Joao Felix’s Saudi Pivot: The Benfica Near-Miss That Led to Al Nassr’s Rise

Why Al Nassr beat Benfica in Felix's mind

The Portuguese star Joao Felix, now a pivotal figure for Al Nassr, explained why he moved to the Saudi club last summer instead of returning to Benfica. His decision came after a spell with Chelsea that left many wondering about his best path forward. In the end, the clear sign of interest from Al Nassr made all the difference, outweighing lingering talk about a Benfica return.

Felix joined Al Nassr from Chelsea in a transfer that sparked intense discussion, particularly since media reports had highlighted Benfica as a possible destination. The debate centered on where his future would truly lie, with the Saudi club presenting a more compelling package in the eyes of the player at the time.

Choosing Al Nassr over Benfica

Felix said that the decisive factor was the club's desire to bring him in. He noted that he had been close to a Benfica return during three consecutive summers, a recurring option that he often discussed with his agents. Yet the opportunity with Al Nassr carried a stronger, more visible push from the club’s side.

He emphasized that the move wasn't about transfer fees or wages, but about Benfica’s perceived lack of genuine intent. With Al Nassr showing greater interest, the decision became almost inevitable—when a club wants you this much, turning them down becomes the hard thing to justify.

Looking ahead, Felix left the door open to a Benfica comeback in the future, but stressed that he is content with his current status at Al Nassr and not preoccupied with long-term plans. He lives in the present and remains focused on maximizing his impact for the Saudi side.

“I don’t set plans for next year,” he said. “I have goals, but I’m living in the moment, happy and focused on Al Nassr—that’s all I can say.”

A season of record-breaking form at Al Nassr

Felix has also addressed the reasons behind his extraordinary early-season run with Al Nassr, despite the rough patches he endured in recent years. He asserts that he remains the same player with the same attributes, committed to performing at his peak to help the team succeed.

He explained that football is a balance of luck, effort, and timing, but for now, all the conditions align in his favor. He attributes his success to the environment, teammates, and the opportunities the club provides to thrive on the pitch.

A historic season

Since arriving at Al Nassr, Felix has established himself as a core member of the team, delivering standout performances across domestic and continental competitions. His influence goes beyond mere participation; he creates opportunities, finds gaps, and makes decisive runs that keep opponents off balance.

Through 18 appearances this season, he has tallied 21 goal contributions—16 goals and 5 assists—despite not having played every match. This level of output underscores his sharpness and his capacity to swing games in the team’s favor.

The 11 league goals place him at the top of the Saudi Pro League scoring chart, one ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, illustrating the impact of Felix’s arrival on Al Nassr’s title ambitions.

Felix's ongoing impact and future at the club

Felix has become a foundational pillar for Al Nassr, providing a genuine offensive threat in every competition the team contests. His movement between lines, ability to create space, and eye for decisive passes ensure that every attack has potential and that the team can adapt its style to maximize his strengths.

Beyond the numbers, his influence is psychological, boosting teammates' confidence and lifting collective morale during tough stretches. Each goal or chance he creates adds value and makes Al Nassr more resilient on the domestic and continental stages.

His presence grants the coach flexibility in constructing attacks—whether through long balls, quick transitions, or solo bursts—helping balance the offensive unit with midfielders and other forwards. Felix’s continued form suggests he will remain a central figure for Al Nassr as they pursue honors across the season.

Recently, he even extended his scoring run with a strike against Esteghlal Dushanbe in the group stage, reinforcing that his influence extends beyond a single competition and that he remains capable of turning matches with vision, pace, and precise finishing.

Felix’s all-around game—his tactical awareness, speed, and accurate passing—gives Al Nassr confidence in every match. He is not only a scorer but a playmaker who can dictate the tempo and open up the game at critical moments.

Ultimately, his sustained form and leadership could be pivotal in shaping Al Nassr’s orientation for the season, both in the Saudi title race and on the broader continental stage.

Punchlines for the road: Felix’s goals have Riyadh echoing with the sound of nets snapping—sniper-level precision without the need for a silencer. And if Benfica thought they were getting Felix back, they might need a longer ladder to reach the top of his current form—talk about a shot from a higher shelf!

Punchline 2: If transfers came with loyalty cards, Felix would already have a lifetime supply of goals and a stamp that says “Worth the detour.”