Joao Felix has been named the Saudi Pro League Player of the Season after steering Al Nassr to their first league title since 2018-19. The Portuguese forward's versatility and playmaking edge out the goal-scoring record of teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.

Felix’s 13 assists eclipse Ronaldo’s 28 goals

While Cristiano Ronaldo remains a prolific scorer, the Saudi Pro League has recognized the more comprehensive impact of Joao Felix. According to the report, Joao Felix recorded 13 assists—the highest number in the league—and contributed to 33 goals across 33 appearances. This all-round performance earned him the Player of the Season award over his Al Nassr teammate .

Cristiano Ronaldo finished third in the scoring charts with 28 goals, but the award reflects a shift in how the league values playmaking over pure finishing. The synergy between the two Portuguese internationals was vital, but it was Joao Felix who proved the most decisive factor in the Riyadh side's championship run.

Al Nassr’s 86-point surge to an 11th title

Al Nassr secured their 11th league title by finishing the season with 86 points, narrowly beating the record 21-time champions Al Hilal by a margin of two points. The title was officially sealed at the King Saud University Stadium during a match against Damac, where Joao Felix and Sadio Mane played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

The path to the trophy was not without drama. as reported, Al Nassr nearly let the title slip a week prior due to a stoppage-time error by Brazilian goalkeeper Bento, which resulted in a 1-1 draw against Al Hilal. Furthermore, the club suffered a significant setback in the AFC Champions League Two final, losing a shock home match to Gamba Osaka.

From a £113 million disappointment to Riyadh redemption

The resurgence of Joao Felix in Saudi Arabia follows a tumultuous period in European football. After joining Atletico Madrid from Benfica in 2019 for £113 million—making him one of the most expensive transfers in history—Felix struggled to maintain his early promise. His tenure at Chelsea was particularly difficult; he made 20 appearances under Enzo Maresca but started only three Premier League games before being loaned to AC Milan in January 2025.

For years, critics argued that Joao Felix had fallen short of the potential he showed as a teenager at Benfica, where he became the youngest player to score a Europa League hat-trick. His move to Al Nassr at age 25 was initially viewed by many as a premature exit from the elite European stage, but his current form suggests he has finally found an environment where his talents can flourish.

The 41-year-old Ronaldo and the Martinez transition

The internal dynamics at Al Nassr mirror the evolving state of the Portugal national team. Cristiano Ronaldo, now 41,is preparing for a record sixth World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has been candid about the shift in roles, stating that the team manages the player who fits the squad's needs rather than the "iconic figure."

This transition is underscored by the inclusion of Joao Felix in the World Cup squad and a poignant tribute to Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash last summer. The national team's "27+1" slogan reflects a brotherhood that transcends the individual stardom of Cristiano Ronaldo, focusing instead on a collective dream for the upcoming tournament.

Will Al Nassr replace Jorge Jesus with Roberto Martinez?

Despite the league success,the future of Al Nassr's leadership remains uncertain. While Jorge Jesus led the team to the title, reports suggest that Al Nassr is targeting Roberto Martinez as a potential replacement. Martinez is expected to step down from his role with the Portugal national team following the conclusion of the World Cup.

Whether Al Nassr can successfully lure Martinez remains an open question, as does the long-term sustainability of the Felix-Ronaldo partnership. While the source highlights the current success, it remains to be seen if this tactical balance can be maintained under a new managerial regime or if the club's ambitions will lead to further squad overhauls.