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Chelsea reject scores hat-trick on Saudi Pro League debut

Joao Felix has made the perfect start to life in the Middle East as he scored a hat-trick on his Saudi Pro League debut.

The Portugal international departed Chelsea after a dismal spell earlier this summer in a deal worth £45million.

Felix scored a hat-trick on his domestic debut for Al Nassr

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Felix scored a hat-trick on his domestic debut for Al NassrCredit: AFP

Felix made just 20 appearances for the Blues following his permanent switch from Atletico Madrid last summer.

And with the forward not in Enzo Maresca's plans, he joined Al Nassr in July, teaming up with icon Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 25-year-old had already made five appearances for the Saudi side, scoring and assisting once across those fixtures.

But on his Saudi Pro League debut, he truly announced himself.

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As Al Nassr began their domestic campaign, Felix netted a brilliant hat-trick as part of a dominant 5-0 win over Al-Taawoun.

He opened the scoring after seven minutes before fellow new arrival Kingsley Coman and Ronaldo added two more after half time.

Felix then scored his second goal in stunning fashion as he took one touch on the edge of the box and unleashed a fierce strike into the top corner to make it four for his new side.

His hat-trick was completed in the 87th minute as he tapped in from very close range to mark a perfect debut.

The performance saw him rewarded, as he was named Man of the Match and took home a trophy with his match ball.

Al Nassr have taken top spot in the Saudi Pro League after the convincing win that was led by Felix's three goals.

Felix's hat-trick gave his and Ronaldo's side the perfect start to the season

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Felix's hat-trick gave his and Ronaldo's side the perfect start to the seasonCredit: Getty

The Chelsea flop was awarded Man of the Match for his debut performance

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The Chelsea flop was awarded Man of the Match for his debut performanceCredit: @AlNassrFC_EN / X

What went wrong for Felix at Chelsea?

Felix first joined Chelsea on loan in 2023 and went on to play 16 times in the Premier League, impressing at the Blues.

He then spent a year at Barcelona the following season, scoring 10 times in 44 appearances for the Spanish giants.

And it was after that that he returned to Stamford Bridge, signing a seven-year deal in a move worth £42million.

But things didn't go to plan for the former £113m signing, as he quickly fell out of favour last season.

Felix only featured 12 times in the Premier League and scored one goal before being sent out on loan in January.

The Portuguese joined AC Milan for the second half of last season, trying to reignite his career.

Joao Felix's transfer history

Benfica to Atletico Madrid - 2019 - £113million

Atletico Madrid to Chelsea - January 2023 - loan

Atletico Madrid to Barcelona - 2023/24 - loan

Atletico Madrid to Chelsea - 2024 - £42million

Chelsea to AC Milan - January 2025 - loan

Chelsea to Al Nassr - 2025 - £45million

However, Milan opted not to sign him permanently and then Chelsea appeared desperate to get him off their books this summer.

Felix was linked with a move back to his former club Benfica, but it was a move to Saudi Arabia and Al Nassr that materialised.

And he's already made an impressive start to life in the Middle East.

Next up for Felix and Al Nassr is a home clash against Al-Kholood on September 14 after the international break.

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Felix is part of Portugal's squad, alongside new club teammate Ronaldo, for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Selecao are set to take on Armenia and Hungary.

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