Although there hasn’t been an official confirmation regarding this key decision by Roberto Martinez, all signs point to it being purely a tactical choice, with the coach betting on the talents of Goncalo Ramos and Raphael Leao to lead the attack alongside Bernardo Silva.

CR7’s absence suggested that the coach might turn to Felix’s agility and talent as one of the key offensive weapons, but he won’t be starting. It may come down to how the game unfolds to determine if he gets any minutes on the pitch.

Portugal desperately need a home victory over Armenia to secure an automatic spot in the next World Cup, avoiding reliance on other results that could even force them into a potential playoff.

Joao Felix’s stats with Portugal

As a key figure for Portugal, forward Joao Felix has accumulated solid but not yet spectacular numbers for the national team. Across 49 appearances for the Seleção, Felix has notched 11 goals and contributed to the attack as the side has navigated major tournaments and qualifying campaigns.

While the production is there, the 26-year-old is constantly viewed through the lens of Portugal’s attacking history, and fans are eager to see if he can transition his talent into the kind of elite, match-winning output expected of his potential.

The World Cup as the goal

Portugal enter their crucial qualifying match against Armenia knowing that only a victory will suffice to secure their place directly in the upcoming World Cup tournament. Anything less than a win may force the Seleção into the precarious and high-stakes playoff scenario, a route they are desperate to avoid.

The focus is simple: the team must deliver a commanding performance and take all three points to punch their ticket outright and bypass the potential heartbreak of a repechage battle.

After struggling to secure consistent playing time in Europe, Al Nassr signed Felix from Chelsea for a reported €30 million, with another €20 million in potential add-ons. Cristiano Ronaldo played a crucial role in persuading the 25-year-old to join, personally encouraging him to embrace the ambitious project in Saudi Arabia. Felix accepted the challenge, motivated by the opportunity for regular minutes as he prepares for the 2026 World Cup with Portugal.

The move quickly paid off. Under manager Jorge Jesus, Felix integrated seamlessly into the squad, and within three matches, he produced his first hat trick for Al Nassr. The goals came at key moments: the opener in the seventh minute, the second in the 67th, and the third in the 87th to close out the game. Kingsley Coman added the other goal, sealing an emphatic win that sent Al Nassr fans into celebration.

Felix’s performance demonstrated not only his finishing ability but also his composure and timing, qualities that had sometimes been inconsistent in Europe. In Riyadh, however, he looks revitalized, confident, and hungry to prove his worth. For Al Nassr, the investment appears justified, and the partnership with Ronaldo could evolve into one of the most dangerous attacking duos in the league.

How many hat tricks does Cristiano Ronaldo have with Al Nassr?

Cristiano Ronaldo has proven everywhere he’s played that he is a scoring machine, a relentless finisher, and one of the greatest goal-scorers the sport has ever seen. With Al Nassr, he has continued that tradition, amassing a significant tally of hat tricks since his arrival in December 2022.

So far, Ronaldo has scored six hat tricks for Al Nassr, all in Saudi Pro League play. His first came on February 9, 2023, when Al Nassr defeated Al Wehda 4-0. On that night, Ronaldo went beyond a hat trick, netting all four goals in a masterclass performance that delivered three points and further cemented his reputation as a one-man scoring force.

Now, with Felix’s explosive start, Al Nassr may have another star capable of producing similar moments. While Ronaldo remains the benchmark, Felix has shown that if he maintains this level, he could become just as influential in shaping the future of the Saudi Pro League and Al Nassr’s ambitions.

According to Transfermarkt, the signings have dramatically boosted both clubs’ values. Inter Miami now sits at €82 million following De Paul’s arrival, while Felix’s move pushes Al Nassr’s total roster value to €174 million.

The Argentine midfielder arrived from Atletico Madrid and instantly became the most valuable player on the Herons’ roster. Transfermarkt currently lists De Paul at €25 million, placing him ahead of his teammate and compatriot Lionel Messi, who is valued at €18 million.

On the Saudi side, Felix made the switch from Chelsea and carries a market value of €20 million. While not the team’s most valuable player, he ranks third overall behind Mohamed Simakan (€23M) and new signing Kingsley Coman, who tops the list at €30M, per Transfermarkt.

Messi’s market value over time

Messi’s current valuation of €18 million marks his lowest since January 2006, when his price tag was €15 million as a teenage prospect at Barcelona. At the time, Messi was only 18 years old, beginning to show flashes of the brilliance that would soon define his career. By 2007, his value had soared to €40 million as he emerged as one of the game’s brightest young stars.

According to Transfermarkt, Messi reached his peak valuation in 2017 and 2018, when he was worth €180 million. Despite Cristiano Ronaldo winning the Ballon d’Or in 2017, Messi had a stunning campaign, scoring 54 goals in 52 games while winning both La Liga and the Copa del Rey. A year later, he collected his sixth Ballon d’Or and once again lifted the Spanish league and domestic cup.

Ronaldo’s market value over time

On the other side, Cristiano Ronaldo now holds the lowest valuation of his career at €12 million, per Transfermarkt. Still, that number makes him the most valuable player in the world over the age of 40.

Ronaldo’s market value hit its peak during his prime years at Real Madrid. From 2014 to 2015, at age 30, he was valued at €120 million — a figure he matched again in 2018 after lifting his final UEFA Champions League trophy with Los Blancos.

Since then, the numbers have steadily trended downward. His move to Juventus kept him hovering around $113 million, but by the time he left Turin to rejoin Manchester United in 2021 at age 36, his value had slipped to $40 million.

When Ronaldo made the switch to Al Nassr in early 2023, his valuation had dropped further to $17 million. The latest update in December 2024 saw another decline, setting his current market value at €12 million — the lowest point of his storied career.

However, the move sparked controversy among fans who believed the 25-year-old forward should have stayed in Europe—particularly with Benfica, where he began his professional career.

After scoring a pre-season hat trick against Rio Ave, Ronaldo addressed the backlash and pushed back on claims that Al Nassr “stole” Felix from Benfica. “Stealing? That’s a harsh word! Nobody stole anything from anyone,” Ronaldo said. “Everyone knows Joao, he has a lot of talent. He’s going to help us a lot in a Saudi league that is very competitive”.

There was plenty of talk about the influence Cristiano Ronaldo may have had on the former Atletico Madrid player’s decision to become his new teammate. However, Ronaldo himself dismissed those rumors with a candid response.

“I don’t call anyone. You were the ones who said that,” he said, pointing at the reporters. “I don’t call anyone, that’s not my role. My role is to train, to play well, to score goals if possible. But picking up the phone and calling someone is not part of my job”.

Al Nassr target more big-name signings

Joao Felix’s arrival was not the only move Al Nassr have made this summer. The Saudi side also signed veteran Barcelona defender Iñigo Martinez on a deal worth $10 million per season, and they could soon announce another European star.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Al Nassr have opened negotiations with Bayern Munich to sign French forward Kingsley Coman. The 29-year-old has been with the Bundesliga club since 2015 and is under contract until June 2027. Coman famously scored the winning goal in Bayern’s 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the 2020 UEFA Champions League final—against his former club.

Joao Felix is reportedly heading to Al  Nassr after a turbulent time in Europe, bringing a blend of flair and reinvention. His move to the Saudi Pro League isn’t just a transfer—it’s a calculated reset in a career that’s long owed momentum.

The terms of his new deal are already generating buzz, with speculation surrounding both the length and financial scope of the agreement. For a player like him, expectations point to figures that match the league’s rising ambitions.

As Cristiano Ronaldo’s fellow countryman and coach Jorge Jesus’ prized addition, he arrives with more than just a paycheck. The real story lies in how he responds to the challenge and how the soccer team envisions his role.

What will be Joao Felix’s salary with Al Nassr?

According to The Sun, Al Nassr have agreed a stunning £22 million per year contract with Joao Felix, equivalent to over £420,000 weekly—placing him among the highest-paid soccer players globally.

This level of income underscores how the Saudi club is investing heavily in Portuguese talent beyond Cristiano Ronaldo. Come Europe’s summer extremes, his wage dwarfs top-paid stars in elite leagues and reflects Al Nassr’s ambition to dominate via marquee names and massive payroll outlays.

Joao Felix’s contract: How long will he stay in the team?

Fabrizio Romano indicates the deal will run for two years, with Joao Felix under contract until June 2027 with potential flexibility tied to performance and club decisions—though specifics remain unofficial.

Capology’s profile confirms his existing Chelsea contract extends through 2031, but the transfer resets those terms entirely, representing a new era and timetable for his soccer priorities.

This short-to-medium duration trade-off gives Al Nassr room to reevaluate after origin seasons, while providing him a stage to reclaim his trajectory in a fresh, high-stakes environment.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea, which hold Joao Felix‘s rights, have finalized a deal involving a $35.2 million transfer fee and a $58.7 million sell-on clause. Also, he reported that the player will be under contract until 2027. Although his recent performances have not fully reflected his potential, he has consistently showcased his elite talents.

In addition to Felix’s high-profile arrival, Al Nassr have appointed Jorge Jesus as the new head coach. Jesus’ prior success in the Saudi Pro League with Al Hilal and his aptitude for developing young players were instrumental in his hiring. With these strategic changes, they seek to achieve the elusive balance within the team that has remained out of reach despite possessing a roster of world-class talent.

Al Nassr’s potential lineup with Joao Felix

While Joao Felix has experienced several years of inconsistent performances, Jorge Jesus expressed interest in signing him for Al Hilal in 2023, as reported by Fabrizio Romano. In fact, back in 2020, Jesus remarked, according to Diario Marca, that Joao would be a significant asset to Portuguese soccer. Consequently, he has the exciting opportunity to play under a coach who genuinely believes in his potential.

If head coach Jorge Jesus can rely on a fully healthy and available roster, Al Nassr might unveil an impressive offensive lineup. It could look as follows: Bento; Mohamed Simakan, Mohammed Al Fatil; Nader Al Sharari; Sultan Al-Ghannam, Marcelo Brozovic, Otavio, Abdulrahman Ghareeb; Joao Felix, Sadio Mane; Cristiano Ronaldo.

Joao Felix’s arrival at Al Nassr could lead to the departure of three current players

After struggling to make a significant impact in recent seasons, Al Nassr are reportedly planning significant roster changes. The team is not only adding Joao Felix, but also considering offloading three players from its current lineup. According to Alhazza Mutab of Sportksa, Cristiano Ronaldo’s team is seeking to transfer out Aymeric Laporte, Angelo, and Wesley Gassova.

These swift and bold moves highlight the club’s dedication to overhauling a project that has struggled to establish a solid foundation. As a result, additional player acquisitions remain a strong possibility as Al Nassr look to enhance their competitive edge in the Saudi Pro League.

With the arrival of Simao Coutinho as the new Sports Director, the team may focus on restructuring its roster, particularly strengthening the defense, which has been a significant area of concern.

Now, the 23-year-old seems to be rediscovering the best version of himself under Xavi Hernandez. With three goals and three assists in eight appearances, Felix is looking like his true self in Catalonia.

However, it seems that the forward feels he should have four goals instead of three. Joao Felix had a goal disallowed in the dying minutes of the 2-2 draw against Granada, and he doesn’t look happy about it.

Joao Felix shows frustration with disallowed goal on social media

The Portuguese star could have given Barcelona the victory with a successful header at the 92nd minute, but his goal was disallowed as VAR said Ferran Torres was offside. Felix showed discontent on social media, liking posts on X (formerly Twitter) questioning the decision.

One of the posts compares the disallowed goal to one that was awarded to Real Madrid, while another image claims the ball was 4 meters above Torres so he didn’t interfere. Felix also liked a post saying the referee “robbed” Barca.

When is Barcelona’s next game?

Barcelona return to action on Sunday, October 22, when they welcome Athletic Club on Matchday 10 of LaLiga.

Diego Simeone had enough of Felix in Spain and, on January of 2023, he went to Chelsea on loan. Though the Blues built a stellar roster with names such as Enzo Fernandez or Mykhaylo Mudryk, the season ended in total failure.

Graham Potter was sacked, Frank Lampard didn’t change anything as interim coach and the club couldn’t qualify for any European competition. Now, Joao Felix might have hinted a massive move for his future and it could be far away from the Premier League.

Joao Felix ‘likes’ the arrival of Luis Enrique to PSG

This Friday, Joao Felix shocked on social media as he gave a like in a post published by Fabrizio Romano. It was a report of the famous journalist in which he almost guaranteed that Luis Enrique will be the new coach of PSG.

“Here we go: Luis Enrique. Paris Saint-Germain are prepared to seal agreement with Luis Enrique. He’s set to sign.” That was the message by Romano and, just a few minutes later, Joao Felix’s like was seen on Instagram.

Of course, no one knows the reason for him to do that and there isn’t a big connection between Joao Felix and Luis Enrique. However, during the last few days, many rumors have pointed out that PSG see the Portuguese player as the new face of the team considering Lionel Messi is out and Kylian Mbappe might go to Real Madrid.

Joao Felix joined Chelsea on loan in the winter and while the club was looking to make the move permanent, Pochettino arrived and terminated all talks, and the loan is now officially over.

“The truth is that I can’t tell you the plan with Joao… It’s the news we had yesterday that the new coach doesn’t count on him for Chelsea. We don’t have anything planned yet; Joao is an Atletico player now” Cerezo said.

Joao Felix’s Chelsea numbers

Joao Felix’s time at Chelsea, like much of the season for the squad was a disappointment, nonetheless the Portuguese star managed 4 goals in 16 Premier League games. Despite arriving at the club in the winter Joao Felix was the team’s third leading scorer.

Chelsea is rumored to also be selling USMNT winger Christian Pulisic to Juventus at a bargain price of only 20-million-pounds according to ESPN. Chelsea has around 20 players they are looking to offload that are on the first team or currently on loan.

The 23-year-old, though, is reportedly uncertain whether or not his time at Stamford Bridge will be extended. However, the London club is now in the 11th position and will not qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season despite the player’s desire to compete in the tournament.

The rumor mill has it that he would return to Spain this summer, but it doesn’t seem like he has a future there. Felix will be the subject of interest from other teams but the possibility of the Colchoneros getting back more than €90 million for him on a permanent deal has been called into question, though.

What did Joao Felix say regarding Newcastle links?

Joao Felix had been linked to a move to Newcastle this week after the club reportedly offered him a chance to remain in the Premier League for the next campaign. An Instagram post by Portuguese source Eleven Sports included a mocked-up photo of the player in a Magpies shirt, prompting a response from the ex-Benfica academy player.

Felix, however, turned to Instagram to downplay the report, so we may discount them for the time being. He laughed at the remarks, writing, “Just a bunch of know-it-alls!”

Last September, when the first signs of turmoil appeared, the front office madea surprising decision and firedThomas Tuchel. Then, after a great tenure with Brighton, Graham Pottertook the coaching job. As expected, the winter transfer market was going to be crucial for the new project.

However, things haven’t gone as expected forChelsea. That’s why the team is making quick and massive moves such as the arrival of Joao Felix. As a consequence, Christian Pulisic’s future might be in jeopardy in England considering his contract expires next year. Continue reading to find out what Graham Potter said about the USMNT star.

Will Christian Pulisic leave Chelsea after the signing of Joao Felix?

With the signing of Joao Felix, and the recent knee injury suffered by Christian Pulisic, rumors started to swirl. Pulisic is out at least twomonths and his contract expires on June of 2024. So, Chelsea have to make a decision soon if they wishto keep or not the USMNT star.

If they want to get something in return, next summer might be the last window to transfer Christian Pulisic. So, with a crowded attack since the arrival of Joao Felix, Graham Potter faced the definitive question. Will Christian Pulisic leave Chelsea after his injury?

“No chance. No. There was never any consideration of anything about that anyway. He isdisappointed, but he is optimistic that he can come back quicker than the two months. So, he isin that phase where he isjust trying to keep his fingers crossed and hopefully his rehab goes well.”