The Rise and Fall of Joao Felix: A career Marked by Ups and Downs
By Toluwani Lasisi
The next chapter in one of football’s most confusing careers is upon us – and with it comes the feeling that the potential he once had will never be fulfilled.
Joao Felix, who has joined Al-Nassr from Chelsea on a two-year contract in a deal worth up to £43.7m, remains the third most expensive transfer ever – in terms of initial fee – having cost Atletico Madrid £113m from Benfica at the age of 19 in 2019.
The Portugal forward has since gone on to play for European giants Barcelona, AC Milan and Chelsea – yet, since leaving home, has never scored more than 10 goals in a season.
Now, aged 25, he is off to Saudi Arabia.
As Lisbon-based journalist Marcus Alves puts it: “The feeling back home is that Felix has officially given up on being a truly top-level international player.”
So what happened?
“It doesn’t seem there is any turning point for him,” said Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague.
“It drives coaches mad. They see the potential but he’ll never fulfil it. It’s a mental thing. It’s not that he’s not bothered – but he’s not listening.”
