Ronaldo embraces Felix after assisting him in Al Nassr's win over Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Super Cup semi-final on 19/8. Photo: Al Nassr

Like many Portuguese players of his generation, Felix grew up idolizing Cristiano Ronaldo. As Felix entered his teens and his dream of becoming a professional footballer began to take shape, Ronaldo was at the peak of his career with Real Madrid, scoring goals effortlessly and breaking numerous records.

Unlike his idol, who developed at Sporting Lisbon's academy, Felix started at rival club Porto's academy at the age of 8 before being released due to his small stature. He then moved to Lisbon and joined Benfica, another of Portugal's "Big 3" clubs.

In the 2018-2019 season, Felix's name began to generate excitement as he shone for Benfica's first team, scoring 15 goals and providing seven assists in the Portuguese league. The 19-year-old quickly attracted attention from major clubs, with both Manchester clubs reportedly interested.

In July 2019, Felix signed a seven-year contract with Atletico Madrid in a deal worth an estimated 150 million USD, which remains the fourth most expensive transfer in history and the second highest for a teenager, behind only Kylian Mbappe. He was expected to be Portugal's next superstar after Ronaldo.

That same year, Felix became teammates with his idol on the national team, making his debut in the semi-final of the 2019 UEFA Nations League, which Portugal, captained by Ronaldo, won.

However, over the next six years, from full seasons at Atletico to loan spells at Chelsea, Barcelona, and AC Milan, Felix never managed to score 10 goals in a domestic league season. From the 2019 Golden Boy award winner, Felix gradually became the "boy who wouldn't grow up."

Felix expresses his disappointment after a missed chance while playing for AC Milan in Serie A last season. Photo: AFP

During a summer when no major European club was eager to sign him, his former club Benfica was ready to welcome him back. However, Felix chose to move to Asia, joining Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. On social media, some suggested he was chasing the oil money, while others said he followed the call of his idol, Ronaldo, believing the veteran superstar indirectly helped Al Nassr secure Felix ahead of Benfica. Regardless of the reason, everyone believed Felix's decision signaled a partial abandonment of his ambition to shine in top-level European football.

When asked about these opinions, Ronaldo reacted angrily. "Stealing is not good, and no one stole anything from Benfica," he retorted when asked if he helped "steal" Felix from Benfica.

"Everyone knows Felix is very talented, and I believe he will be a great asset to the team in the Saudi Pro League, a very competitive league. I think it's a better choice for Felix than playing in the Portuguese league; just look at the number of stars in Saudi Arabia. Even without Champions League football, it's still a very good decision for him," Ronaldo affirmed.

And reality seems to be unfolding as Ronaldo predicted. The move to Al Nassr is a new beginning for Felix. At 25, he not only has Ronaldo as a teammate but is also managed by Jorge Jesus, a highly respected coach in Benfica's history, who led the club to three league titles. In this unfamiliar yet familiar environment, Felix is transforming.

Since joining Al Nassr for 35 million USD in late July, Felix has scored four goals in three games for his new club, more than the three he scored for Milan in 21 loan appearances in the latter half of the 2024-2025 season. Playing as an attacking midfielder behind striker Ronaldo, Felix scored the decisive goal from his idol's assist in his debut, a Saudi Super Cup semi-final win against Al Ittihad, and then scored a hat-trick in Al Nassr’s 5-0 thrashing of Al Taawoun in their Saudi Pro League opener.

Ronaldo (center) celebrates after Felix scored in the 5-0 win against Al Taawoun in the first round of the Saudi Pro League. Photo: Al Nassr

"This is a new phase in my career," Felix said in early September. "I’ve adapted easily. Wherever I am, I always try to give my best. I want to help the team and the club as much as I can: scoring goals, providing assists... whatever it takes."

Thanks to his regained form at Al Nassr, coach Roberto Martinez called Felix up to the Portugal squad for the September FIFA international break. And he continued to impress. Although he had to play on the right wing because the attacking midfield position on the national team belonged to Bruno Fernandes, Felix responded with two goals in the 5-0 demolition of Armenia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.

He opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a header from Joao Cancelo's cross and sealed the victory in the 61st minute, shortly before being substituted, with a back-heeled goal in the penalty area.

"Felix is a talented player who needs to play. He is getting regular playing time at his club and his feel for the game is improving, as he has shown on the pitch. Felix brings a different rhythm, and we are benefiting," said Martinez. Meanwhile, teammate Pedro Neto told A Bola, "Felix is an excellent player. If he plays his own style, I believe he will shine again."

Previously, Felix only had the opportunity to play alongside Ronaldo for the national team. In the six years they shared a dressing room for Portugal before Felix joined Al Nassr, in all the matches Ronaldo and Felix played together, Ronaldo scored 29 goals, while Felix scored only six.

Ronaldo congratulates Felix after his goal in Portugal's 5-0 victory over Armenia in their first Group F match of the 2026 World Cup European qualifiers on 6/9. Photo: Al Nassr

Now, playing alongside his idol not only for the national team but also at club level, the feeling of connection and understanding seems to be relieving the pressure on Felix to perform. In total, across four official matches and 334 minutes on the pitch with Ronaldo for both club and country, Felix has scored five goals.

"If Felix continues this transformation, it's not just better late than never, but it could be finding the light through Ronaldo's guidance," commented Marca.

Compiled by Hoang Thong