After a 4-0 friendly victory against Rio Ave in his native Portugal on 7/8, Ronaldo was asked about Al Nassr's acquisition of Felix from Chelsea for 57 million USD. Ronaldo reportedly played a key role in persuading Felix, helping Al Nassr secure the 24-year-old forward over his former club Benfica, who also wanted to sign him.

"Stealing is not good. No one has ever stolen anything from Benfica. Everyone knows Felix is very talented. I think he will help us a lot in the Saudi League, a very competitive league," Sportmail quoted Ronaldo as saying.

Ronaldo (center) celebrates a goal with Felix (left) during Al Nassr's victory over Toulouse at Grodig Stadium, Austria on 30/7/2025. Photo: Al Nassr

Last season, Benfica finished second in the Portuguese league and qualified for the third qualifying round of the Champions League. Meanwhile, Al Nassr finished third in the Saudi Pro League and will only participate in the AFC Champions League Two, the second-tier Asian club football tournament, ranked below the AFC Champions League Elite and above the AFC Challenge League.

Ronaldo believes Felix made the right decision, despite rejecting Benfica, a prominent European club, and the opportunity to compete in the Champions League. "This is a better choice for Felix than playing in the Portuguese league," the 40-year-old forward said. "Just look at the number of stars in Saudi Arabia. Even without playing in the Champions League, this is still a very wise decision by Felix."

Ronaldo also dismissed rumors that he personally called Felix to invite him. "Call him to persuade him? I didn't do that, I didn't pick up the phone," he affirmed. "That's not my job. You, the journalists, said that. My job is to train and play."

Ronaldo has repeatedly praised the competitiveness and quality of the Saudi Pro League since joining Al Nassr. In early 2024, the Portuguese forward claimed the Saudi Pro League is more competitive and higher quality than Ligue 1, the league where Lionel Messi played. Two months ago, he even declared the Saudi Pro League is among the top 5 leagues in the world.

Ronaldo scores a hat-trick against Rio Ave.

On 7/8, Ronaldo scored a hat-trick to help Al Nassr win a friendly match against Rio Ave 4-0 in his homeland Portugal. Ronaldo and his teammates will play their final friendly match against Almeria at Estadio Mediterraneo, Spain on 11/8. Al Nassr will then begin the new season with the Saudi Super Cup semi-final against Karim Benzema's Al Ittihad on 19/8.

Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in football in recent years. The country's league has been elevated by signing several superstars such as Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Riyad Mahrez, and Roberto Firmino. Saudi Arabia has won the right to host the 2027 Asian Cup and had intended to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Egypt and Greece, but was unsuccessful.

Hong Duy (according to Daily Mail)