Ronaldo defends Felix after criticism of Saudi move

Cristiano Ronaldo has hit back at a Portuguese podcast that questioned Joao Felix’s decision to swap European football for Saudi Arabia, calling the hosts 'idiots' who 'don't understand anything about football' in a post on Instagram. The exchange followed a segment on the popular Chuveirinho podcast that questioned Felix's move to Al-Nassr, a transfer from Chelsea completed this summer in a deal reported at £26 million and potentially rising to £43 million.

Felix joined Chelsea from Atletico Madrid last summer, after an earlier spell with the Blues on loan in 2023. He made 20 appearances for Enzo Maresca's side in the first half of the season but started only three Premier League games before leaving for AC Milan on loan in January. He has since played five games for Al-Nassr, scoring a hat-trick on his debut and recording one assist. Ronaldo, who has become a central figure in Al-Nassr’s project, said he was among the first to talk to Felix about moving to the Saudi club, and Felix said the conversation gave him a wonderful feeling and helped convince him to come here. "You can see he's building something here and doing his part in developing the project," Felix said.

Ronaldo has been a driving force behind Al-Nassr’s ambitions since moving to Saudi Arabia, and his impact on and off the pitch remains a talking point. He has scored 95 goals in 109 appearances for Al-Nassr and, in June, signed a new two-year contract worth an eye-watering £492 million, ensuring his future with the club through the mid- to late-2020s.

The backlash to Felix’s Saudi switch also touched the podcast host, with Ronaldo’s Instagram post drawing attention after he posted the ireful line. The post has since been removed, and the Chuveirinho account later published a message asking whether they deserved to be called out by Ronaldo after previously praising the now 40-year-old star. The episode and ensuing social-media exchange have underscored the scrutiny faced by players who move to the Saudi Pro League, even as Al-Nassr emphasizes a long-term project that involves luring high-profile talent to the region.

Felix’s comments about Ronaldo’s role in his decision reinforce how influential the Portuguese veteran has been in shaping the club’s recruitment philosophy. He added that Ronaldo’s outreach and the sense of belonging he conveyed helped him feel confident in the move, which wrapped up a transfer window that saw several European-based players consider or undertake a switch to the Saudi league.

In interviews and on social media, Felix emphasized that his choice to join Al-Nassr was about more than money or prestige; it was about joining a project that he believes can compete at the highest levels and grow the sport in the region. Ronaldo’s presence is a central component of that strategy, both as a performer and as a recruiter who can attract teammates and other high-caliber players to the club.

The broader context remains fluid, but the incident involving the podcast and Ronaldo’s response has highlighted the ongoing debate over player movement to Saudi Arabia and the perceptions of European fans about the quality and competitiveness of the league. For Al-Nassr, the aim is to combine marketability with on-field success, leveraging star talent to drive results and to contribute to the country’s broader sports-development goals.