Ex-Teammate Blasts Joao Felix’s ‘Worthless’ Talent After £43m Chelsea Exit to Al-Nassr

Joao Felix’s Work Ethic Questioned by Former Teammate After Saudi Move

Joao Felix’s career has taken another twist after completing a £43.7million move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr—but the transfer has reignited criticism of the Portuguese forward’s commitment. Former Atletico Madrid teammate Saul Niguez delivered a scathing assessment, calling Felix’s talent “worthless” without the necessary work ethic.

[IMAGE: Joao Felix in Al-Nassr colors, caption: Felix’s move to Saudi Arabia follows a decline in his European career.]

Felix, 25, once one of football’s most expensive signings at £113million when joining Atletico in 2019, saw his stock plummet after inconsistent spells at Chelsea and AC Milan. His Chelsea stint, which included a loan to Milan last January, ended with a cut-price sale to Al-Nassr—a far cry from his “Golden Boy” pedigree.

Saul’s Blunt Critique
Saul, who recently joined Flamengo, minced no words: “Joao has all the qualities to be an incredible player, but no matter how good you are, if you don’t work, it’s worthless.” He echoed ex-Spain manager Paco Jemez’s mantra: “Talent without work is nothing.”

[IMAGE: Saul Niguez at Atletico Madrid, caption: Saul criticized Felix’s lack of dedication during their time together in Madrid.]

Despite flashes of brilliance—like his 2021 La Liga title with Atletico and two Nations League wins with Portugal—Felix struggled to secure a starting role under Diego Simeone, Chelsea’s Mauricio Pochettino, or Milan’s Stefano Pioli. At Chelsea, he started just three Premier League games in 2023 before being loaned out.

A Career Crossroads
Al-Nassr’s social media welcomed Felix with a clip of him declaring, “I am here to spread joy. Let’s win together.” He’ll join Cristiano Ronaldo in a star-studded attack, but the move raises questions about his ambition.

[IMAGE: Felix and Ronaldo with Portugal, caption: Felix teams up with Ronaldo again in Saudi Arabia.]

While Felix’s €26million initial fee pales compared to past transfers, Saul hinted that teammates and coaches tried to guide him: “Many of us have tried to help Joao, but if you don’t want to…”

Unmet Potential
Once hailed as Benfica’s crown jewel, Felix’s journey from Lisbon to Madrid, London, and Riyadh underscores a talent yet to peak. His Chelsea departure statement—“We thank Joao for his efforts”—felt more polite than effusive.

At 25, Felix still has time to revive his career, but Saul’s remarks highlight a recurring theme: raw skill alone isn’t enough. For now, the Saudi league offers redemption—or obscurity.

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