Joao Felix Opens Up: 'Joining Real Madrid Would Have Been Football's Biggest Betrayal'

Joao Felix, 26, has broken his silence to talk about his past, his present in Saudi Arabia and his future. In an interview with Spanish newspaper AS, the Portuguese playmaker has assured he keeps an unforgettable memory of his loan spell at FC Barcelona and was emphatic about the possibility of ever wearing the Real Madrid shirt: he considers it unthinkable. Currently in the ranks of Al-Nassr, the former Atletico Madrid player has left the door open to a return to European football.

• Joao Felix insists he would never have signed for Real Madrid and labels that option as football's biggest betrayal.
• The Portuguese star remembers his time at Barcelona as a dream come true, despite not winning any silverware.
• The Al-Nassr player expresses his desire to return to competing in Europe.
• He acknowledges that being on loan is not the same as being a full owner of the club's rights.

Why Joao Felix Rules Out Real Madrid So Strongly

They asked him directly about a hypothetical move to Los Blancos and his answer left no room for doubt. The Portuguese attacker was blunt when saying that accepting that option would have turned him into the biggest traitor in football. He insisted he really enjoyed his experience in Barcelona and that, although his career lacked a stint at Real Madrid, he is proud to have defended the Blaugrana colors.

It would have been the biggest traitor in football. No, no, no. I really liked being in Barcelona. Well, yes, I missed Real Madrid, but I am proud to have played for Barcelona.

The Memory of His Loan Spell at FC Barcelona

Joao Felix's time at Camp Nou during the 2023-2024 season did not translate into trophies, but it did build a very strong emotional bond with the club. The footballer confessed that simply playing for Barcelona already made him very happy, a feeling he shares with his father and brother. For him, wearing that shirt was a childhood dream that became a professional source of pride.

The Difference Between Being on Loan and Being a Permanent Player

Joao Felix wanted to clarify an important detail about his stay in Catalonia. He joined the club on loan from Atletico Madrid, and that conditioned his daily life. The Portuguese explained that being on loan is not the same as belonging to the team, because when you are a full member of the club everything is experienced differently. However, he insists that in one year he went through ups and downs, but left very happy with the experience.

His Current Situation in Saudi Arabia and the Desire to Return to Europe

After his spells at Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, Joao Felix headed to Al-Nassr, where he shares a dressing room with top-level stars. However, his ambition remains intact. The playmaker has openly expressed his intention to return to European football, a desire that reopens the debate about his future in the transfer market. At 26, the talent from Viseu sees himself as ready to compete again at the highest level on the continent.

What Joao Felix's Message Means for the Transfer Market

The Portuguese's statements do not go unnoticed in a transfer scenario always attentive to the movements of talented players. The fact that he so vehemently rules out Real Madrid narrows his options in Spain, while reinforcing the affection he feels for Barcelona. Any European club looking for an attacking profile with experience in demanding leagues will find Joao Felix a name worth following closely.