Joao Felix admits Champions League return is on his mind but happy at Al-Nassr for now

Mid-season thoughts on Europe

Joao Felix is halfway through a two-year deal with Saudi Arabian champions Al-Nassr, but the Portugal forward admits he misses competing in the Champions League.

In an interview with AS, the 26-year-old said he is happy in Riyadh and comfortable with the current project, while making clear that a European comeback is part of his thinking.

"To get better – I'm very happy at Al Nassr. This will be my second year. I'll be 27 at the end of the season. I do plan to return to Europe, though perhaps not right away," Felix said.

"I don't know if that will be at the end of this season or the next, but I want to go back, play in the Champions League again and compete there again. It's always different. Playing in Europe, in the Champions League, against the best teams in the world... it gives you extra motivation. That's definitely on my mind."

He added: "I'm very comfortable in Saudi Arabia. I'm happy and enjoying my football, but it's true that I'm also thinking about returning. I don’t know whether it'll be next year, in two years, three or four, but I'd like to play in European competitions again."

Al-Nassr form and international duty

Felix joined Al-Nassr last year and helped them win the Saudi Pro League title in his first season, providing 33 goal involvements in as many games – 20 goals and 13 assists.

The 26-year-old has one year remaining on his contract. Al-Nassr appointed Ange Postecoglou as head coach in July after Jorge Jesus left to take the Portugal job.

Felix is hoping to help Cristiano Ronaldo pass the 1,000-goal mark in the coming months, with the 41-year-old having netted 21 times so far this campaign.

Al-Nassr sit third in the Pro League table with 16 points from their first seven matches in 2026-27, two adrift of leaders Al-Hilal.

On international duty, Felix is with Portugal, who have won their opening two Nations League games under Jesus and face Denmark next. He scored in their 2-1 win over Norway on Sunday, taking him to five goals in his last 10 starts for his country.

European career in review

Having been one of European football's hottest properties when he broke into Benfica's side in 2018-19, Felix made a blockbuster €126m move to Atletico Madrid at a young age but struggled in the Spanish capital.

After scoring 20 goals in 43 outings for Benfica in 2018-19, he has never netted more than 10 times in a single season in Europe's top five leagues, with up-and-down spells at Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Barcelona and AC Milan.