n 19 February 2022, Félix made his 100th appearance for the club, opening the scoring

and provided an assist in Atlético's 3–0 away win over Osasuna.[83] The following match,
on 23 February, Félix scored Atlético's opening goal in a 1–1 home draw
over Manchester United at the first leg of Champions League round-of-16 tie.[84] In the
reverse fixture, on 15 March, Félix created Renan Lodi's goal, which was assisted by
Antoine Griezmann, to help Atlético defeat Manchester United 1–0 at Old Trafford and
qualify to the quarter-finals, securing a 2–1 aggregate win.[85] The following six matches,
after scoring six goals and providing two assists, Félix was awarded in March, the
league's Player of the Month award.[86] On 17 April, during a match against Espanyol,
Félix suffered a hamstring injury, ruling him out for the remainder of the season. [87] At the
end of the season, Félix was awarded Atlético Madrid's Player of the Season award,
named by the club's supporters, after finishing the campaign with 10 goals and six
assists.[88]

2022–23: Desire to leave Atlético and loan to Chelsea

[edit]
Félix started the 2022–23 season, on 15 August, providing a hat-trick of assists for the
first time in his career as Atlético beat Getafe 3–0 away from home. In the process, he
became the third Portuguese player to provide three assists in a match in La Liga. [89] The
following matches were preceded by a dispute over Félix's relationship with Diego
Simeone, where Félix lost his place in the starting line-up and became the club's fifth
choice attacker behind Ángel Correa, Antoine Griezmann, Alvaro Morata and Matheus
Cunha.[90] His relationship with his manager deteriorated further on 10 October, during
a Champions League group stage match against Club Brugge, where in the second half
of the match, Simeone sent him to warm up three times, only to leave him on the bench.
Afterwards, he proceeded to ask his agent Jorge Mendes to find him a new club in the
winter transfer window, with this episode sparking his desire to leave the club.[91][92]
[93]
After featuring sporadically for Atlético in the following matches, Félix came on as a
60th-minute substitute and scored his first two goals of the season on 29 October, as he
was named man of the match in a 3–2 away loss to Cádiz.[94]

During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, on 6 December, Atlético's CEO Miguel Ángel Gil
Marín confirmed the club's intention to sell Félix stating that "Félix is the biggest bet the
club has ever made. I think he's a high-performance player, one of the best in the world,
but, for reasons that it's not worth naming now, the relationship between him and the
coach is not good, nor is his motivation. I would love for it to continue, but that is not the
player's intention."[95]

On 11 January 2023, Félix joined Premier League club Chelsea on loan for the
remainder of the 2022–23 season, extending his contract with Atlético to 2027 before
the move.[96][97] He made his debut the following day in a 2–1 defeat away to Fulham, in
which he was sent off in the 58th minute for a tackle on Kenny Tete, later receiving a
three-match ban.[98] Returning after suspension on 11 February, Félix scored his first
goal for the club in a 1–1 league draw at West Ham United.[99] After scoring four goals in
20 appearances, Atlético's president Enrique Cerezo confirmed that Chelsea's new
head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, did not want the club to sign Félix on a permanent
deal following the expiration of his loan. This led Félix to return to Atlético. [100]

2023–24: Loan to Barcelona

[edit]
Félix returned to pre-season training in July, where he almost immediately had a tense
exchange with Atlético sporting director Andrea Berta and was forced to train with the
reserves. The situation between Félix and Atlético, especially with the manager, had
already deteriorated since last season, which was the motive behind his loan to
Chelsea. His agent Jorge Mendes offered him to Paris Saint Germain, but the club
rejected the chance to sign him.[101]

"I would love to play for Barça. Barcelona has always been my first choice and I would
love to join Barça. It was always my dream since I was a kid. If it happens, it will be a
dream come true for me”.
— Félix on his desire to join Barcelona in an interview with Fabrizio Romano on 26 August 2022.[102]

On 18 July, Félix stated his desire to join Barcelona in an interview with Fabrizio
Romano.[102] Both Atlético's directors and the supporters did not appreciate the statement
released by Félix offering himself to one of his club's biggest rivals, leading him to not
play a single minute of the club's pre-season in the summer, whilse also being the target
of whistles by Atlético's supporters every time he was present at the Metropolitano
Stadium.[103][104][105] He also lost the number 7 shirt back to Antoine Griezmann, being
assigned the number 18 shirt.[106][107] Félix would receive an offer from Saudi Pro
League side Al-Hilal to join them on a one-year loan deal, with their manager and fellow
compatriot Jorge Jesus trying to convince Félix to join them on multiple occasions.
However, Atlético rejected Al-Hilal's loan offer, as they wanted a permanent deal for
Félix.[108] He would be called up for Atlético's first official match of the 2023–24
season against Granada, but only featured on the bench.[109]

On 1 September, Félix joined Barcelona on loan for the 2023–24 season, alongside his
Portugal teammate João Cancelo. Initially Barcelona was not interested in him, but after
failed moves for Bernardo Silva and Neymar, the club turned to Félix, with
manager Xavi giving his approval for the move.[110] According to Matteo Moretto
of Relevo, Barcelona covered 100% of his wages, which were restructured after Félix
agreed a contract extension until 2029 before leaving Atlético, and as a consequence
lowering his annual salary, which was crucial to make his deal fit within Barcelona's
salary cap in La Liga.[111]

He made his debut two days later as an 80th-minute substitute in a 2–1 away win
over Osasuna.[112][113] On 16 September, he scored on his first start for Barça, opening the
score in the 25th minute of a 5–0 league victory against Real Betis with a sharp finish
from a narrow angle.[114] He was subsequently praised for his dictating play, and after the
game he stated: "I'm very happy to be starting games again, the feelings are very good
– it's easy to play in this team".[115][116] On his next match, on 19 September, Félix made
his Champions League debut for Barcelona, scoring twice and providing an assist in a
5–0 win over Antwerp, being named man of the match.[117] After being eleven matches
scoreless, on 28 November, he scored the winning goal in a 2–1 comeback at home
against his first club's rivals Porto in the Champions League group stage to secure the
club's spot in the round of sixteen for the first time since 2020–21 season.[118]

On 3 December, he netted the only goal in a 1–0 victory over his parent club Atlético
Madrid.[119] At the reverse fixture at Metropolitano, on 17 March, Félix opened
Barcelona's 3–0 victory over Atlético Madrid, helping his side move to the second spot
in the La Liga table. He became the first player to score in both games against Atlético
Madrid in the same league season since Lionel Messi in 2019–20.[120]

Return to Chelsea
[edit]
On 21 August 2024, Félix returned to Chelsea, signing for them on a seven-year
contract for a fee of €52 million (£42 million) plus €5 million (£4.3 million) in add-ons,
and Conor Gallagher moving in the other direction on a permanent transfer for a fee of
€42 million (£35 million).[121][122] He scored on his second debut, a 6–2 away win
against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 25 August.[123]

Loan to AC Milan
[edit]
On 4 February 2025, Félix signed on a loan contract with AC Milan, which lasts until the
end of the 2024–25 season.[124] A day later, he scored on his debut in a 3–1 victory
over Roma in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals.[125]

International career
[edit]
Youth
[edit]
On 14 June 2017, Félix began his international career with Portugal's under-18 team,
debuting against Norway, replacing Elves Baldé in the 58th minute. In this friendly
match, Félix scored a brace in a 3–0 victory in Lisbon. On 10 October 2017, Félix
debuted for Portugal's under-21 team for the qualification of the 2019 UEFA European
Under-21 Championship, in a 3–1 defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina,
replacing Xadas in the 56th minute.[126][127]

On 15 January 2018, Félix debuted for Portugal's under-19 team as a 27th-minute

substitute for an injured Jorge Teixeira in a 2–1 win over Turkey. On 23 March 2018,
Félix scored his first international goal for Portugal's under-21 team in a 7–0 win
over Liechtenstein.[128] In the end of the qualification process, he had scored four goals,
helping guide Portugal to the play-offs.[129] In the first leg of the play-offs, Portugal
faced Poland in a 1–0 away victory, but eventually lost in the second leg in a 3–1 home
defeat, failing to qualify for the tournament.[130][131]
During his international youth career, Félix would go on to represent the under-18,
under-19 and under-21 teams, amassing 14 youth caps and scoring six goals overall.[132]

Senior
[edit]
On 15 March 2019, manager Fernando Santos called up Félix to the senior team for the
first time, ahead of the opening UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying matches.[133] During training
with the national squad, Félix injured his foot and thus missed Portugal's match
against Serbia on 25 March.[134]

Félix was also selected for the 2019 UEFA Nations League Finals squad on home soil.
[135]
He made his international debut for the senior team on 5 June against Switzerland in
the semi-finals, where he was substituted in the 71st minute of a 3–1 win.[136] Four days
later, Portugal defeated Netherlands 1–0 in the tournament's final.[137] He scored his first
international goal on 5 September 2020 in a 4–1 home win over Croatia in the 2020–21
UEFA Nations League.[138] Félix was selected for UEFA Euro 2020,[139] replacing João
Moutinho in the 55th minute in a 1–0 loss to Belgium in the round of 16 on 27 June.[140]

In October 2022, he was named in Portugal's preliminary 55-man squad for the 2022
FIFA World Cup in Qatar,[141] being included in the final 26-man squad for the
tournament.[142] On 25 November, Félix scored his first World Cup goal in Portugal's 3–2
group stage win against Ghana.[143] On 6 December, Félix provided two assists in
Portugal's 6–1 win over Switzerland in the round of 16.[144] Portugal were eliminated in
the quarter-finals after losing 1–0 to Morocco.[145][146]

On 11 September 2023, Félix scored the closing goal as Portugal

defeated Luxembourg 9–0 at home in the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers, the biggest win in
the team's history.[147] In their quarter-final match against France in the final tournament,
he missed a penalty in the shoot-out that Portugal lost 5–3, resulting in their elimination.
[148]

Player profile
[edit]
Style of play
[edit]
 Félix playing for Atlético Madrid in 2019
Félix is regarded as a highly skilful and technical player[149] capable of playing in several
offensive positions, due to his versatility; throughout his career, he has been deployed
as a striker, as a second striker, or even as a winger, although his primary position is
that of an attacking midfielder.[150][151] With Benfica, Félix usually played as a second
striker in a 4–4–2 formation, where he was tasked with linking up the midfield with the
attack, as well as creating opportunities for the team's main striker, while also being
given the freedom to make runs into the box and score goals himself.[150][28] With Atlético
Madrid, he has occasionally played in a similar role, but has often been deployed as a
winger on either flanks or the second striker in the team's 4–4–2 formation.[152] A
technical gifted and intelligent player, with an eye for goal, his primary traits are his
creativity, finishing, touch on the ball, and dribbling skills, as well as his vision and
precise passing.[150][7][153][154]

Reception
[edit]
Considered by Benfica to be one of the most promising players to have emerged from
their youth ranks, Félix is also regarded by pundits as one of the most talented young
players in world football.[150][22] His playing style has led him to be compared to Brazilian
former playmaker Kaká and former Benfica players Rui Costa and João Pinto;[150][22] he
has also been likened by some in the media to compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo,[149] as well
as former Atlético Madrid forwards Sergio Agüero and Antoine Griezmann.[155][156]

Regarding Félix's playing style in 2019, Rui Costa praised the youngster for his
"understanding of the game," and his "ability to know where to be in front of goal." [28]
[157]
João Tralhão, his former youth coach at Benfica, praising Félix's versatility said, "He
can play anywhere [in attack], because he always finds the spaces to do what the coach
wants. He understands that positioning like few in the world, he's very clever." [158]

Personal life
[edit]
Félix was born in Viseu.[112] He is of Brazilian descent through his father who was born in
Brazil.[159][160] His parents, Carlos and Carla, are both teachers. He has a younger
brother, Hugo, who plays for Benfica's youth ranks.[161] Growing up, Félix's idols were
Kaká and Rui Costa, the latter a player he looked to emulate.[162] Félix was in a
relationship with Portuguese actress Margarida Corceiro until May 2023.[163]

In April 2020, Félix made a donation of equipment to a crowdfunding campaign to a

hospital in his hometown in Viseu during the COVID-19 pandemic.[164]

Career statistics
[edit]
Club
[edit]
As of match played 22 February 2025

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Nationa League
League Europe Other Total
l cup[a] cup[b]
Sea
Club
son
Divi Ap Go Ap Go Ap Go Ap Go Ap Go Ap Go
sion ps als ps als ps als ps als ps als ps als

201
6– Liga
13 3 — — — — 13 3
17[11 Pro
2]

Benfica
201
B Liga
7– 17 4 — — — — 17 4
18[11 Pro
2]

Total 30 7 — — — — 30 7

201 Prim
Benfica 8– eira 26 15 6 1 2 1 9[c] 3 — 43 20
19[11 Liga
2]
 201
9– La
27 6 1 0 — 6[d] 3 2[e] 0 36 9
20[11 Liga
2]

202
0– La
31 7 1 0 — 8[d] 3 — 40 10
21[11 Liga
2]

Atlético 202
Madrid 1– La
24 8 2 1 — 8[d] 1 1[e] 0 35 10
22[11 Liga
2]

202
2– La
14 4 1 1 — 5[d] 0 — 20 5
23[11 Liga
2]

13
Total 96 25 5 2 — 27 7 3 0 34
1

202 Pre
Chelsea 2– mier 16 4 — — 4[d] 0 — 20 4
(loan) 23[16 Lea
5]
gue

202
Barcelon 3– La
30 7 3 0 — 9[d] 3 2[e] 0 44 10
a (loan) 24[16 Liga
6]

202 Pre
Chelsea 4– mier 12 1 1 2 2 0 5[f] 4 — 20 7
25[16 Lea
7]
gue
 AC 202
4– Seri
Milan (lo 3 0 1 1 — 2[d] 0 — 6 1
25[16 eA
an) 7]

21 29
Career total 59 16 6 4 1 56 17 5 0 83
3 4

1. ^ Includes Taça de Portugal, Copa del Rey, FA Cup, Coppa Italia

2. ^ Includes Taça da Liga, EFL Cup
3. ^ Three appearances in UEFA Champions League, six appearances and
three goals in UEFA Europa League
4. ^ Jump up to:a b c d e f g Appearances in UEFA Champions League
5. ^ Jump up to:a b c Appearance(s) in Supercopa de España
6. ^ Appearances in UEFA Conference League
International
[edit]
As of match played 18 November 2024[168]

Appearances and goals by national team and

year

National team Year Apps Goals

Portugal 2019 5 0

2020 8 3

2021 7 0

2022 8 1

2023 8 3

2024 9 2
 Total 45 9

As of match played 18 November 2024

Scores and results list Portugal's goal tally first, score column indicates score
after each Félix goal.[168]

List of international goals scored by João Félix

C Re R
N Venu Oppon Sc Comp
Date a sul ef
o. e ent ore etition
p t .

Estádio
2020–21
5 do
UEFA
Septe Dragão, Croati
1 6 3–0 4–1 Nations [169]

mber Porto, a
League
2020 Portuga
A
l

Estádio
11
da Luz,
Nove Andor
2 Lisbon, 11 7–0 7–0 Friendly [170]

mber ra
Portuga
2020
l

2020–21
17 Stadion
UEFA
Nove Poljud, Croati
3 13 2–1 3–2 Nations [171]

mber Split, a
League
2020 Croatia
A

24 Stadium 2022
Nove 974, Ghan FIFA
4 25 2–1 3–2 [172]

mber Doha, a World

2022 Qatar Cup
 List of international goals scored by João Félix

C Re R
N Venu Oppon Sc Comp
Date a sul ef
o. e ent ore etition
p t .

Stade
de
Luxemb UEFA
26 ourg, Euro
Luxe
5 March Luxemb 30 2–0 6–0 2024 [173]

mbourg
2023 ourg qualifyin
City, g
Luxemb
ourg

Estádio UEFA
11
Algarve, Euro
Septe Luxe
6 Algarve, 32 9–0 9–0 2024 [174]

mber mbourg
Portuga qualifyin
2023
l g

Bilino
Polje
Stadium UEFA
16 Bosni
, Euro
Octob a and
7 Zenica, 34 5–0 5–0 2024 [175]

er Herzegov
Bosnia qualifyin
2023 ina
and g
Herzeg
ovina

Estádio
Municip
11 al de Repu
8 June Aveiro, 39 blic of 1–0 3–0 Friendly [176]

2024 Aveiro, Ireland

Portuga
l
 List of international goals scored by João Félix

C Re R
N Venu Oppon Sc Comp
Date a sul ef
o. e ent ore etition
p t .

2024–25
18 Stadion
UEFA
Nove Poljud, Croati
9 45 1–0 1–1 Nations [177]

mber Split, a
League
2024 Croatia
A

Honours
[edit]
Benfica

 Primeira Liga: 2018–19[112]

Atlético Madrid

 La Liga: 2020–21[178]
Portugal

 UEFA Nations League: 2018–19[112]

Individual

 Primeira Liga Player of the Month: January 2019[179]

 SJPF Young Player of the Month: January 2019[180]
 UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season: 2018–19[181]
 CNID Best Revelation Footballer of the Year: 2019[182]
 Primeira Liga Best Young Player of the Year: 2018–19[183]
 Golden Globes: 2019 Best Newcomer[184]
 A Bola Player of the Year: 2019[185]
 Golden Boy: 2019[186]
 Globe Revelation Player: 2019[187]
 La Liga Player of the Month: November 2020,[60] March 2022[188]
 La Liga Goal of the Month: April 2024[189]
 Atlético Madrid Player of the Year: 2021–22[88]
Notes
[edit]
 1. ^ Félix himself pronounces this name as [ˈfɛliks],[4][5] but this name
is also pronounced [ˈfɛliʃ].[4][6]

References
[edit]

1. ^ "Acta del Partido celebrado el 01 de marzo de 2020, en

Barcelona" [Minutes of the Match held on 1 March 2020, in
Barcelona] (in Spanish). Royal Spanish Football Federation.
Archived from the original on 2 March 2020. Retrieved 2
March 2020.
2. ^ "João Félix". ESPN. Archived from the original on 2 July 2022.
Retrieved 2 March 2020.
3. ^ "João Félix". Atlético Madrid. Archived from the original on 27
December 2022. Retrieved 27 December 2022.