Joao Felix is beginning to look like a player who has found his confidence again.
After a difficult spell at Chelsea, the Portugal international has rebuilt his career with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. His performances have improved significantly, and the forward is now openly considering a return to European football.
Felix joined Al-Nassr in 2025 after leaving Chelsea, where his time at Stamford Bridge had failed to produce the consistency expected from him.
Now 26, Felix has become an important part of Al-Nassr’s attack. His numbers have also underlined the turnaround in his career, with 30 goals and 22 assists from 55 appearances in all competitions.
The forward has also continued his strong form at international level, scoring in Portugal’s recent victories over Wales and Norway.
With his confidence restored, Felix is now thinking about what could come next.
Joao Felix Wants to Return to European Football
Felix has made it clear that his time in Saudi Arabia does not necessarily represent the final stage of his career.
Speaking to AS, the Portuguese forward revealed that he is already thinking about returning to Europe.
“I am very happy at Al-Nassr. This will be my second season. I will turn 27 at the end of the season. I plan to return to Europe, although perhaps not in the near future,” Felix said.
His comments suggest that there is no immediate rush to leave Al-Nassr.
Felix is comfortable with his current situation and remains focused on his career in Saudi Arabia. However, he has also identified European football as a long-term objective.
The timing of a possible move remains unclear.
Felix admitted that he does not know whether his return to Europe will happen at the end of the current season or one year later.
“I don’t know if that will happen at the end of this season or the end of next season. However, I want to return to Europe, play in the Champions League again and compete there,” he added.
Champions League Is a Major Motivation
For Felix, a return to Europe is not simply about changing clubs.
The Champions League appears to be one of the biggest reasons behind his desire to return.
The Portuguese forward believes competing against Europe’s top teams provides an additional level of motivation that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.
“It is always different. Playing in Europe, playing in the Champions League, facing the best teams in the world gives you additional motivation. Of course, that is what I think about,” Felix explained.
His comments show that European football remains an important ambition.
The forward has already experienced Champions League football during his career, and the possibility of returning to that stage could become increasingly relevant as he approaches the final stages of his current Al-Nassr contract.
Al-Nassr Has Helped Felix Rediscover His Form
Felix’s current situation represents a significant change from his period at Chelsea.
After arriving at Stamford Bridge, he struggled to consistently produce the performances expected of him. His time in London ultimately lasted only one year before he moved on in the summer of 2025.
The move to Al-Nassr has provided a different environment.
Felix has become an important attacking player and has contributed directly to the team’s success.
His current numbers highlight that improvement:
- 30 goals for Al-Nassr.
- 22 assists across all competitions.
- 55 appearances for the Saudi club.
- A league title with Al-Nassr.
- Recent goals for Portugal against Wales and Norway.
Those figures have helped change the conversation around Felix.
Instead of focusing primarily on his difficult period at Chelsea, attention is now turning toward what he could achieve next.
Felix Has Time to Decide His Next Move
One of the factors that could make a European return possible relatively soon is Felix’s contract situation.
When he joined Al-Nassr in 2025, he signed a two-year agreement rather than a long-term deal.
That means his current contract is scheduled to expire in 2027.
The arrangement gives Felix a degree of flexibility when considering his next step.
He could potentially remain in Saudi Arabia if Al-Nassr wants to extend his contract, or he could consider opportunities in Europe if he decides that the time is right.
There is no indication from Felix that a decision has already been made.
Instead, he has left the timing open.
Al-Nassr Could Still Try to Keep Him
Felix’s strong performances could also make Al-Nassr interested in extending his stay.
The club has already benefited from his contribution, including his role in helping them win the Saudi Arabian league title.
The possibility of further success could influence the decision on both sides.
Al-Nassr could look to retain Felix if the team manages to defend its league crown and potentially win the AFC Champions League for the first time.
For Felix, remaining in Saudi Arabia could provide an opportunity to continue competing for major trophies while maintaining a prominent role.
At the same time, the attraction of returning to the Champions League remains.
What Could Happen to Joao Felix Next?
Felix’s future could become one of the more interesting stories surrounding the Portuguese forward over the next two seasons.
His immediate focus remains with Al-Nassr, but his comments have clearly opened the possibility of a European comeback.
The key factors are straightforward:
- Felix’s current Al-Nassr contract runs until 2027.
- He has not decided whether to leave at the end of this season or the following one.
- He wants to play in the Champions League again.
- His improved performances could attract attention from European clubs.
- Al-Nassr could still look to extend his contract.
For now, Felix appears content in Saudi Arabia.
However, his long-term ambition is clear. He wants another opportunity to compete in European football and experience the Champions League again.
After rebuilding his confidence at Al-Nassr, the Portuguese forward now has time to decide when that next chapter should begin.
If his current form continues, the prospect of Joao Felix returning to Europe could become an increasingly important storyline as his 2027 contract deadline approaches.
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