- Felix joined Al-Nassr despite links to Benfica
- Coach admits forward is currently below his potential
- Says lack of distractions will help him
Felix, who recently completed a permanent move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr from Chelsea, is poised to benefit from the distraction-free lifestyle in Saudi Arabia, according to Al-Nassr coach Jorge Jesus. Jesus highlighted that Saudi Arabia’s absence of nightlife and alcohol creates an environment where Felix “just has to play” without other outlets or distractions, which could help the forward reach his potential. Jesus noted that although Felix does not drink or party, the lack of other distractions will allow him to focus solely on football. However, Jesus admitted that Felix is currently at a “much lower level” than what his talent demands and needs to improve under the club’s guidance. The Portuguese forward, 25, joins a star-studded Al-Nassr squad led by Cristiano Ronaldo and recently showed flashes of brilliance.
Felix’s move to Saudi Arabia represents a fresh start after challenging spells at Chelsea and AC Milan, where he failed to make a significant impact. His transfer to Al-Nassr reportedly cost the club an initial €30 million (£26m/$35m) plus €20m (£17m/$23m) in add-ons. Ronaldo has dismissed rumours that he was instrumental in convincing Felix to join Al-Nassr, while Jesus sees a promising partnership developing between the compatriots, which could benefit the Portuguese national team in future tournaments like the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking on Ronaldo and Felix’s relationship, Jesus revealed: “Although they already know each other, they’re getting closer and closer. They play off each other. Félix is much better than in other games, physically, positionally, technically. We’re all here looking for our place to be a strong team.”
He added: “As I said recently, he didn’t steal from anyone. What did I say to him that made him come? As you said, I didn’t steal from anyone. He wasn’t a Benfica player, he was a Chelsea player. He was on the transfer market, so he could come to Al-Nassr, he could go to another team, depending on the conditions they offered him. I believe in his football; he has characteristics that fit my offensive approach. Last year, I wanted to take him to Al-Hilal, but he chose not to go; he chose to go to Chelsea. And this year, I invited him, practically when I signed, no, but I assumed he would coach Al-Nassr. I invited him right away, and then it was only after a month or so that he was able to go. And thank goodness, because I think he made the right choice, because he’s in a country where you either play or you don’t play. What do I mean by this? There’s no other option; you just have to play; there’s nothing else. There ‘s nothing else. Saudi Arabia is a country where there’s no alcohol, nor does he drink alcohol. There’s no nightlife, not that he goes out at night either. There are no other distractions. There are no distractions, he goes to Saudi Arabia, he only has one option: to play and rest and be with friends and family. There’s no other option.”
Felix will look to raise his fitness and performance levels under Jesus’s management during the preseason and the upcoming Saudi Pro League campaign. His immediate challenge is to secure a starting role alongside Ronaldo and other star players. Al-Nassr’s squad is actively strengthening, with the club reportedly finalising new signings such as defender Inigo Martinez to bolster their defence. Felix’s progress will be closely monitored as Al-Nassr aims to challenge for domestic titles and make an impact in continental competitions.
