Joao Felix's Saudi Move Marks Career Decline

The next chapter in one of football's most perplexing careers is about to unfold - leaving fans with the sinking feeling that his once-boundless potential may never be realized.

João Félix, reportedly set to join Al-Nassr from Chelsea, remains the third most expensive transfer in history with his £113m move from Benfica to Atlético Madrid in 2019. Despite this astronomical fee, the Portuguese forward has never scored more than 10 goals in a single season since leaving his homeland.

The Rise of a Prodigy

Félix's career began with tremendous promise at Benfica:

• Became Benfica B's youngest ever player at 16
• Scored in his first Lisbon derby against Sporting
• Set record as youngest Europa League hat-trick scorer
• Finished debut season with 20 goals in 43 games
• Won Primeira Liga title and Golden Boy award

"Those six months at Benfica were pure artistry," recalls Lisbon-based journalist Marcus Alves. "He seemed destined for football's pinnacle - so much so that when Ronaldo joined Portugal's camp, headlines proclaimed 'Ronaldo joins Félix' rather than the reverse."

At Atlético: Promise Unfulfilled

His record-breaking transfer to Atlético Madrid brought mixed results:

• 131 appearances yielding 35 goals and 16 assists
• Part of 2020-21 La Liga winning squad
• Named club Player of the Season in 2021-22
• Struggled with defensive responsibilities
• Public fallout with manager Diego Simeone

"The warning signs were there early," notes Spanish football expert Guillem Balague. "Simeone demanded certain things, but Félix seemed unwilling or unable to adapt. It's a mental block - he has the talent but not the application."

Loan Spells: False Dawns

Subsequent moves failed to reignite his career:

Chelsea (2023)

• Sent off on debut against Fulham
• 4 goals in 19 appearances
• Pochettino opted against permanent deal

Barcelona (2023-24)

• 10 goals including brace against parent club
• First player since Messi to score twice vs Atlético
• Ultimately replaced by Dani Olmo

Return to Chelsea: A Financial Move

His £45m permanent transfer to Chelsea in 2024 raised eyebrows:

• Part of complex Gallagher-Atleti financial maneuver
• Scored on return debut vs Wolves
• Finished with 7 goals (mostly in cup competitions)
• Now set for Saudi move after just one season

As Alves observes: "The consensus in Portugal is that Félix has effectively conceded defeat in his quest to become a truly elite player. At 25, with his talent, it's one of football's great unfulfilled promises."

What remains unclear is whether this Saudi move represents a fresh start or final admission that Europe's top level may be beyond him. For a player once compared to Ronaldo, it's a sobering trajectory.