Chance creation
Playmaking output: assists, key passes, and custom chance-creation signals.
João Felix
Brusque · CONMEBOL Libertadores · Defender · #6 · Brazil · 23 yrs
Brusque · CONMEBOL Libertadores · Defender · #6 · Brazil · 23 yrs
João Felix plays as a defender for Brusque. João Felix is a Brazilian international, 23 years old, defender, currently at Brusque. João Felix wears shirt number 6 for Brusque. João Felix was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 2002-01-02. João Felix is 185 cm tall and weighs 78 kg. João Felix's Sportra profile tracks season statistics across CONMEBOL Libertadores, Gaúcho - 1, Paranaense - 1, CONMEBOL Libertadores U20, and other leagues. João Felix's page brings together career clubs, trophies, injury history, multi-competition stats, and related news headlines. On Sportra you can explore João Felix season statistics, transfer history, trophies, injury updates, and related news across every competition tracked in the profile.
| Date | Type | From | To |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-12-31 | Free agent |  Maringá MAR |  Brusque BRU |
| 2024-01-16 | Free |  Ypiranga-RS |  São Luiz SAO |
| 2023-04-01 | N/A |  Estoril EST | Ypiranga-RS |
Season intelligence
Profile as Defender: balanced output without a single dominant trait. Archetype: Balanced contributor.
Scaled 0–99 from season output — map to fantasy, comparisons, or scouting cards.
Per-90 rates, efficiency ratios, and Sportra indices from season totals.
Playmaking output: assists, key passes, and custom chance-creation signals.
Every tracked category for this league and season, grouped by Sportra.
According to reports, Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly told Al Nassr that they'll take care of renewing Joao Felix's contract for two seasons. Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly driving a push behind the scenes at Al Nassr to secure Joao Felix’s long-term future at the club, with a new contract extension now on the table. According to a report from 365Scores Arabic, at Ronaldo’s request, Al Nassr‘s management will meet with Felix to discuss a new deal, with the Portuguese forward said to be open to staying and continuing his project with the club. Felix arrived at Al Nassr last summer in a permanent move from Chelsea, in a deal reportedly worth €30 million, joining forces with his national teammate Ronaldo as part of the club’s ongoing project to build a competitive squad in the Saudi Pro League. Since then, the Portuguese forward has become one of the standout attacking pieces alongside Ronaldo, reigniting a career that had stalled during difficult stints in Europe. Joao Felix celebrates a goal with Cristiano Ronaldo. (Getty Images) Joao Felix’s current contract at Al Nassr His current contract runs through June 2027, but reports indicate Al Nassr have already moved to secure his future beyond that. With Ronaldo reportedly pushing for renewed talks, the club appears to want that commitment locked in well ahead of schedule rather than letting speculation around his future linger. That speculation has been real: Felix’s name had recently been linked with a possible departure, with Besiktas showing interest and reports also connecting him to Manchester United as a potential destination. Al Nassr, however, appear determined to keep him in Riyadh, and Ronaldo’s direct involvement underscores how much the club values the partnership between the two Portuguese internationals. Joao Felix’s numbers at Al Nassr In his first season with the club, Felix delivered immediately, scoring a hat-trick on his Saudi Pro League debut in a 5-0 win over Al-Taawoun. He went on to finish the 2025-26 campaign with 20 goals and 14 assists in the league alone, and 26 goals across all competitions for Al Nassr. On the team front, Felix’s arrival coincided with major success: Al Nassr won the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title, their first league championship since 2019 and 11th overall, sealed with a 4-1 win over Damac.
For this fun match at the 2026 World Cup, Joao Felix isn't in the lineup for Portugal against Croatia. A very interesting match in this round of the 2026 World Cup sees Croatia face Portugal, with the starting lineup confirmed and João Félix among the notable players not included in the starting eleven. The reason Félix is not starting is a technical decision from Roberto Martínez, who has chosen Rafael Leão as the left winger for this match. It is a tactical preference rather than an injury or fitness issue. While Félix remains an important attacking option for Portugal, he is expected to be used from the bench. The coaching staff preferred Leão’s pace and direct running in open space for a match that is expected to feature quick transitions and high intensity.
As Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric brace for a defining moment in their 2026 World Cup campaign, a hidden truth lies in the numbers. Old foes will cross paths once more as Portugal and Croatia prepare for a monumental Round of 32 battle beneath the lights of BMO Field in Toronto. As Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric brace for a defining moment in their 2026 World Cup campaign, a hidden truth lies in the numbers. Portugal reached the knockout stage after finishing second in Group K, while Croatia also progressed as runner-up in Group L. Ronaldo and his teammates enter the contest with a strong historical record against their European rival, having won seven of the previous 10 meetings. However, Luka Modric’s side’s proven pedigree in major tournaments promises another demanding challenge. Roberto Martinez and his players’ group-stage campaign produced mixed emotions despite remaining unbeaten. The Selecao opened with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo before delivering an emphatic 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice, and then secured qualification after a goalless draw against Colombia. Croatia recovered impressively after suffering a 4-2 defeat to England in its opening fixture. Zlatko Dalic’s side responded with victories over Panama and Ghana to book a place in the Round of 32, reinforcing its reputation as one of international football’s toughest knockout opponents. osip Stanisic of Croatia and Joao Felix of Portugal compete for the ball during 2024 International Friendly Portugal’s current FIFA ranking revealed and how it compares to Croatia After building anticipation ahead of the match, Portugal currently sits eighth in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking with 1,764.86 ranking points, having slipped three places since the start of the tournament. Although it entered the World Cup among the highest-ranked nations, its inconsistent group-stage displays have resulted in a slight drop. Croatia, meanwhile, has dropped down to 13th in the latest rankings with 1,723.05 points, reflecting its mixed performances since the start. The Blazers entered the 2026 World Cup ranked 11th in the official FIFA Men’s World Ranking. TeamFIFA Ranking at Start of the World CupCurrent FIFA RankingCurrent FIFA PointsPortugal5th8th (-3)1,764.86Croatia11th13th (-2)1,723.05 That difference suggests Portugal holds the statistical edge, but it is not large enough to offer comfort. Both national teams are close enough in ranking to make the matchup feel like a true 50-50 knockout battle rather than a clear favorite-versus-underdog scenario. Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal drinks at the hydration break Last 16 place on the line With both national teams fully fit, experienced, and packed with world-class talent, the Round of 32 meeting promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the knockout stage. Portugal carries the higher FIFA ranking and a stronger recent head-to-head record, while Croatia brings proven tournament resilience and the ability to thrive under pressure.
Portugal face Croatia in the last 32 at the World Cup, and Joao Felix believes there will only be one winner at Boston Stadium. The post Joao Felix ‘very confident’ Portugal will beat Croatia at World Cup appeared first on SoccerNews.
After the criticism from the first game, Portugal teammate Joao Felix backed Cristiano Ronaldo, stating that "he is the best player inside the box." Cristiano Ronaldo faced severe scrutiny after an underwhelming performance in Portugal‘s 2026 World Cup debut against DR Congo. However, after responding with a brace against Uzbekistan, teammate Joao Felix quickly came to the defense of the 41-year-old forward, stating, “He is the best player inside the box.” With rival stars like Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Lionel Messi shining early in the tournament, Ronaldo was expected to dominate a DR Congo squad making just its second World Cup appearance in history. Instead, the match ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw where the legendary striker struggled to make an impact, a narrative he quickly erased with two goals in a 5-0 routing of Uzbekistan. Following the bounce-back victory, Felix was asked by DAZN about the heavy criticism Ronaldo endured after the opener: “With Cristiano, there is always noise. Whether he does well or badly, people are always looking for more from him. In the first match, what blame could he possibly have? If he doesn’t get any balls inside the penalty area… he is the best player inside the box.” Reflecting on their club partnership, Felix explained the simple formula required for the aging icon to shine on the world stage. “You have to give him chances to score. He had them today and he scored two. That’s what it is; we have to create chances inside the box, mostly because in the first game we didn’t create many, whereas in this one we did create a ton,” he concluded. Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal celebrates scoring In that frustrating opener against DR Congo, Portugal dominated 75% of the possession but completely failed to break down a compact, deep-lying defense. Out of the mere seven total shots the Selecao managed, only a Joao Neves header found the target, while a counter-attacking Congo side actually looked more menacing with eight total shots. Facing another five-man backline against Uzbekistan, the tactical challenge initially looked identical for the European powerhouses. However, after several key adjustments to the starting lineup, Portugal looked far more fluid, unleashing 17 total shots with nine hitting the target to overwhelm their opponents. Ronaldo and Felix: A partnership forged in Al Nassr Following the discouraging draw against DR Congo, head coach Roberto Martinez chose to drop Bernardo Silva from the starting XI, deploying Felix on the left wing. The tactical gamble paid off immensely, as Felix constantly exploited spaces and replicated the offensive chemistry he built with Ronaldo during the 2025-26 season in Saudi Arabia. After the final whistle, Felix opened up about his intuitive on-field relationship with the veteran captain: “We spent the whole year training this understanding. He knows my movements and I know his, so the chemistry becomes easy. When he has players around him, we can make quick exchanges. The focus is to stay close to each other so we can play our style.“ Felix proved to be a vital addition for Al Nassr during their recent Saudi Pro League title run, a move heavily pushed for by Ronaldo himself. Out of the 19 assists Felix delivered across all competitions this past club season, six went directly to Ronaldo, proving that their elite club connection translates perfectly to the international stage.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr are already shaping the next chapter of their story, with a reported retirement timeline and long-term executive plan beginning to surface behind the scenes. Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr are already shaping the next chapter of their story, with a reported retirement timeline and long-term executive plan beginning to surface behind the scenes. While the Portuguese superstar is off to represent Portugal in what is likely to be his final World Cup tournament, fresh reports now suggest that his club could already be preparing a major role for him beyond his playing career. At 41, Ronaldo is still delivering on the pitch, but speculation around his future has intensified as Al-Nassr reportedly prepares a post-playing role for its captain within its soccer leadership structure. The timing of the speculation has added even more intrigue following the team’s Saudi Pro League title-winning campaign, where the veteran once again proved decisive in the biggest moments. Al-Nassr’s 2025-26 campaign ended with a dramatic Saudi Pro League title victory, sealed on the final day with a 4-1 win over Damac, where Ronaldo scored a decisive brace. The Portuguese forward finished the season with 28 league goals, once again proving decisive in key moments. The triumph marked a major milestone for the club, which also saw contributions from Sadio Mane and Joao Felix in a season defined by consistency and late pressure. Alongside the league success, Ronaldo’s individual brilliance was also recognized, including a spectacular overhead kick that earned him the Saudi Pro League Goal of the Season. The title success also marked the end of an important cycle for the club. Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus stepped down after guiding Al-Nassr to the championship, leaving the Saudi side preparing for another major transition heading into the new season. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates with the Saudi Pro League Trophy. At the same time, league organizers confirmed that the upcoming campaign will be one of the most demanding in Saudi soccer history. The 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season will run from August 13, 2026, until May 29, 2027, featuring 34 rounds and 306 matches across the competition. The hidden detail behind Ronaldo’s future Amid preparations for another exhausting campaign, reports from Saudi Arabia have now revealed the detail that has sparked major discussion about Ronaldo’s long-term future. According to former Al-Nassr legal department manager Saad Al-Subaie on X (formerly Twitter), Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to retire at the end of next season in the summer of 2027 when his current contract expires. However, the bigger revelation involves what may happen immediately afterward. As per his reports, if the consortium attempting to acquire Al-Nassr succeeds, Ronaldo could transition directly into a senior executive role at the club as Football Executive Director (Sporting Director). The move would allow the Portuguese icon to remain deeply involved in shaping the sporting future of the organization. Simão Coutinho is the new Sports director at AlNassr. 💛Welcome aboard, Simão. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/BOZTL4lLWJ— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) July 27, 2025 The position would reportedly mirror the current responsibilities handled by Simao Coutinho, the club’s current sporting director and a close associate of Ronaldo. Coutinho officially assumed his role in July 2025 and has already become heavily involved in transfer planning and broader soccer operations. What would Ronaldo’s executive role actually mean? The proposed role would place Ronaldo at the center of Al-Nassr’s soccer structure. In modern soccer, executive directors or sporting directors oversee everything from recruitment and squad planning to coaching appointments and long-term development strategies. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr That means Ronaldo could potentially influence: Transfer decisions and player recruitmentYouth development structuresManagerial ap
In a very evenly contested match, Portugal managed to defeat Nigeria thanks to a brilliant goal from Francisco Conceição. With this victory, Cristiano Ronaldo’s team arrive unbeaten in their friendlies ahead of the 2026 World Cup, looking to be among the tournament’s main protagonists. Portugal and Nigeria faced each other in their final friendly before the 2026 World Cup, looking for a convincing victory. As one of UEFA’s best national teams, Roberto Martínez’s managed to defeat Eric Chelle’s team, imposing a dominant collective game. Nonetheless, the Super Eagles managed to compete along the game, leveling the game on several occasions. With this victory, Cristiano Ronaldo’s team secure a victory ahead the anticipated tournament. Despite failing to secure the victory, Nigeria did show that they are one of the most solid teams in Africa. Not only did they shine defensively, but they also created numerous attacking opportunities. In addition, they managed to adapt to Portugal’s style of play, making the contest very evenly matched for long stretches of the game. However, they lacked the attacking aggression needed to find a way past Diogo Costa. Throughout the game, Portugal demonstrated their creative prowess, with a brilliant Vitinha and João Neves. In the second half, João Félix emerged as the most important player, distributing play and activating his teammates. However, Cristiano Ronaldo failed to shine in any facet. Not only did he not contribute at a collective level, but he also missed clear scoring chances, extending his goalscoring drought. Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Portugal have demonstrated that their greatest strength remains their deep roster. Head coach Roberto Martínez has a squad so deep that he can adjust his tactics numerous times throughout the 90 minutes. While build-up play continues to be their strongest aspect, they emerge as clear candidates to win the anticipated tournament, precisely because of their great rotation, as the winning goal came from Conceição off the bench.
Under Hansi Flick, Raphinha has become one of the best players in the world. In light of this, Al Nassr are reportedly targeting the Brazilian player as a star partner for Cristiano Ronaldo. To make this happen, they would be willing to offer €80 million to Barcelona in the summer of 2026. Raphinha has managed to become one of the best players in the world. Serving as the ideal complement to Lamine Yamal, the Brazilian star secured a starting role in the team. Following his outstanding performances, he has reportedly emerged as a key target for Al Nassr as a potential attacking partner for Cristiano Ronaldo. To make that happen, the Saudi side would be willing to submit an €80 million offer to Barcelona in the summer of 2026. According to Ferran Martínez, via Mundo Deportivo, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) is backing Al Nassr in its pursuit of Raphinha. To make the deal happen, they are willing to pay €80 million to Barcelona, making it a very difficult offer to reject. In addition, the Brazilian star would be offered a salary four times higher than his current one, as he would become one of the team’s marquee players alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. With Kingsley Coman and Sadio Mané operating on the wings, Raphinha would arrive to form a partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo as an attacking midfielder. His presence on the pitch could significantly boost Al Nassr’s attacking firepower, although João Félix’s role could come into question. However, they also face competition, as the PIF is reportedly backing Al Hilal as well, with the club equally eager to bring him in. Far from being the first time they have pursued Raphinha, the Saudi Pro League already attempted to sign the Brazilian star in 2024, when his future at the club was far from certain. Now 29 years old, he could be facing the perfect opportunity to sign the most lucrative contract of his career. In addition, the Blaugrana could use the €80 million fee to further rebuild their attack, having already signed Anthony Gordon. Raphinha of FC Barcelona Report: Raphinha rejects lucrative offer as Barcelona future remains clear Under Hansi Flick, Raphinha has managed to showcase the best version of himself. Not only has he improved his goalscoring output, but also his creative contribution. Although his season was affected by injuries, he still managed to score 21 goals. Due to his excellent form, the Brazilian star has reportedly decided to reject any transfer in the summer of 2026, as the head coach continues to view him as an undisputed starter. According to Alex Pintanel, via Jijantes FC, Raphinha has decided not to accept any offer to leave Barcelona. While both parties could benefit from such a move, Hansi Flick considers him irreplaceable. In addition, the Brazilian star wants to make up for his previous season, as injuries significantly affected his performances. Therefore, Anthony Gordon emerges as a long-term solution, while the present still revolves around Raphinha.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Pro League journey has been filled with high-profile rivals, but one of the league’s most creative playmakers has now decided to move on. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Pro League journey has been filled with high-profile rivals, but one of the league’s most creative playmakers has now decided to move on. As the five-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to lead Al-Nassr’s ambitions, Konstantinos Fortounis has brought his Saudi Arabian chapter to an end, closing the door on a memorable spell that saw him emerge as one of the competition’s standout creators. The departure marks the end of a rivalry that often flew under the radar. While Ronaldo and Al-Nassr chased trophies at the top of the table, Fortounis built a reputation as the driving force behind Al-Khaleej’s attack, producing numbers that placed him among the league’s most effective midfielders. After two seasons in Saudi Arabia, Fortounis has officially left Al-Khaleej, ending a successful stint that exceeded many expectations. The Greek playmaker joined the club in August 2024 and quickly became the focal point of its attacking play. His final season was particularly impressive. Across 30 league appearances, he scored 10 goals and delivered 12 assists, helping Al-Khaleej remain comfortably clear of any relegation concerns while consistently creating opportunities for teammates. The midfielder’s influence extended beyond raw statistics. He was recognized as one of the league’s most creative players and even collected the Saudi League Player of the Month award in October 2025 after a series of standout performances. Emotional return to familiar surroundings The mystery surrounding Fortounis’ next destination was finally solved when Olympiacos announced the return of the club legend on a free transfer. The move represents a homecoming for a player who spent a decade building a remarkable legacy with the Greek giant. Before leaving for Saudi Arabia in 2024, Fortounis had already secured his place among Olympiacos’s greatest modern players. He captained the club to the historic UEFA Europa Conference League triumph in 2024 and departed after one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. Καλώς ήρθες σπίτι σου Κώστα! ✍🏻🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/N47UoPp2Hk— Olympiacos FC (@olympiacosfc) June 2, 2026 Olympiacos FC’s official statement read: “Olympiacos FC announces the acquisition of Kostas Fortounis, two years after the magnificent moment when, as captain, he lifted the UEFA Europa Conference League.” The statement also highlighted his extraordinary contribution during his first spell. “Fortou wore the ‘red and white’ jersey with No. 7 on the back and returns to the Thrylos, with whom he made 343 appearances from 2014 to 2024, scoring 94 goals and 106 assists.” Saudi Pro League loses one of its best creators The Greek veteran leaves the Saudi Pro League after establishing himself as one of the league’s elite playmakers. During his two seasons with Al-Khaleej, he accumulated 20 goals and 17 assists, impressive numbers for a player operating on a side outside the division’s traditional powerhouses. His final campaign also featured an intriguing battle with Al-Nassr star Joao Felix. While Felix finished with 13 assists compared to Fortounis’s 12, the Greek midfielder pushed him all the way in the race to be the league’s leading creator. Joao Felix ends the season 🔝 of the assist chart in his #RoshnSaudiLeague debut season 🇵🇹🤝 pic.twitter.com/gcadY1Ri2t— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) May 25, 2026 For Ronaldo and Al-Nassr, the departure means one less established rival in the Saudi Pro League. For Olympiacos, it means the return of a club icon. And for Fortounis himself, it marks an emotional reunion with the team where he built his legacy and where he now hopes to write another successful chapter.
Uncertainty has emerged around the future of one of the team's most experienced midfield figures, Marcelo Brozovic, whose contract situation has become one of the biggest talking points heading into the summer. Cristiano Ronaldo may soon face a significant change at Al-Nassr despite the club’s recent Saudi Pro League triumph. While celebrations continue following a successful campaign, uncertainty has emerged around the future of one of the team’s most experienced midfield figures, Marcelo Brozovic, whose contract situation has become one of the biggest talking points heading into the summer. With Al-Nassr preparing for another season of domestic and continental ambitions, attention is gradually shifting from the title celebrations to squad planning. Several foreign players face important decisions regarding their futures, and one case in particular could have a major impact on the club’s plans moving forward. According to information reported by former Al-Nassr legal department manager Saad Al-Subaie, discussions between the club and Brozovic have reached a difficult stage. It has thus created uncertainty over whether the Croatian midfielder will remain in Riyadh. The squad remains filled with high-profile international talent. Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and Joao Felix are all under contract until 2027, while players such as Kingsley Coman, Bento, and Wesley are tied to longer-term agreements. However, not every situation appears straightforward. Marcelo Brozovic of Al-Nassr FC during line up prior to the Saudi Pro League match. Several contracts require immediate attention, and Brozovic has emerged as one of the most important unresolved cases within the squad. The Croatian international has become a crucial figure since arriving from Inter, providing balance, experience, and leadership in midfield. His ability to control matches has often allowed the team’s attacking stars greater freedom in the final third. Why Brozovic’s future has suddenly become uncertain Recent reports indicate that conversations regarding a new agreement have already taken place between the player and club representatives. According to Saad Al-Subaie, Al-Nassr officials held talks with Brozovic before the decisive league match against Damac. Initially, there appeared to be optimism that a renewal could be reached. Both parties reportedly expressed a willingness to continue working together following the title-winning season. Yet as negotiations progressed, a key disagreement emerged that has complicated the situation considerably. The major obstacle centers on contract length. Brozovic reportedly wants to remain at Al-Nassr for two additional seasons, while the club’s sporting management is only prepared to offer a one-year extension without additional financial incentives. The reasoning from Al-Nassr’s perspective is largely connected to long-term financial planning. Club officials are said to be cautious about making major commitments to older players and want to avoid creating expensive obligations in future seasons. Brozovic standing firm on his position The midfielder appears unwilling to compromise at this stage. The report states that Brozovic has rejected the club’s proposal and continues to insist on a two-year contract. As a result, the possibility of an exit has increased significantly, despite both sides initially expressing interest in continuing their partnership. For Al-Nassr, the situation creates a delicate balancing act. The club values Brozovic’s contribution and experience, particularly after a championship-winning season, but it also wants to maintain a sustainable squad structure for the years ahead. The Croatian’s stance demonstrates his desire for long-term security after helping guide the club to one of its most important achievements in recent history. Why losing Brozovic would matter to Ronaldo and Al-Nassr While much of the attention surrounding Al-Nassr naturally focuses on Ronaldo, the team’s success has been built on far more
Cristiano Ronaldo is already facing problems ahead of potential squad boosts as Al Nassr are reportedly force to pay $7M for Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman after the triumph in the SPL. Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the central figures in Al Nassr‘s 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title triumph, ending a drought that stretched back to his arrival at the club in 2022. However, the celebration has come with an unexpected financial sting, as Al Nassr are reportedly obligated to pay approximately $7 million in bonus fees related to the signings of Kingsley Coman and Joao Felix. Alongside Iñigo Martinez, Felix and Coman were the most high-profile arrivals of the 2025 summer window, part of a significant investment Al Nassr made to reshape the squad around Ronaldo. Both have more than justified the outlay, with Felix claiming the SPL Player of the Season award, but the title success has now triggered contractual clauses that will add to the club’s expenditure. According to Al Arriyadiyah, Al Nassr will be paying Chelsea and Bayern Munich a combined figure of approximately €6 million (around $7 million) as a result of those clauses. Both deals included a title bonus that would be activated if Al Nassr won the Saudi Pro League, and last Thursday’s triumph set that obligation in motion. Updated fees for Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman In Felix’s case, Chelsea agreed to a base transfer fee of €30 million with up to €20 million in potential add-ons, a structure similar in concept to the €52 million Atletico Madrid had originally paid for the Portuguese. The SPL title has triggered a €5 million add-on, bringing the total Al Nassr has paid to Chelsea so far to €35 million. Cristiano Ronaldo of AlNassr celebrates with teammates Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman after scoring. Coman‘s situation is slightly different. The French winger had been under contract with Bayern Munich until 2027 but was seeking a more prominent role, and Al Nassr agreed to a €30 million fee to secure his services. With the title now confirmed, Bayern will receive an additional bonus of approximately €856,000, bringing the effective total to just under €31 million. According to the Saudi outlet, the same SPL title clause in Felix’s deal would be activated again should Al Nassr win the league while he remains at the club, with his contract running through June 2027. For Coman, whose deal extends through 2028, the clause could theoretically be triggered twice more. Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman’s first season at Al Nassr While Ronaldo finished as Al Nassr’s top scorer for the season with 30 goals, Felix and Coman quickly established themselves as the next most productive attacking players in the squad. Felix ended the campaign with 26 goals, while Coman, operating primarily from wide positions rather than a central role, still managed an impressive 16. Felix’s case stands out most strikingly when assists are factored in. His 19 assists led the entire team, and his 45 direct goal contributions overall made him the most productive player at the club across the season even over Ronaldo (30 goals and 5 assists). His availability speaks to that level of contribution as well, with Felix appearing in 47 of Al Nassr’s 49 games, missing just two.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, supporters of both stars have turned their attention toward a different battle: whether the Saudi Pro League or Major League Soccer will have the stronger presence on soccer’s biggest stage. The debate surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi has once again spilled beyond individual greatness and into the leagues they currently represent. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, supporters of both stars have turned their attention toward a different battle: whether the Saudi Pro League or Major League Soccer will have the stronger presence on soccer’s biggest stage. Recent social media discussions attempted to paint a dramatic gap between the two competitions, with claims suggesting one league has nearly double the representation of the other at the tournament. However, the reality behind those numbers is far more complicated than many fans initially believed. According to multiple reports, both leagues are sending a significant number of players to the World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The discussion quickly gained traction online because it was framed as another chapter in the Ronaldo-versus-Messi rivalry, despite the context behind the figures telling a much deeper story. MLS benefits from the host nation effect Much of the attention focused on claims that MLS would have around 50 players involved in the World Cup, while the Saudi Pro League would contribute roughly half that amount. While those figures were partially accurate in some early estimates, analysts pointed out that the numbers alone fail to explain the full picture. The biggest factor behind MLS’ strong representation is the automatic qualification of the United States, Canada, and Mexico as tournament hosts. Those three national teams naturally rely heavily on domestic-based talent, giving MLS a substantial numerical advantage. Tim Ream, player of United States, poses with his jersey during the United States World Cup roster reveal The United States squad alone features eight active MLS players representing eight separate clubs. On top of that, many other members of the squad either came through MLS academies or previously played in the league before moving abroad. Canada also includes several MLS-based players, while Mexico continues to feature talent connected to the North American competition. As a result, the league’s total World Cup presence grew rapidly ahead of the expanded 48-team tournament. As per MLS-related reports, more than 50 players connected to the league could participate in the tournament, marking a record number for the competition. Saudi Pro League’s influence extends across continents While MLS may have the advantage in raw numbers, the Saudi Pro League has built a very different kind of World Cup footprint. Rather than relying on host nations, the Saudi competition is represented through a mixture of domestic Saudi talent and internationally recognized stars. The Saudi Arabia national team alone is almost entirely made up of Saudi Pro League players, with around 28 members of the preliminary squad coming from domestic clubs. That instantly boosts the league’s influence at the tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates with Joao Felix after scoring Beyond the local core, several major international stars based in Saudi Arabia are expected to play crucial roles for their countries. Cristiano Ronaldo will captain Portugal once again, while teammates Joao Felix and Ruben Neves are also part of the Portuguese setup. Senegal will depend heavily on Sadio Mane, Edouard Mendy, and Kalidou Koulibaly, all of whom currently compete in the Saudi Pro League. Brazil midfielder Fabinho, Mexico forward Julian Quinones, Turkey defender Merih Demiral, and Ivory Coast captain Franck Kessie further strengthen the league’s global representation. 📋 La Liste des 28 Lions retenus par le sélectionneur national Pape Thiaw pour représenter le Sénégal à la Coupe du Monde 2026. #FIFAWC2026 #ListeGaideyi
As the season draws to a close, Cristiano Ronaldo walked away empty-handed regarding individual Saudi Pro League honors, while compatriots Joao Felix and Jorge Jesus scooped up major end-of-year recognitions. Cristiano Ronaldo finally shattered his silverware drought in Saudi Arabia, capturing his first official trophy with Al Nassr following a resounding 4-1 triumph over Damac to lift the Saudi Pro League crown. Yet, despite an exceptional individual campaign, the Portuguese icon was surprisingly overlooked for the league’s top individual honors—prizes that instead went to Joao Felix and manager Jorge Jesus. The legendary forward served as the foundational pillar of Al Nassr’s title charge. With 30 goals in 37 appearances across all competitions, he finished as the club’s absolute top marksman for the season, leading their domestic campaign with 28 league tallies. Remarkably, those staggering numbers weren’t enough to secure him the Player of the Season award, which the Saudi Pro League ultimately handed to Joao Felix. The dynamic Portuguese forward enjoyed an exceptional campaign of his own, directly powering the team’s championship run with a phenomenal output of 20 goals and 13 assists in his debut season. Felix wasn’t the only Al Nassr figure to walk away with a year-end honor. The Saudi Pro League also named Jorge Jesus as the Manager of the Season, rewarding a masterclass tactical campaign in which he guided the club to an incredible record of 28 victories, two draws, and a mere four defeats. Al Nassr’s mastermind Jorge Jesus wins the Manager of the Season award in the #RoshnSaudiLeague for 2025/26! 🧠 Presented by @roshnksa pic.twitter.com/vqoZNvtnra— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) May 22, 2026 Ronaldo misses out on historic Golden Boot milestone Ronaldo entered the Saudi Pro League campaign on the precipice of soccer history. Had the legendary attacker secured the Golden Boot, it would have marked his third consecutive top-scorer crown, making him only the third player in league history to achieve the three-peat. If Ronaldo had clinched the 2025/26 Golden Boot, he would have joined an elite club featuring Al Ahli legend Omar Al Somah (2014/15 to 2016/17) and Al Nassr icon Majed Abdullah (1978/79 to 1980/81) as the only players to have won the award in three straight seasons. Instead, the veteran striker had to settle for a place in the top three. Ronaldo finished third in the race with his 28 goals, falling just short of Al Ahli frontman Ivan Toney (32 goals) and the ultimate winner, Al Qadsiyah’s Julian Quiñones, who topped the charts with 33 tallies. Ronaldo won match-day awards throughout the campaign While Cristiano missed out on a major end-of-season individual trophy, his campaign was far from devoid of recognition; he racked up an impressive eight Man of the Match awards over the course of the season. Even so, that achievement was narrowly eclipsed by Joao Felix, who took home the honor nine times to finish as Al Nassr’s most decorated match-day performer this year.
Joao Felix reflected on Al Nassr's Saudi Pro League title and the impact on Cristiano Ronaldo, stating "I know how much Cristiano Ronaldo suffers with this." Cristiano Ronaldo has finally ended his trophy drought at Al Nassr after a hard-fought 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season that went down to the wire against Al Hilal. In the aftermath of the triumph, Portugal teammate Joao Felix opened up about the victory and what it meant to watch Ronaldo fight for that moment, saying “I know how much Cristiano Ronaldo suffers with this.“ Felix was one of last summer’s most high-profile signings at Al Nassr, with Ronaldo playing a direct role in convincing the club to pursue the deal and personally persuading Felix to make the move to Saudi Arabia. Having shared a dressing room with Ronaldo through the Portugal national team, the bond between the two deepened further through the daily grind of club life in the Middle East, and both men were ultimately part of a long-awaited triumph. Speaking to Sport TV, Felix reflected candidly on the significance of the title for Ronaldo. “Cris has been trying for a few years now to win his first title here. To win the league, especially, because in Arabia they play more, and I know because I’m with him every single day,” he said. Among the most powerful moments of the celebration was the sight of Ronaldo in tears, first after scoring his second goal against Damac FC and then on the substitutes’ bench after being replaced, a scene Felix chose to address directly. “And I know how much Cristiano suffers with this. I knew how much he wanted to win. That’s why I went to give him a hug. Because it was like, just a few more minutes and we had it done,” he added. João Félix 🗣️ : ”Sei o quanto o Cristiano sofre com isto”#sporttvportugal #SAUDInaSPORTTV #LigaSaudita #AlNassr pic.twitter.com/nwEWUCYtEU— sport tv (@sporttvportugal) May 21, 2026 With the Saudi Pro League title now in his collection, Ronaldo has added yet another trophy to one of the most decorated careers in the history of the game, and the first since turning 41 back in February. With the 2026 World Cup now on the horizon with Portugal, his passion for the game remains as visible as ever, something his teammates at Al Nassr have witnessed first-hand throughout a relentless pursuit of this title. Joao Felix and a transformative first season at Al Nassr Following a lack of consistent playing time at Chelsea and a difficult loan spell at AC Milan the previous season, Felix had been widely expected to leave Stamford Bridge last summer. Ronaldo saw an opportunity, called the player directly, and convinced him that Al Nassr would give him not only a key role in a title-contending squad but also the minutes necessary to remain in Roberto Martínez’s Portugal plans for the 2026 World Cup. In a deal worth €30 million, Felix made the move to Riyadh, and operating as the No. 10 behind Ronaldo, he delivered one of the standout individual seasons across all competitions, posting 26 goals and 18 assists across 47 appearances. Of those assists, six went directly to Ronaldo, a reflection of how naturally the chemistry they had built on the international stage translated to a synergy in the club. While Ronaldo finished as Al Nassr’s top scorer, Felix led the team in assists and finished the season with 44 direct goal contributions, more than any other player at the club. Al Nassr claimed the SPL title for the first time since 2019, and Felix has since been named in Martínez’s Portugal squad, with the 2026 World Cup now his next major objective.
In a closely contested match, Cristiano Ronaldo led Al Nassr to the Saudi Pro League title. Although Damac put up a strong fight, Sadio Mané’s goal turned the game around, securing the championship for Jorge Jesus’ team. After a consistent season, Cristiano Ronaldo has been crowned champion of the Saudi Pro League for the first time since his arrival in the Middle East. Al Nassr and Damac played out a match that appeared to be fairly even, but Sadio Mané’s goal ultimately turned the game around, putting Al Nassr in the spotlight. With this victory, the Portuguese veteran ends a six-year drought without winning a league title. Damac FC managed to impose a promising style of play in the opening minutes. Taking advantage of the spaces in the rival defense, they shined with long passes that allowed their forwards to win through speed. After failing to convert their numerous chances, they gradually became more overwhelmed by the high press of Al Nassr. In addition, they adopted a defensive approach after the goal from Sadio Mané, cutting off any chance of equalising the match. Without Marcelo Brozovic, Al Nassr struggled to build plays and apply high pressure. While Abdullah Alkhaibari shone with his defensive presence and offensive contributions, Ayman Yaya seemed quite lost, leaving a noticeable creative void. Nevertheless, Sadio Mané and João Félix emerged as the most influential players on the field, creating scoring opportunities and setting up the winning goal. João Félix managed to be the most decisive player for Al Nassr FC, even if he did not score. Not only did he drop deep to receive the ball in midfield, but he also created spaces in attack. With his vision and change of pace, he moved all around the pitch, giving creativity to a team that seemed lost on the wings. Nevertheless, Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace emerged as the most important part of the game, outshining Sadio Mane and Kingsley Coman to win the Saudi Pro League. Al Nassr are your 2025/26 #RoshnSaudiLeague Champions 🏆 pic.twitter.com/IkQXTMNPtx— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) May 21, 2026 Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace outshined Sadio Mane and Kingsley Coman Throughout the match, Sadio Mané emerged as Al Nassr’s standout player, scoring the decisive goal that shifted the momentum. Head coach Jorge Jesus focused on making the wings the focal point of the game, allowing the Senegalese forward to shine. Following a corner kick by João Félix, Mané found himself unmarked in Damac’s penalty area. He won the aerial duel and headed the ball into the net to score the goal. بصناعة جواو فيليكس 🎯ساديو ماني يسجل هدف التقدم للنصر ⚽️هكذا جاء الهدف الأول 🟡#النصر_ضمك | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/3SAOq4R3lR— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) May 21, 2026 Far from slowing down their offensive pace in the second half, Al Nassr continued to shine down the wings. After a spectacular run by Nawaf Boushal, he found Kingsley Coman and passed him the ball. The Frenchman dribbled past Damac’s defenders, playing a give-and-go with Abdullah Alkhaibari to find himself alone on the edge of the box. Taking advantage of his powerful shot, he unleashed a fierce strike, leaving Kewin with no chance. كومان يعزز تقدم النصر بتسديدة من خارج المنطقة ⚽️🔥قصة هدف النصر الثاني كاملة 🟡#النصر_ضمك | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/BQoTumZsMM— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) May 21, 2026 Despite great performances from Mane and Coman, Cristiano Ronaldo outshone them both with a spectacular brace. Although he went largely unnoticed for much of the match, he managed to score a spectacular free kick from what seemed like a tight angle. Far from stopping there, he doubled down, scoring a brace after a pass from Joao Felix inside the box, beating Kewin of Damac once again.
Jorge Jesus will no longer coach Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr following the Saudi Pro League title. Al Nassr ended a seven-year title drought by winning the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League under the leadership of Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the celebrations were tempered by the announcement that head coach Jorge Jesus will leave the club. “For me, it’s over. It’s the last game I worked for Al-Nassr,” Jesus said moments after Thursday’s match against Damac during an interview with Canal GOAT. “I’m leaving, that’s the point. It’s over.” The comments confirm speculation that had circulated in recent weeks regarding the 71-year-old coach, who reportedly wants to pursue a different path in his career, with the Portugal national team viewed as a possible destination. Jorge Jesus also addressed his immediate plans after leaving Saudi Arabia, though he limited his comments to discussing his upcoming travels. “I’m going to Portugal, I’m going to spend two or four days on vacation in Portugal. Then I’m thinking of going to Brazil, I’m thinking of going to Rio,” he said, before clarifying: “Not to train. I’m only going to Brazil for vacation.” JORGE JESUS NÃO FICA NO AL NASSR! ELE VEM PARA O BRASIL! ✈️🇧🇷Em entrevista ao @vinisiupe, Jorge Jesus disse que foi seu último jogo pelo Al Nassr e que vem ao Brasil tirar férias!#CanalGOAT #SauditaNoGOAT #JorgeJesus pic.twitter.com/HWcOcz4hBF— Canal GOAT (@CanalGOATBR) May 21, 2026 Jorge Jesus reflects on Al Nassr’s title Al Nassr prepared last summer with the goal of reaching this moment of celebration. To do so, the club invested in several high-profile signings from Europe, including Kingsley Coman, Joao Felix, and Inigo Martinez. Alongside them arrived Jorge Jesus, who already had experience in the Saudi Pro League after previously coaching Al Hilal. “When I accepted this challenge, I knew it was difficult because on the other side was Al-Hilal, which I practically helped build into a great team. And to beat Al-Hilal we had to be much better. And we were, because we formed a very united group,” the coach reflected during the same interview with Canal GOAT. Jorge Jesus reveals conversation with Ronaldo upon joining Al Nassr When he joined Al Nassr, Jesus had an important conversation with Cristiano Ronaldo. “I only accepted this challenge because I told him: ‘I’m going to help you become champion, we’re going to win the title,” the coach recalled. “This is a victory for everyone, and especially for Cris, who hadn’t yet won any titles in Saudi Arabia,” Jorge Jesus added before reflecting on Ronaldo’s impact at the club. “Cris has made Al-Nassr have a very large dimension not only in Saudi Arabia, but outside of Saudi Arabia as well.”
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