Joao Felix Switches from Chelsea to Al Nasr, Now Under the Banner of Ronaldo
João Félix, the Portuguese football sensation, has had an illustrious career marked by record-breaking transfers, loan spells, and notable achievements.
Félix began his professional journey at Benfica in 2016, where he helped the team win the Primeira Liga title in his only season before transferring to Atlético Madrid in 2019. At just 19 years old, Félix made a record-breaking transfer to Atlético for approximately €126–127.7 million, a club-record fee and one of the most expensive transfers in football history [1][2][5].
At Atlético, Félix contributed to winning the La Liga title during his stay [1][2]. However, his overall performance was considered underwhelming relative to his transfer value, leading to several loan spells later [3][4].
Félix joined Chelsea on loan during the winter transfer window of the 2022/23 season, scoring four goals in 20 appearances. Chelsea then signed him permanently for £46.3 million in 2024. However, after underwhelming form with only one Premier League goal in 12 games during the first half of the 2024/25 season, Chelsea loaned him to AC Milan, where he netted 15 goals and provided 2 assists [2][3].
During his loan spell at Barcelona for the 2023–24 season, Félix made a significant impact. Highlights include scoring on his first start in a 5–0 league win over Real Betis and a man-of-the-match performance in the Champions League debut for Barça, scoring twice and assisting once in a 5–0 win over Antwerp. He also scored a crucial winning goal against FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League group stage to qualify Barça for the knockout stage [1].
In July 2025, Félix transferred to Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr from Chelsea for around £43.7 million. At Al Nassr, he reunited with Cristiano Ronaldo and coach Jorge Jesus, aiming for a career resurgence after a decline in European leagues. The move marks a new chapter in his career outside major European football [2][3][5].
Throughout his career, Félix has accumulated several notable achievements. These include winning the Primeira Liga with Benfica in his debut season [1], winning La Liga with Atlético Madrid at a young age [1][2], and setting a record-setting transfer fee (~€127 million) to Atlético Madrid in 2019, one of the most expensive transfers ever, particularly for a teenager [1][2][4][5]. Key performances during loan spells, such as his impact at Barcelona, have further cemented his place in football history.
Despite early promise and a record transfer setting high expectations, Félix has experienced fluctuating form and multiple loans before moving to Al Nassr in 2025 [3][4]. His journey continues as he embarks on a new adventure in the Saudi Pro League.
News of João Félix's latest move to Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League made headlines, marking a significant shift in his career after an underwhelming performance in European-leagues. Despite a record-breaking transfer to Atlético Madrid in 2019, Félix's football career has been marked by loan spells, including a successful stint at Barcelona in the La Liga and an impressive performance at AC Milan, where he scored 15 goals and provided 2 assists.
