RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA September 20, 2025 — Portuguese football legend and Al-Nassr forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, has fired back at critics who have questioned the decision of his compatriot, Joao Felix, to join him at the Saudi Arabian club. Ronaldo described the backlash as unfair and laced with “double standards,” arguing that players should not be judged for seeking new challenges outside of Europe.
In a statement that has stirred reaction across the global football community, Ronaldo stood firmly in support of Felix’s high-profile move to the Saudi Pro League, calling it a bold and commendable step in the 24-year-old’s career. He dismissed suggestions that such a move signified a decline in competitiveness or ambition.
“It’s funny how people change their tone depending on who makes the move,” Ronaldo reportedly said. “When certain players go to leagues outside Europe, they are praised for exploring new opportunities. But when it’s a Portuguese talent like Joao Felix, suddenly it’s a problem. The hypocrisy is obvious.”
Felix’s transfer to Al-Nassr has sparked debate among fans and pundits, many of whom feel the former Atletico Madrid forward still has years of elite-level football ahead of him in Europe. However, others argue that the growing stature and investment in the Saudi Pro League offer a compelling platform for world-class players.
Ronaldo, who has been instrumental in raising the league’s profile since his own arrival in 2023, believes that such criticism reflects outdated thinking. He insisted that football is no longer confined to the traditional power centres of Europe and South America, noting that the Middle East is emerging as a serious contender in the global game.
As the Saudi league continues to attract top-tier talent with its ambitious football project, Ronaldo’s staunch defence of Felix may encourage other players to follow suit — free from the fear of judgment.
