How Ronaldo Convinced Joao Felix to Ditch Chelsea and Join Him at Al-Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly played a key role in convincing fellow Portuguese star Joao Felix to reject a potential return to Chelsea and instead join him at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

The 25-year-old forward is set to sign for the Riyadh-based club in a deal initially valued at £26 million ($35 million), reuniting him with Portugal’s iconic captain after his loan stints at Chelsea and AC Milan.

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According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Ronaldo personally reached out to Felix following the conclusion of his loan at Stamford Bridge, addressing the younger forward’s concerns about a move to Saudi Arabia.

Ronaldo is said to have delivered a compelling pitch focused on the Portuguese national team’s future, urging Felix to consider the impact their club-level partnership could have on international selection, particularly with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner reportedly told Felix that playing 40–50 games together at Al-Nassr during the upcoming season would foster a greater on-field chemistry, which could be vital in securing places in Roberto Martinez’s Portugal squad.

With intense competition for attacking spots, Ronaldo emphasized that regular club-level interaction would give them a unique advantage when it comes to national team call-ups.

Felix, who cost Chelsea £45 million ($60.5 million) from Atletico Madrid in 2024 before briefly joining AC Milan, was apparently convinced by Ronaldo’s vision.

He is now expected to commit to a two-year contract at Al-Nassr, with an annual salary of €10 million.

Having agreed to terms, Felix is slated to link up with Al-Nassr’s squad during their pre-season camp in Austria in the coming days.

The move is seen not only as a significant coup for the Saudi Pro League but also a strategic shift in Felix's career, prioritizing playing time, leadership mentorship under Ronaldo, and a clearer path to representing Portugal on the world’s biggest stage in 2026.