When Wishlists Turn into Wins: Jesus Rewrites Al Nassr with Felix and Coman
5 October 2025
A Long-Desired Move Becomes Reality
The Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, who leads Al Nassr, reportedly fulfilled a personal wish to strengthen the squad, a goal he had pursued since his time at rival Al Hilal.
Jesus has been in charge of Al Nassr since the season began, appointed a few weeks after leaving the neighboring club.
Saudi outlet Al-Yaom reported that Jesus had sought to recruit France winger Kingsley Coman and Portuguese playmaker Joao Felix since his Hilal days, but those requests were rejected then and looked like a distant dream.
He ultimately achieved that wish when he took over Al Nassr, and the two players made a clear difference after joining the squad.
Felix and Coman: The Game-Changers
A difficult season followed for Jesus in his final stint with Hilal; he never matched the domestic success of his predecessor, which weighed on the club.
Some of the behind-the-scenes disagreements over signing policies perhaps contributed to the outcome and the failure to lift any trophies.
The loss to Al Ahli in the AFC Champions League semifinals helped push Jesus' relationship with Hilal to its end.
Jesus brings a personal philosophy that emphasizes his system and readiness to execute his vision, even if it means sacrificing some big names.
He did not hesitate to part with Neymar Jr., the injury-prone Brazilian star, perceiving that his presence would hurt more than help given his foreign slot but limited playing time.
Since Felix joined the squad, he has become arguably the team's most important player, delivering assists, not getting bogged down in build-up play, and scoring when needed; his early scoring record has been striking.
Felix's presence is a qualitative addition technically and commercially, combining top European experience with the ability to unlock tight spaces and produce decisive plays.
He blends smart movement with passes that connect midfield and attack, giving Nasr a new option in attack and boosting the pace around Ronaldo and Talisca.
His European pedigree with Atletico Madrid and Barcelona gives him confidence in big matches, which rubs off on teammates on the pitch.
Numbers also reflect his impact: goal contributions, assists, and key passes per game mark him as a standout in the final third, while his presence near Ronaldo and Talisca heightens danger and flexibility.
Moreover, his tactical versatility allows the coach to shift from 4-3-3 to 4-2-3-1 without losing balance, and his market value boosts the club’s international profile.
As Al Nassr aims to challenge for the AFC Champions League and domestic titles, Felix stands as a core piece capable of influencing decisive moments and turning small details into big wins.
An additional quality
Kinglsey Coman’s arrival adds a high-caliber attacking dimension: exceptional pace on the flanks and the ability to pierce defenses with his individual skills and clever runs, making him a staple in a flexible attack.
Coman is used to playing under the pressure of big games with Bayern Munich and France, which makes him ready for decisive moments that could swing matches in Al Nassr's favor.
His role extends beyond scoring and assisting; he stretches the pitch by staying wide, creating space for Ronaldo and Talisca to operate through the center.
In numbers, Coman excels in dribbles and crosses, providing variety in creating chances and making Al Nassr less predictable for opponents.
His experience handling defensive pressure helps the team in duels and key battles both domestically and in Asia.
With Nasr's ambitions rising in AFC Champions League and domestic title races, Felix and Coman together position the club to shape its future in the seasons ahead.
Punchlines: If football were a comedy, Jesus would have written the punchline long before the season started. Also, two big-name forwards walk into a Saudi club—the defense wonders if it’s a transfer or a magic trick.
