Ronaldo 'suffered' with weight of Saudi Pro League title pursuit, says Joao Felix

Joao Felix was thrilled to see Cristiano Ronaldo end his wait for a Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr after seeing his compatriot suffer in his quest for glory. 

Ronaldo claimed his first top-flight crown since making the switch to the Middle East three years ago on Thursday as he scored twice in Al-Nassr's 4-1 win over Damac. 

Sadio Mane had given Jorge Jesus' side a 1-0 lead at half-time before Kingsley Coman doubled his team's advantage seven minutes after the restart at Al-Awwal Park. 

And though Morlaye Sylla's 58th-minute penalty threatened a comeback, Ronaldo took centre stage as he brought up his brace, which included a fine free-kick just after the hour, to help Al-Nassr win their first Saudi Pro League title since 2018-19. 

The 41-year-old also took his goal tally for the season to 28 in 30 league appearances, a total only bettered by Al-Ahli's Ivan Toney (32) and Al-Qadsiah's Julian Quinones (33). 

Ronaldo has now won 33 team trophies throughout his glittering career, and he was seen in tears even before the full-time whistle blew, and Joao Felix acknowledged the struggles the five-time Ballon d'Or winner had gone through to reach this point. 

"It's special, as it was a time of much controversy. Winning with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia isn't easy. People in Portugal probably don't know that," Joao Felix said.

"There's a lot going on outside of football here. Al Nassr, unfortunately, is a small club, and it's difficult to win the league. We managed it. It's a memorable day for the club.

"Cris has been trying to win his first title here, mainly the league. I know, because I'm with him every day, what he suffered because of this. I know how much he wanted to win.

"I went to give him a hug. Best player in the Saudi league? There were many players who had good seasons. With Al Nassr being champions, I think it has to go to me or Cris."

It also brought the curtain down on a successful first campaign in Saudi Arabia for Joao Felix, who joined Al-Nassr from Chelsea in a reported £26.5m deal almost 12 months ago. 

The 26-year-old ended the season with 33 top-flight goal involvements (20 goals, 13 assists), with only Quinones (37) and Toney (39) managing more in 2025-26. 

"There were doubts, but I worked every day to be the best I can be," Joao Felix said of his move to Al-Nassr. "I found myself in an environment that greatly favoured me.

"The type of game, the position, the team-mates I had around me. It ended up being a fantastic season, which ended in the best way. When I make a decision, I think about it.

"The opportunity to come to Al Nassr wasn't something I considered one day. From the moment I accepted, I went all in.

"Sometimes things go well, sometimes not. This time I think it went perfectly."

But Joao Felix was quick to dismiss any league celebrations, with his focus now shifting to the World Cup after he was named in Portugal's squad for the tournament. 

Portugal have never won the World Cup, with this being Ronaldo's last shot at international glory. 

Discussing their chances at FIFA's flagship competition, Joao Felix added: "Now it's a few days to rest, enjoy time with family, a little bit in Portugal. We start again on the 1st.

"From then on, it's time to forget about the championship. Favourites for the World Cup? We want to do our best. It's game by game and things will naturally come together.

"We have a great group and with a bit of luck I believe we can win [the World Cup]."