Joao Felix’s Milan fiasco: how the Chelsea loanee squandered his chance and fueled fans’ frustration | OneFootball

One goal in 688 minutes—Joao Felix’s record at Milan has hardly justified Sergio Conceição’s persistent decision to give him playing time despite his steadily declining performances.

On the contrary, the coach’s insistence on either starting the Chelsea loanee or keeping him on the pitch—often at the expense of fellow Rossoneri stars Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic—has led many Milan fans to grow weary of a player who arrived with far greater expectations.

Kyle Walker’s recent reproach toward the Portuguese international was just the latest episode adding to Milan’s frustration during a two-month stint in which the forward has failed to live up to expectations.

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Joao Felix of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Coppa Italia Quarter Final match between AC Milan and AS Roma at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 05, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

From debut brilliance to frustration: Joao Felix’s disappointing journey at Milan

Joao Felix joined Milan on deadline day last January in a six-month loan from Chelsea, with no buy option included. Initially, the Rossoneri were reportedly open to exploring ways to keep him beyond the summer after his scintillating debut, where he made an immediate impact by scoring against Roma in the Coppa Italia.

However, what followed suggested there was a reason why clubs like Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, and Barcelona all chose not to keep a player who was once one of European football’s most exciting prospects.

While Sergio Conceiçao’s side has hardly provided a favourable environment for a player to thrive, Joao Felix’s contribution during his short time at San Siro has been equally underwhelming.

The 25-year-old has featured in all of the Rossoneri’s matches across three different competitions but has failed to make any meaningful impact since scoring on his debut. Despite frequently being included in the starting XI, his coach often came to regret those decisions, as Felix struggled to provide any real attacking spark for the team.

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: Joao Felix of AC Milan controls the ball whilst under pressure from David Hancko of Feyenoord during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between AC Milan and Feyenoord at San Siro Stadium on February 18, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

His only other goal contribution in the 10 appearances following his debut came against relegation-threatened Lecce when he forced Antonino Gallo into an own goal to spark his side’s comeback.

Two of his most disappointing performances came against Feyenoord in the Champions League knockout phase playoff, where he played the full 90 minutes in both legs without ever coming close to troubling a heavily depleted Dutch side.

With Milan almost certain of missing out on Champions League qualification for next season, Joao Felix will have one last chance to leave a mark in a two-legged Coppa Italia semifinal against Inter, but regardless of his form in the final two months of the season, the forward will almost certainly be heading back to the Premier League next summer.