his arrival.
Surprise: Benfica’s failed bid caught the market off guard.
Trend: Saudi Pro League’s appeal grows for young players.
Preparation for the 2026 World Cup
A key factor in Félix’s decision was the 2026 World Cup. Playing alongside Ronaldo at Al-Nassr offers a chance to build chemistry with Portugal’s star ahead of the tournament. With 10 goals in 55 caps for Portugal, Félix aims to secure a regular spot under Roberto Martínez. The duo is expected to play around 40-50 matches and share 300 training sessions by the World Cup, fostering on-field synergy.
The move to Al-Nassr, though controversial, provides Félix a less intense environment to regain confidence and form. The Saudi Pro League, while less competitive than Europe’s top leagues, has gained prominence with global stars, offering visibility and playing time. Portuguese fans hope the Ronaldo-Félix partnership will boost Félix’s performance and impact at the international level.
Benefits for Portugal’s national team:
Chemistry: More matches and training with Ronaldo.
Regularity: Guaranteed minutes in a less demanding league.
Visibility: Exposure in an emerging league with global stars.
New chapter in Félix’s career
João Félix’s transfer to Al-Nassr marks a turning point in his career. After years of ups and downs in Europe, the Portuguese star seeks a fresh start in an ambitious project guided by Jorge Jesus and supported by Cristiano Ronaldo. The move, though surprising, reflects the evolving landscape of global football, with the Saudi Pro League attracting young and experienced talents with unmatched financial offers.
Félix’s challenge will be to prove he can still be the “golden boy” who captivated the world at Benfica. With a two-year contract, he has time to adapt and deliver consistency. Saudi fans, thrilled with his arrival, await his debut in August. Meanwhile, the football world watches closely as emerging leagues continue to reshape the sport’s global stage.
