Among those who voiced opinions about 25-year-old midfielder João Félix is former Portuguese footballer Maniche. In his sharp and precise statement, he delivered a deep analysis of Félix’s career, decisions, and style of play.
As is known, João Félix left Chelsea this summer and joined Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr. According to Maniche, this decision may lead to him not fully realizing his potential at the highest level.
— I completely agree with the words of Mario Suárez and Saúl, who say the same things in the Portuguese press. João Félix remained a project. He never managed to go beyond that and find his own way. It’s been five or six years, and there has been no progress, — said Maniche.
He added that he does not intend to criticize anyone’s life or career choices, but reality must be acknowledged.
— I don’t want to criticize anyone’s life or professional decisions. I too have made choices — some successful, others not. I don’t condemn Félix’s move to Saudi Arabia. But I can clearly say: at 25, he risks ending his top-level career. The Saudi league still cannot reach the level of Europe’s top 5 leagues.
Maniche also acknowledges that players sometimes think about family. However, he harshly criticized the fact that Félix, over many years, played in numerous clubs under many coaches, yet failed to establish himself anywhere.
— I understand that a footballer may think about family. He will become a free agent in 2027. But the fact is, he has already played for five or six teams, worked with seven or eight different coaches — and they all say the same thing: Félix remained just a project. For five years we’ve been talking about his talent, and that’s where it ends. Talent alone is not enough. A player must be ready to sacrifice, give his all...
He went on to emphasize the gap between Félix’s real achievements and the expectations:
— These days, everyone earns money. Some more, some less. But when your career ends and you look at your trophies… Félix has only one — La Liga title with Atlético. And even then, he wasn’t always in the starting lineup.
Maniche concluded by pointing out Félix’s luck with his agent:
— I always say: João Félix should have a statue of Jorge Mendes in his house. He is probably the only footballer in the world who got so many chances in such big clubs — and couldn’t settle in any of them, couldn’t enjoy football in any of them. Everyone who played with him says the same thing: he doesn’t sacrifice for the team, doesn’t want to work, doesn’t want to dedicate himself to football. He looks good on social media, but you have to show the difference on the pitch. And he never did that at any club.
Maniche’s words will undoubtedly heat up the debates around Félix even more. Where his career, once so full of promise, will lead — only time will tell.
Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!
