Cristiano Ronaldo’s Persuasion: Inside Joao Felix’s Big Move from Chelsea to Al-Nassr and the Saudi Pro League

Discover how Cristiano Ronaldo played a pivotal role in convincing Portuguese star Joao Felix to leave Chelsea and join Al-Nassr, using the prospect of a stronger partnership for Portugal’s national team as a key argument for the high-profile transfer.

Joao Felix is on the verge of a major transfer from Chelsea to Al-Nassr, reportedly for an initial £26million ($35m). Cristiano Ronaldo, already a star at the Saudi club, is said to have been instrumental in influencing Felix’s decision to make the move. According to Foot Mercato, Ronaldo addressed any doubts Felix had about joining the Saudi Pro League by highlighting how playing regular club football together over 40-50 games next season could help cement their on-field chemistry. Ronaldo believes this growing partnership would give them both a better shot at excelling with Portugal in the 2026 World Cup, which could be a crucial factor in coach Roberto Martinez’s selection process.

Felix, who previously struggled for minutes at Chelsea and spent part of last season on loan at AC Milan, reportedly recognized how this move could reignite his career and strengthen his position with the national team. Set to sign a two-year contract with an annual salary of €10m, Felix is expected to join Al-Nassr’s pre-season training camp in Austria very soon. This move also marks another high-profile talent heading to Saudi Arabia’s growing league, promising an exciting partnership for Al-Nassr fans and potentially for Portugal’s World Cup aspirations.