João Félix: Career & Stats

João Félix Sequeira, a Portuguese footballer known for his technical skills and versatility, has had an eventful career across some of Europe’s biggest clubs. From his early rise at Benfica to his high-profile move to Atlético Madrid and subsequent loan spells, his journey has been marked by both promise and challenges.

This article explores his career in depth, analyzing his club performances, international impact, and recent statistics.

Early Life and Youth Career

Beginnings in Portugal

João Félix was born on November 10, 1999, in Viseu, Portugal. He showed an early passion for football, joining Porto’s youth academy at the age of eight. Despite spending several years at Porto, he struggled with limited playing time and eventually moved to Benfica’s youth system in 2015.

Breakthrough at Benfica

At Benfica, Félix developed into a promising young talent. His technical ability, dribbling, and vision made him stand out among his peers. In 2016, he started playing for Benfica B in LigaPro, Portugal’s second division, where he made 30 appearances and scored 7 goals over two seasons.

Rise to Stardom at Benfica

Primeira Liga Debut

Félix was promoted to Benfica’s first team in the 2018-2019 season. He made an instant impact, scoring 15 goals in 26 league matches. His performances were instrumental in helping Benfica secure the Primeira Liga title that season.

UEFA Europa League Brilliance

One of the standout moments of his career came in the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals against Eintracht Frankfurt. He scored a hat-trick, becoming the youngest player in the competition’s history to do so. His ability to perform in big matches attracted interest from top European clubs.

Big Money Move to Atlético Madrid

Record-Breaking Transfer

In July 2019, Atlético Madrid signed Félix for a club-record fee of €126 million. The transfer made him the fourth-most expensive player in football history at that time.

Performance in La Liga

His first season in La Liga was challenging. Injuries and tactical adjustments limited his impact, but he still managed to score 6 goals in 27 league appearances. Over the next few seasons, he improved, registering 25 goals in 96 league matches.

La Liga Title Win

The 2020-2021 season was a highlight of his Atlético career. He contributed significantly as Atlético Madrid won the La Liga title. His creative play and attacking contributions were vital to the team’s success.

Loan Spells and Career Challenges

Chelsea Loan Move

In January 2023, Félix joined Chelsea on a six-month loan. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, he struggled to make a consistent impact. He scored 4 goals in 16 Premier League matches before returning to Atlético Madrid.

Barcelona Loan and La Liga Return

For the 2023-2024 season, Félix secured another loan move, this time to Barcelona. He scored 7 goals in 30 La Liga matches and provided crucial assists. However, his performances were inconsistent, leading to doubts about his long-term future at the club.

Move to AC Milan

In early 2025, Félix was loaned to AC Milan. He made an immediate impact, scoring in his Serie A debut. This move provided him with a fresh start and an opportunity to showcase his talent in Italy.

International Career with Portugal

Senior Debut and Euro 2020

Félix made his senior debut for Portugal in 2019. He was part of the squad for UEFA Euro 2020 but had limited playing time.

2022 FIFA World Cup Performance

At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Félix played a more prominent role. He scored in Portugal’s opening match against Ghana and provided key assists in other games. However, Portugal was eliminated in the quarterfinals.

UEFA Euro 2024 and Current Status

Félix was again part of the Portugal squad for UEFA Euro 2024. As of 2024, he has earned 45 international caps and scored 9 goals for his country.

Playing Style and Strengths

Technical Ability and Dribbling

Félix is known for his excellent dribbling skills and close ball control. He can glide past defenders with ease and create goal-scoring opportunities.

Versatility in Attack

He can play as an attacking midfielder, second striker, or even as a winger. His ability to adapt to different attacking roles makes him a valuable asset for any team.

Vision and Passing

His passing range and vision allow him to link up effectively with teammates. He has a high pass completion rate, making him an efficient playmaker.

Weaknesses and Areas for Improvement

Despite his talent, Félix has faced criticism for inconsistency. His defensive work rate is sometimes questioned, and he needs to improve his physicality to adapt better to high-intensity leagues.

Recent Performance and Future Prospects

AC Milan Form and Impact

Since joining AC Milan in 2025, Félix has looked rejuvenated. His goal-scoring and playmaking abilities have been crucial for the team’s attack.

Potential Permanent Transfer

If he continues to perform well, AC Milan may consider making his loan move permanent. However, his high salary and transfer fee could be potential obstacles.

Portugal National Team Future

As a key player for Portugal, Félix is expected to be part of the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His ability to perform at the international level will be crucial for Portugal’s success.

Wrapping Up

João Félix’s career has been a journey of highs and lows. His early success at Benfica led to a record-breaking transfer, but injuries and inconsistency have slowed his progress. Despite this, his technical skills and attacking intelligence keep him relevant in European football.

His recent move to AC Milan offers a new opportunity to prove himself. If he maintains his form, he could re-establish himself as one of the top attacking talents in the game.

FAQs

What position does João Félix play?

He primarily plays as an attacking midfielder or forward. However, he can also operate as a winger or second striker.

Which clubs has João Félix played for?

He has played for Benfica, Atlético Madrid, Chelsea, Barcelona, and AC Milan. His journey includes both permanent moves and loan spells.

How has João Félix performed internationally?

He has earned 45 caps for Portugal, scoring 9 goals. He has represented his country in major tournaments like UEFA Euro 2020, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and Euro 2024.

What was João Félix’s transfer fee to Atlético Madrid?

Atlético Madrid signed him for €126 million in 2019. It remains one of the most expensive transfers in football history.

How did João Félix perform during his loan at Chelsea?

During his loan spell at Chelsea in 2023, he scored 4 goals in 16 Premier League matches. While he showed glimpses of brilliance, he struggled to make a lasting impact.

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