João Félix Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 19, 2025
As the football world enters 2025, few players embody the arc of growth, resilience, and redemption quite like João Félix.
Once hailed as the “next Cristiano Ronaldo” and burdened by sky-high expectations, the Portuguese attacking midfielder has undergone a transformative journey—from a record-breaking prodigy at Benfica to a struggling star at Atlético Madrid, and now, in 2025, a rejuvenated, consistent, and influential force at Chelsea FC, playing a pivotal role in one of Europe’s most exciting squads.
Then: The Golden Boy of Lisbon (2016–2019)
1. Early Promise at Benfica
Born on November 10, 1999, in Viseu, Portugal, João Félix joined Benfica’s famed youth academy, Seixal, at just 10 years old. Coaches immediately recognized his rare blend of technical brilliance, vision, and creativity. By 16, he was winning the Golden Player award at the UEFA Youth League, signaling his arrival as a generational talent.
2. Breakthrough Season: 2018–2019
The 2018–19 season was nothing short of spectacular. At just 19 years old, Félix became a central figure in Benfica’s title-winning campaign, scoring 20 goals and providing 11 assists in all competitions. His performances were marked by:
- Dribbling ability reminiscent of a young Zidane
- A knack for scoring from distance
- Intelligent movement between the lines
- Composure beyond his years
He earned the Primeira Liga Young Player of the Year and the Golden Boy Award (2019)—given to the best under-21 player in Europe.
His breakout culminated in a €126 million transfer to Atlético Madrid in July 2019—the second-most expensive signing in La Liga history at the time.
Related: Gavi Then and Now
The Struggle: High Expectations and Harsh Realities (2019–2023)
1. A Rocky Start in Madrid
Despite his talent, Félix’s time at Atlético Madrid was fraught with challenges:
- Tactical mismatch: Diego Simeone’s defensive, counter-attacking system didn’t suit Félix’s free-roaming, creative style.
- Injuries and inconsistency: He struggled to maintain fitness and form.
- Lack of confidence: Criticism from fans and media took a toll on his mental resilience.
Though he showed flashes of brilliance—such as a hat-trick against Barcelona in 2020—he failed to establish himself as a regular starter.
2. Loan Spells and Search for Identity
To revive his career, Félix went on loan to two Premier League clubs:
- Chelsea (2022–2023 season): A mixed spell under Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter. He showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with integration and rotation.
- Barcelona (2023–2024 season): Joined on a loan with option to buy. Played 34 games, scoring 12 goals, and impressed with his link-up play and adaptability in Xavi’s fluid system. However, Barça opted not to sign him permanently due to financial constraints.
These experiences were humbling—but crucial for his evolution.
Related: Eduardo Camavinga Then and Now
Now: The Revival – João Félix in 2025 (Chelsea FC)
1. Permanent Move to Chelsea – A Fresh Start
In July 2024, after a successful loan spell and growing chemistry with the squad, Chelsea FC signed João Félix permanently for €45 million—a fraction of his peak valuation, but a strategic investment in a player now wiser and more mature.
Under new manager Enzo Maresca (appointed in 2024), Chelsea adopted a possession-based, attacking 4-2-3-1 system—a perfect fit for Félix’s strengths.
2. Breakout Season in 2024–2025
By early 2025, Félix had transformed into one of the Premier League’s most influential attackers:
- 17 goals and 14 assists in 38 appearances
- Named Premier League Player of the Month (December 2024, February 2025)
- Key architect in Chelsea’s top-four push and Champions League semifinal run
His role as a number 10 or left-sided attacking midfielder allowed him to drift into pockets, link play, and unleash his signature curled finishes.
3. Tactical Evolution and Maturity
What sets 2025 Félix apart is his evolution as a complete player:
- Improved defensive work rate – now tracks back and presses effectively
- Greater positional discipline – understands when to roam and when to stay structured
- Leadership on the pitch – mentoring younger players like Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke
- Consistency – no longer a “flash in the pan,” but a reliable match-winner
Fans at Stamford Bridge now chant “João, João!”—a far cry from the skepticism of just a few years ago.
4. Style of Play in 2025
Félix in 2025 blends artistry with efficiency:
- Signature curled shots from outside the box
- Through balls and disguised passes that split defenses
- One-on-one dribbling with close control and quick changes of direction
- Link-up play with center-forward Nicolas Jackson and winger Raheem Sterling
He’s no longer trying to be Ronaldo.
He’s becoming João Félix—on his own terms.
Related: Randal Kolo Muani Then and Now
International Career: A Vital Piece for Portugal
1. Euro 2024 and Beyond
At UEFA Euro 2024, under manager Roberto Martínez, Félix played a crucial role as a super-sub and tactical alternative to Bruno Fernandes. His impact off the bench helped Portugal reach the semifinals, where they were narrowly defeated by France.
By 2025, he is firmly part of Portugal’s core group, with over 50 caps and 15 international goals. With Cristiano Ronaldo retiring from international football after Euro 2024, Félix is seen as a symbolic torchbearer for the next generation.
2. Leadership and National Pride
Once shy and reserved, Félix has grown into a confident, vocal leader. He frequently speaks about representing Portugal with pride and inspiring young players from small towns like his own.
Personal Life and Mindset
João Félix has become more open about his mental health journey, crediting therapy and family support for helping him overcome the pressure of early fame. He’s known for:
- His close relationship with his parents, who remain his biggest supporters
- His low-key lifestyle—more likely to be found gaming or with friends than in the spotlight
- His loyalty to Benfica’s youth values—often visiting the academy to mentor young players
He’s also expanded his influence off the pitch, launching a youth football academy in Portugal and partnering with mental health organizations to promote athlete well-being.
Cultural Impact and Legacy (2025 Perspective)
João Félix’s story is a modern football parable:
- The danger of hype
- The cost of impatience
- The power of perseverance
He reminds the football world that genius needs time, structure, and belief to flourish.
In 2025, he’s no longer seen as a “wasted talent” or a “what-if.”
He’s a case study in redemption—a player who faced the abyss and climbed back, stronger and smarter.
His journey has inspired:
- Young players dealing with pressure
- Clubs rethinking how they integrate young stars
- Fans learning to value growth over instant stardom
Related: Declan Rice Then and Now
Conclusion: João Félix – Then and Now (2025)
- Then (2019): A 19-year-old phenom, dubbed the next CR7, sold for €126 million, carrying the weight of a nation’s dreams.
- Now (2025): A 25-year-old maestro, reborn at Chelsea, playing with freedom, fire, and fulfillment—finally living up to his potential on his own terms.
João Félix’s journey is not just about football.
It’s about identity, resilience, and the courage to rewrite your story.
And as he glides past defenders, curls home another beauty, and leads Chelsea into a new era, one thing is clear:
The world didn’t lose João Félix.
It just had to wait for the real one to arrive.
🔥 “They said I failed. I was just finding my way back.” – João Félix (2025)
Related: Federico Valverde Then and Now