Joao Felix has officially joined Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr for a reported fee of £26 million. This move marks the latest chapter in a career that has seen the Portuguese forward accumulate an astonishing £194.89 million in total transfer fees. At just 25 years old, he is now the fourth-most expensive footballer in history by combined transfer fees.
From Benfica Wonderkid to Record Breaker
Felix burst onto the scene at Benfica, where his dazzling performances caught the attention of Europe’s top clubs. He quickly earned a reputation as one of football’s brightest young talents. In 2019, Spanish giants Atletico Madrid signed him for around €127.2 million (£113m), making him one of the most expensive teenagers of all time.
The move came with high expectations. Many saw him as Cristiano Ronaldo’s natural successor for Portugal. But despite moments of promise, Felix struggled to consistently deliver in La Liga. His time at Atletico was marked by flashes of brilliance but also long periods of inconsistency.
Struggles at Chelsea and AC Milan
After failing to live up to the hype in Madrid, Felix made a £47.2 million move to Chelsea. His spell in the Premier League was brief and underwhelming. Within six months, Chelsea sent him on loan to AC Milan in hopes of reviving his form.
However, the Italian stint also failed to reignite his career. Game time was limited, and Felix couldn’t make a lasting impact. Just months later, he left Europe altogether, signing with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League for £26 million. A significant drop from his previous transfer fees.
Al Nassr: A New Beginning
Al Nassr has recently become a destination for high-profile players seeking new challenges. With Cristiano Ronaldo already at the club, Felix now joins his Portuguese compatriot in Riyadh. The move brings two generations of Portugal’s attacking talent together, albeit under very different circumstances.
Though the fee is much lower than his record-breaking Atletico deal, this transfer takes Felix’s career total to nearly £195 million. That places him fourth on the all-time list of players with the highest combined transfer fees, according to Transfermarkt.
The Top 10: Who’s Above Felix?
Topping the list is Neymar Jr., who has racked up an incredible £345.39 million over just three transfers. The Brazilian star’s record-breaking move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 still stands as the highest individual fee in football history.
Romelu Lukaku follows in second place, with £318.82 million from nine transfers. Despite mixed form throughout his career, the Belgian striker has always attracted high interest from major clubs.
Cristiano Ronaldo sits in third, with total fees amounting to £213.28 million across five moves. Though many of his transfers happened earlier in his career, his switch to Juventus in 2018 for over £100 million played a big part in that total.
Felix is fourth, ahead of Ousmane Dembele (£189.97m), Alvaro Morata (£179.60m), Antoine Griezmann (£177.88m), Matthijs de Ligt (£170.54m), Matheus Cunha (£165.96m), and Philippe Coutinho (£155.69m).
A Career Full of Questions
Felix’s total may be impressive. However, it also raises questions about modern football transfers. He was once seen as a future Ballon d’Or winner, praised for his intelligence, creativity, and vision. But his club career has been turbulent, and he’s yet to fully find a system or team that brings out his best.
Many believe that the constant pressure and high expectations placed on Felix at a young age may have affected his development. Despite his obvious talent, frequent moves and inconsistent game time have kept him from fulfilling his potential.
His latest transfer to Al-Nassr could offer a new beginning. The Saudi Pro League is growing quickly and attracting top players. With less media pressure and a supportive environment, Felix may finally rediscover the joy and confidence that defined his early career.
What’s Next for Felix?
At 25, Felix still has time to rewrite his story. He remains technically gifted, quick, and intelligent on the ball. If he can find his rhythm at Al-Nassr, there’s every chance he could return to the top level in Europe or lead the Saudi club to new heights alongside Ronaldo.
For now, though, he stands as one of football’s most expensive players ever. Whether he justifies that tag in the years ahead remains to be seen.
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