João Félix has confirmed plans to leave Al Nassr and return to European football. The former Chelsea forward joined the Saudi Pro League club in 2025 and says he wants to play Champions League football again.
Félix left Chelsea for Saudi Arabia last year, having had two loan spells at Stamford Bridge. He now plays alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr. He has made clear that a return to Europe remains his long-term goal.
João Félix confirms intention to leave Saudi Arabia for Europe
Speaking in an interview with Football London, Félix said he is settled at Al Nassr but does not plan to stay there for good.
“I’m very happy at Al Nassr. This will be my second year. I’ll be 27 at the end of the season. I’m planning to return to Europe, though perhaps not immediately,” he said.
He explained that the Champions League is the main reason he wants to return.
“I don’t know if it will be at the end of this season or the end of next, but I’m eager to return to Europe, to play in the Champions League again, and to compete there again,” Félix said.
Why does a return to Europe mean a lot to Félix?
Al Nassr signed Félix in 2025 after two loan spells at Chelsea did not lead to a permanent deal at Stamford Bridge. Félix explained why playing in Europe still means so much to him.
“It’s always different. Playing in Europe, playing in the Champions League, playing against the best teams in the world gives you extra motivation, and obviously, that’s what I’m thinking about,” he said.
On his Chelsea exit, he added: “I felt good there. I just moved because I wanted to play often. I did what I needed to do. The move was positive, I’m happy, I’m enjoying football.”
João Félix finding goals alongside Cristiano Ronaldo
João Félix scored 11 goals and added two assists across two spells at Chelsea, without ever securing a regular starting place. His most productive football since leaving came on loan at AC Milan in the second half of last season, where he scored three goals in 21 Serie A appearances.
He has found real form at Al Nassr this season, scoring 20 goals and adding 13 assists in 33 league appearances as the club won the Saudi Pro League title by two points. Félix credited a settled role for that upturn.
“I’ve been playing regularly and getting plenty of minutes. I’m playing in my natural position, the one where I stood out at Benfica, and in a system that suits me very well,” he said.
He also scored for Portugal in their 2-1 win over Norway in the Nations League on Sunday. Chelsea’s forward line has changed since Félix left the club. Xabi Alonso shuts down squad concern in his verdict on the current squad, and Chelsea set £60m price on Nicolas Jackson, a sign of how much the attack has shifted since Félix departed.
What Happens Next for Felix
Félix made clear no move is imminent. He described his return to Europe as something that could happen within a season or two, not straight away.
“I have complete confidence in myself, especially when playing in my position,” he said. That self-belief has been a big part of Al Nassr’s title-winning season.
Félix remains focused on Saudi Arabia and on international duty with Portugal. By his own admission, any return to a Champions League club is still some way off.
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