The football world was set abuzz when Al-Nassr completed the signing of João Félix from Chelsea for a deal worth up to £43.7 million.

Given Ronaldo’s stature at the Saudi club and his close personal and international relationship with Félix, rumours quickly emerged that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner actively lobbied Félix to choose Al-Nassr over a return to his boyhood club, Benfica.

However, Ronaldo moved swiftly to downplay these reports, stating that transfer decisions rest solely with club management and the players involved—which, in this case, saw Al-Nassr hijack Benfica’s attempts to bring the 25-year-old forward home after Chelsea made him available for transfer. 

The Félix Transfer Saga: Benfica Left Disappointed

Félix’s future was a point of speculation throughout the summer. After underwhelming loan spells at Barcelona and AC Milan, he returned to Chelsea but remained on the fringes of the first team.

Both Benfica and Al-Nassr were in the market for a creative attacking spark; talks between Félix’s camp and Benfica reportedly broke down over financial constraints, paving the way for Al-Nassr—buoyed by Saudi buying power and Ronaldo’s global appeal—to strike a deal.

Chelsea ultimately recouped nearly what they spent on Félix, and the player travels to Riyadh, joining a growing Portuguese contingent at Al-Nassr, with Jorge Jesus now at the managerial helm. 

No Shortcuts: Felix’s Career At a Crossroads

Félix’s arrival in Saudi Arabia has not been without criticism. Former Atletico Madrid teammate Saul Niguez warned that talent alone is “worthless without hard work,” reflecting a broader European skepticism about Félix’s willingness to fight for a place at the highest level.

Nonetheless, Félix maintains that the move presents a unique chance to rejuvenate his career alongside a compatriot whose standards remain among the highest in the game.

While the Saudi Pro League continues to attract talent with lucrative offers, Félix will face intense scrutiny to prove that his decision was motivated by professional ambition, not just financial security.

As Al-Nassr prepares for the new season with a blend of stars and rising talent, Ronaldo’s assertion stands: squad evolution in Riyadh is about more than one man’s influence—even one as iconic as his.

The jury remains out on whether Félix can reignite his career in Saudi Arabia, but, for now, both he and Ronaldo are eager to let their performances answer the critics.