Football BaBe
Ronaldo Clears the Air on Joao Felix’s Al-Nassr Switch
In a surprising twist to the summer transfer saga, Cristiano Ronaldo has strongly refuted allegations that he played a part in luring fellow Portuguese star Joao Felix to Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. This move highlights the growing allure of Middle Eastern football, where top talents are increasingly opting for lucrative opportunities over traditional European paths.
- Legendary Portuguese star teams up with national squad companion
- Felix weighed multiple transfer paths this summer
- Opted for Saudi adventure instead of Benfica homecoming
Joao Felix’s Journey to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr
The iconic CR7 now shares the pitch in the Saudi Pro League with yet another compatriot from Portugal‘s national team. After evaluating various proposals during the recent transfer period, Felix has settled in Riyadh for his next chapter.
Following Chelsea‘s decision to make him available, the versatile 25-year-old attacker-who wrapped up the latter part of the previous season on loan with Italian powerhouse AC Milan-attracted interest from clubs across the globe. Among the suitors was his old club, Benfica, sparking talks of a potential reunion.
Choosing a Fresh Path Over Familiar Grounds
Ultimately, Felix turned down the chance to return to his origins, instead diving into an exciting new venture in the Middle East. Speculation arose that Ronaldo might have swayed this pivotal choice in Felix’s professional journey.
Ronaldo’s Firm Response to Influence Rumors
However, the timeless 42-year-old superstar dismisses any such notions, stating to the media: “Taking something without permission is wrong; Benfica hasn’t lost anything unfairly. Joao is well-known for his skills-he’s incredibly gifted. I’m confident he’ll make a significant impact in the Saudi league, which boasts intense competition.
“You might not be familiar with the scene or attend the matches, but we witnessed his potential during the Club World Cup. In my view, this was a smarter move for Felix than sticking with the Portuguese league; consider the array of elite players now shining in Saudi Arabia. Even without Champions League action, it was a shrewd choice on his end.
“Did I reach out to persuade him? That’s not my style-I don’t make those calls. It’s outside my responsibilities. The media floated that idea, but I focus on practicing and competing.”
On-Field Chemistry and Pre-Season Highlights for Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix
Ronaldo and Felix recently linked up in Al-Nassr’s most recent warm-up match, gearing up for the 2025-26 season. The Portuguese legend delivered an impressive hat-trick, leading to a dominant 4-0 win against Rio Ave.
Updating the Appeal of Saudi Football
With the Saudi Pro League attracting over 50 international stars in recent years, including names like Neymar and Karim Benzema, its competitive edge continues to rise. Recent stats show a 30% increase in global viewership for the 2024-25 season, underscoring why moves like Felix’s are becoming more common, even at the expense of European prestige.
