Former Flamengo target, Portuguese attacker João Félix, 25, has finalized his transfer to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where he will play alongside compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo. The deal, completed in July 2025, involves an initial €30 million fee from the Saudi club to Chelsea, the player’s rights holder, potentially rising to €50 million with performance clauses. Félix, who was close to returning to Benfica, chose Al-Nassr’s lucrative financial offer and the chance to join an ambitious project in the Saudi Pro League. Flamengo had shown interest in the player before the Club World Cup but backed off due to the high costs. The move highlights the growing appeal of Saudi clubs, which continue to invest heavily in European talents. With the agreement finalized, Félix is already training with the team, and an official announcement is imminent.
Félix’s decision came as a surprise, especially after advanced talks with Benfica. The Portuguese club offered €25 million for 50% of his rights but couldn’t match Al-Nassr’s financial package.
- Reasons for the move: Annual salary of €17.5 million and direct influence from Ronaldo.
- Contract clauses: Bonuses for goals, assists, and titles.
- Chelsea’s gain: Funds to support new signings in the Premier League.
Ronaldo’s influence on the transfer
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s icon and Al-Nassr’s star, played a key role in convincing João Félix. At 40, Ronaldo remains a global reference and facilitated Félix’s integration, even providing logistical support for the pre-season. The Portuguese duo strengthens Al-Nassr’s attack, aiming to reclaim the Saudi Pro League title after finishing third last season. Félix arrives with expectations of becoming a protagonist, a role he struggled to secure at Atlético de Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, and Milan.
During his latest loan at Milan, Félix scored just three goals in 21 games, prompting the Italian club to forgo a permanent deal. Now, under Jorge Jesus, Félix has a chance to rediscover his form.
Flamengo’s missed opportunity
Flamengo tracked João Félix before the Club World Cup, held between June and July 2025 in the United States. The Brazilian club saw the Portuguese star as a potential boost for their attack, but the investment, exceeding R$200 million, led the board to step back. Flamengo fans, who dreamed of the European talent, now watch him head to Saudi Arabia.
🚨🟡🔵 EXCLUSIVE: Al Nassr agree deal to sign João Félix from Chelsea, here we go!
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 27, 2025
Player authorized to fly for medical and join Al Nassr, initial transfer fee worth €30m plus add-ons and heavy sell-on clause to meet Chelsea €50m valuation in future.
Paperwork being prepared. pic.twitter.com/pCcS4AiAuZ
This wasn’t Flamengo’s first pursuit of a high-profile player; however, financial constraints often block such deals. Félix, a Benfica product, could have added flair to the squad, but Al-Nassr’s offer proved unbeatable.
- Initial fee: €30 million, equivalent to R$196 million.
- Potential bonuses: Up to €20 million extra.
- Al-Nassr contract: Two years, with an extension option.
- Salary: Six times higher than Benfica’s offer.
Chelsea’s transfer details
Chelsea, who signed Félix for €126 million from Atlético de Madrid in 2019, sees the sale as a chance to balance their books. Facing pressure to comply with financial fair play rules, the club has raised millions through other departures and plans to invest in young prospects. Félix failed to establish himself at Stamford Bridge, with successive loans defining his tenure.
The approval for his trip to Riyadh was swift, and Félix is already training with the squad. The transfer aligns with Al-Nassr’s strategy to attract stars, following the blueprint that brought Ronaldo, Mané, and Laporte.
Saudi Pro League’s rise
The Saudi league solidifies its status as a magnet for players seeking new challenges. With billion-dollar investments, clubs like Al-Nassr compete for top names, reshaping global football. Félix joins a star-studded roster, aiming for domestic and continental titles.
- Al-Nassr stars: Ronaldo, Mané, Laporte, and now Félix.
- Last season: Third place, trailing Al-Ittihad.
- Goals: League title and Asian Champions League spot.
The Saudi fanbase is thrilled with the arrival, while analysts debate whether moving at 25 signals a step back for Félix’s career.
Félix’s journey and future expectations
João Félix burst onto the scene at Benfica with 20 goals in the 2018-19 season, leading to a record transfer to Atlético de Madrid. There, he won La Liga but struggled for consistency. Loans to Chelsea, Barcelona, and Milan yielded 92 career goals but marked inconsistency.
At Al-Nassr, partnering with Ronaldo could boost his role in Portugal’s national team, where he has 10 goals in 55 appearances. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Félix aims to shine.
