Joao Felix has taken a major step in his career by leaving European soccer to join Al Nassr, signing a lucrative two-year deal aimed at preparing for the 2026 World Cup. With the signing confirmed on Tuesday, attention quickly turned to his salary, especially in comparison to Cristiano Ronaldo‘s reported $244 million annual earnings.
Out of Chelsea’s plans for the 2025-26 season, Felix was eager to find a new club. Benfica made a push to bring him back, with negotiations advancing, until Al Nassr—and particularly Cristiano Ronaldo—entered the race to change the narrative.
As Benfica neared an agreement with Chelsea, Al Nassr—and more specifically, Cristiano Ronaldo—stepped in to sway Felix’s decision. According to Fabrizio Romano, Ronaldo personally called Felix to pitch the club’s project. The Saudi side moved quickly to close the deal.
Within 48 hours, Chelsea agreed to a transfer worth 30 million euros, plus another 20 million in potential add-ons—meeting the English club’s asking price after they paid 52 million to Atletico Madrid for him in 2024. Felix now joins the starting lineup at Al Nassr with the dual goal of club success and staying in top form for the Portugal national team heading into the 2026 World Cup.
Ronaldo and Felix’s salaries
Cristiano Ronaldo’s future became one of the key stories of the summer, with his Al Nassr contract set to expire in June and negotiations dragging on for months. Just ahead of the deadline, the club confirmed that Ronaldo had signed a new deal, extending his stay through 2027.
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As part of that extension, the Portuguese legend agreed to what is reportedly the most lucrative contract in sports history. According to TUDN, Cristiano Ronaldo will earn $244.5 million annually, not including performance-based bonuses and a stake in the club.
By contrast, Al Nassr’s newest addition signed a much smaller—but still substantial—contract. According to Portuguese outlet Record, Joao Felix will earn 12 million euros per year, totaling 24 million over the two seasons he’ll be teaming up with Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.
