He was supposed to be reborn in Al-Nassr. After years of wandering in Europe, João Félix had finally found a smile under the Saudi sun. Twelve goals in thirteen games, a natural understanding with Cristiano Ronaldo and a role as offensive leader seemed to sign the great return of the Portuguese prodigy. But behind the statistics, the first signs of a new shift are already appearing. The player, under contract until 2027, would not be as fulfilled as he lets appear, and his future could once again be written elsewhere.
The return of a ghost from the past
According to SportsBoomFélix would be in the sights of a coach who was not expected on this field: José Mourinho. The “Special One”, returning to the country to relaunch Benfica, dreams of repatriating the crack player trained at the club in 2018. An operation which would have everything of a return to his roots for the 25-year-old player, eager to find a more competitive environment and European exposure. Mourinho, convinced that Félix still has potential to exploit, would see in him the missing piece to restore luster to the Lisbon project.
At Al-Nassr, however, the Portuguese shows no sign of weariness. Under the orders of Jorge Jesus, he has regained confidence and efficiency, displaying performances reminiscent of his brilliant debut at Benfica. His relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, both mentor and public supporter, reinforced his status. “He’s easy to play with,”
Félix confided recently. “Its aura attracts defenses, which frees up space for me.”
However, this statistical success does not mask a latent malaise. The Saudi environment, too far from the European spotlight, does not seem to be enough for Félix, determined to re-enter the high continental level before the 2026 World Cup. His performance, considered brilliant but without any real prestigious opposition, raises questions about his real progress. Even Cristiano Ronaldo, a displayed protector, could not oppose a departure deemed beneficial for his international career.
Mourinho, the call of challenge
At 25, Félix has no more time to waste. Mourinho knows the challenge: bringing a player hurt by expectations back to the fullness of his talent. For Benfica, it would be a symbolic masterstroke: repatriating the prodigal son sold at a high price to Atlético Madrid, and relaunching a European project losing ambition. On the Al-Nassr side, we cling to the idea that a departure is not imminent, but the echoes are multiplying.
A year after his arrival, João Félix already seems ready to close a new chapter in his career. If the transfer were to materialize, this return to the country would mark much more than a simple movement on the market: it would be the start of a second life for a long-lost talent.
