João Félix put together 29 goals and 19 assists across 56 appearances this season. Portugal’s coaching staff apparently missed the memo.
The 25-year-old attacker, who earned the Saudi Pro League Player of the Season award after helping Al-Nassr clinch the league title, was left on the bench for Portugal’s opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Forty-eight goal contributions in a single campaign, and the reward was a front-row seat with no participation.
A season that demanded recognition
Al-Nassr signed Félix permanently on 29 July 2025 for an initial fee of £26.2 million. That figure now looks like a bargain. The club won the Saudi Pro League title with Félix as their talisman, and the league recognized him accordingly with its top individual honor.
The World Cup selection puzzle
