Saúl's tough verdict on Joao Félix's wasted talent | OneFootball

New Flamengo signing Saúl Ñíguez has offered a candid assessment of Joao Félix's career trajectory, pointing to a lack of work ethic as the key reason behind the Portuguese forward's struggles to establish himself at the elite level, according to Globo.

Both players shared four years in the Atletico Madrid dressing room, during which Félix, once hailed as the next major Portuguese talent after a 20-goal season with Benfica, laboured to transfer that promise into sustained performances in Spain. After arriving at Atleti in 2019 for a record fee, Félix managed 34 goals in 131 appearances before a series of loan spells at Chelsea, Barcelona, and Milan, with his permanent club future recently settled at Chelsea.

Speaking to Spanish radio, Saúl didn’t mince his words regarding Félix’s time in Madrid. “Football is a team game. He has the qualities to be an incredible player, but no matter how good you are, if you do not work, it is useless. Talent without hard work is nothing. We tried to help Joao a lot, but if the person doesn’t want it...,” Saúl said, as quoted by Marca.

Saúl went further, suggesting Félix, now 25, has for years allowed others to dictate his career moves and personal direction, saying the forward “should have taken control of his path much earlier and not let others make decisions for him or send him to projects he didn’t like. It’s sad when you know the potential he has.”

Since leaving Atletico, Félix’s club-hopping has contrasted sharply with the anticipation surrounding his breakout years. His struggles with consistency and adaptation have remained a focal point of discussion among teammates and coaches alike.

The comments from Flamengo’s new midfielder echo broader sentiments in the football world that Félix, often touted for his technical quality and creativity, has yet to convert flashes of brilliance into consistent output at top clubs. For Flamengo, Saúl brings not only European pedigree but also a blunt honesty that sets the tone as he joins several new arrivals in Rio.

Globo and Marca provided details for this report.