Felix’s European Ambitions Cast Shadow Over Al-Nassr’s Ronaldo Partnership

Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix have transformed Al-Nassr into one of Saudi soccer’s most compelling stories, yet the club now faces a critical crossroads regarding one of its premier attackers. The Portuguese forward has undergone a dramatic revival since joining from Chelsea in 2025, with his performances elevating him to a central role in the Portugal national team setup under new coach Jorge Jesus.

Felix’s revival ranks among the most significant developments in Al-Nassr’s recent history. Following difficult spells at Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, and Milan, the striker has finally unlocked the consistency and creative freedom that once marked him as one of Europe’s most promising talents.

Felix finished the 2025-26 campaign with 26 goals and 19 assists across 47 appearances, playing a decisive role in Al-Nassr’s championship-winning season. That momentum has carried into the new campaign, where he has contributed four goals and three assists in his opening seven to eight matches.

The improvement has extended to international duty as well. Felix has scored in each of Portugal’s first three matches during the current window, and his shift to a central second-striker role has yielded more consistent influence. “Playing as a second striker suits me; it’s not like playing on the left wing or out wide,” he explained recently.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr celebrates with teammates Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman after scoring.

The forward has emphasized that occupying his preferred position has been fundamental to his resurgence. “I know my worth, and I play in my natural position. It’s in this position that I distinguished myself at Benfica, and I have my confidence primarily when I play there.” Source: João Félix.

Felix’s European ambitions could disrupt Al-Nassr’s plans

The surprise twist is that Felix’s standout form in Saudi Arabia has made a European return increasingly plausible. The 26-year-old has publicly stated his wish to compete in European competitions again, specifically the UEFA Champions League, once his Saudi Pro League tenure concludes, according to Matteo Moretto.

While Felix remains content at Al-Nassr, he also craves another chance against Europe’s elite. “I’m very happy at Al Nassr. This will be my second year,” he told Diario AS, before acknowledging future considerations.

“I’ll be 27 at the end of the season. I’m planning to return to Europe, though perhaps not immediately. I don’t know if it will be at the end of this season or the end of next, but I’m eager to return to Europe, to play in the Champions League again, and to compete there again.”

He added: “It’s always different. Playing in Europe, playing in the Champions League, playing against the best teams in the world gives you extra motivation, and obviously, that’s what I’m thinking about.”

Which club is the reported dream destination?

That European ambition points toward a familiar destination. Spanish publication Sport reports that Felix’s top priority remains a return to Barcelona, where he spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan from Atletico Madrid.

During that loan spell, the Portuguese forward made 44 appearances, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists. Although Barcelona opted not to permanentize the deal, Felix has spoken fondly of his time at Camp Nou and has never concealed that wearing the Blaugrana shirt was a lifelong dream.

Joao Felix of FC Barcelona celebrates

“Good ones, very good ones. In the end, we didn’t win anything, but simply playing for Barcelona made me very happy,” he told Diario AS. “I’m very happy to have worn the Barca shirt. It was a childhood dream for me, my father and my brother. It was an honor.”

Sport further reports that agent Jorge Mendes has already conveyed Felix’s desire to return to Barcelona, potentially as a free agent when his Al-Nassr contract reaches its June 30, 2027 expiration. The player is reportedly willing to accept reduced compensation to facilitate a move back to Spain.

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