The world of football is constantly evolving, and one of the names that has been making waves in the transfer market in recent years is that of talented Portuguese striker Joao Felix. After playing for five teams in just three years, he could join the ambitious project of Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr, the club that since 2023 has had Cristiano Ronaldo in its ranks.
At 25 years of age, the Portuguese is at a key moment in his career. After several years at Europe’s top clubs with mixed performances, the striker is looking for stability and prominence, something he could find in Saudi Arabia, where Al-Nassr intends to take advantage of his potential and add a young player alongside their star, Cristiano Ronaldo.
The possible meeting between João Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr is generating great excitement. Cristiano, at 40 years of age, is a football legend and a leader on and off the pitch, known for his work ethic and ambition. For João Felix, sharing a dressing room with Cristiano could be key to relaunching his career. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s experience and leadership could help him find stability and confidence, aspects that have been lacking in his European stints.
Both represent different stages of Portuguese football: Cristiano as a global reference and Felix as a young talent with potential to develop. Their collaboration at Al-Nassr would not only strengthen the team, but could also be the boost that Joao needs to shine.
During his time at European clubs, the striker has failed to establish himself as an undisputed footballer. With Atletico Madrid, he scored 34 goals in 131 games, figures that did not convince the club or the fans. During his time in London, between the loan and the transfer, he scored 11 goals in 40 games. At Barca, the striker scored 10 goals in 44 games, and at AC Milan, he scored three goals in 21 games
Despite this, the money he has moved in transfers is within reach of very few: he was signed by Atletico Madrid in July 2019 from Benfica for a figure close to 126 million euros, a transfer that at the time was among the most expensive in the history of football. In August 2024, Chelsea agreed with Atletico to sign him for a total of 52 million euros, including variables. In addition, according to Sky Sports, Joao’s transfer to Al-Nassr could be closed at 50 million euros
Felix has been loaned out to clubs such as Barcelona (2023-24) and AC Milan (a six-month loan in 2025), the latter deal valued at around 5 million euros, although without an option to buy. In total, more than 200 million euros in transfers, a figure that places him among the players who have moved the most money in the market, despite the fact that his performance has not lived up to expectations.
Al-Nassr, the new opportunity
Although the signing of João Felix by Al-Nassr is not yet closed, the possibility of reuniting with Cristiano Ronaldo and forming part of an ambitious project in Saudi Arabia adds a new chapter to a career that has been marked by great expectations and ups and downs. After a journey that has involved more than 200 million euros in transfers and loans, the Portuguese is now looking for stability and a new impetus to prove his true level.
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