Cristiano Ronaldo defends Joao Felix’s Al Nassr move amid Portugal controversy: ‘Nobody stole anything’

The Saudi Pro League secured another high-profile signing this summer from European soccer. Joao Felix left Chelsea to join Al Nassr, prioritizing that opportunity over others, such as a return to Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo spoke firmly on the matter.

After scoring a hat-trick in Al Nassr’s friendly against Rio Ave, Ronaldo held a press conference where he addressed several topics. Among them, he was asked about the opinion that the Saudi club had “stolen” Felix from Benfica, another club interested in signing him.

“Stealing? That’s a harsh word! Nobody stole anything from anyone,” CR7 reacted, then went on to explain what the former Barcelona and Chelsea forward can offer Al Nassr. “Everyone knows Joao, he has a lot of talent. He’s going to help us a lot in a Saudi league that is very competitive.”

When asked whether he himself influenced Felix’s decision, Ronaldo was blunt. “I don’t call anyone. You were the ones who said that,” he said, pointing at the press. “I don’t call anyone, that’s not my role. My role is to train, to play well, to score goals if possible. But picking up the phone and calling someone is not part of my job.”

Cristiano chooses Saudi Arabia over Portugal

In the same press conference, Ronaldo explained why he believes Joao Felix has a bright future at Al Nassr. “I already said it and I have no problem repeating it: I sincerely believe it was a better option for Felix to go to Saudi Arabia than to play in the Portuguese league,” CR7 stated.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner didn’t hesitate to place the Saudi Pro League above the Primeira Liga, even if his words might not sit well with Portuguese fans—or even some of his own national team teammates.

“I think it was the right decision, even if he’s not playing in the Champions League or if people say he’s too young to go to Saudi Arabia,” Cristiano said of Felix. “You don’t know because you don’t play there, you’re not present, and you don’t know the pace that’s lived there.”

Finally, Ronaldo pushed back against the narrative that downplays the level of the Saudi Pro League: “You only notice it when facing Arab teams or at the Club World Cup. Honestly, that’s my opinion and I stand by it—not because I’m there and want to boost it, but because just look at the number of stars, the high-level players, and the competitiveness.”