Benfica’s £105m-rated wonderkid Joao Felix is the heir to King Cristiano’s throne
Released by Porto at 15 for being too skinny, the exciting forward is now preparing to take the weight of Portuguese football's expectations on his shoulders as Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus chase him
COMPARED to Cruyff, the direct heir to Cristiano’s throne and a £105million price tag: no pressure, kid.
But that is how highly Benfica's Joao Felix, 19, is being rated as he approaches the end of his breakthrough season.
And what a season it has been for Portuguese football’s next big thing, who looks destined for a big-money move before long.
Netting an equaliser against arch-rivals Sporting in only your second top-flight match helps.
As does scoring another, winning a penalty and being named man of the match in the reverse fixture in February.
King Cristiano was in the crowd that day, watching the man tipped to try and fill his gigantic boots.
And after Felix’s stunning performance in the 4-2 win, former Benfica vice-president Rui Romes da Silva quipped: “Portugal’s best player was at the Alvalade - and it was nice for Ronaldo to be there to watch him play.”
Da Silva may have been joking but there was at least a hint of truth: the nation is expectant.
Felix’s father Carlos Sequeira knew from the age of four his son had a special talent.
Fast forward a few years and Carlos was coaching his boy at Pestinhas.
Former Viseu player Sequeira said: “At the interval of my games he was one of those who went to the middle of the field to touch the ball and already drew attention.
PORTO'S LOSS, BENFICA'S GAIN
“Joao always had strong empathy with the ball and I started to take him to the training.”
It was only a matter of time before one of Portugal’s big boys came calling and sure enough, Felix joined Porto when he was eight.
But seven years later, they decided their young playmaker - at 15 - was too small, too skinny and subsequently released him.
Oh how that decision has cost Porto big time. A year later he made his professional debut for Benfica B and has not looked back.
Last season he won the Campeonato Nacional de Juniores and now he is spearheading Benfica’s march towards the league title, at his old club’s expense, with 13 goals and nine assists.
To rub salt into Porto’s wounds, Benfica could bag more than £100m when he inevitably moves on.
This lad looks destined for greatness and will surely join one of the superclubs - it is just a case of who will stump up the cash.
There are reports of a £105m release clause for the youngster, who is represented by Jorge Mendes.
Manchester United are incredibly keen on the teenager and want to secure a deal soon - but failing to qualify for the Champions League could scupper their chances.
Talks have reportedly taken place with Juventus' sporting director Fabio Paratici while Real Madrid and, unsurprisingly, Wolves are considering a potential bid, whether that be this summer or next.
Manchester City are also thought to be interested, with former Benfica star Bernardo Silva encouraging him to choose the Etihad.
They see him as a potential long-term replacement for David Silva and director of football Txiki Bergiristain has been to watch Felix in action.
DREAM DUO
But if Felix gets his wishes, he will be heading to Turin - for one special reason.
He said: “I’d like to play alongside Ronaldo because he’s the best. He’s an idol, a world icon, an example for everyone.
“Being next to him, being able to train with a monster like him, would allow me to grow further. He always wants to improve. He’s an inspiration.”
Felix became the Europa League’s youngest hat-trick hero in April when he netted his treble against Eintracht Frankfurt at just 19 years 152 days old.
It may not have been enough to take Benfica through but it certainly helped Felix announce himself on the European stage.
Felix’s transition from a playmaker in the No10 role to a goalscoring striker has got Benfica legend Antonio Simoes very excited.
The former winger, 75, said: "I have a new reason to watch Benfica games and his name is Joao Felix.
It is always necessary to be careful not to exaggerate in appreciation, not making him a king yet. But no doubt we are in the presence of a prince who can perfectly become king.
Benfica legend Antonio Simoes
“He is already very adult, although very young. He is a thinker with fantastic potential.
"It is always necessary to be careful not to exaggerate in appreciation, not making him a king yet.
“But no doubt we are in the presence of a prince who can perfectly become king."
While keen not to overhype the latest Benfica prodigy, Simoes was asked who Felix resembles and what improvements he needs.
He added: “Johan Cruyff! He has the same elegance and form of play, but I say again, do not start calling him king because he is still just a prince.
“Felix does not need to correct anything in his game but has to continue to be taught.”
It is high praise indeed for the player who has bulked out over the last 18 months to become one of the hottest prospects in Europe.
Not that he will have read the comments. Portugal Under-21 star Felix - who could make his senior debut in the Nations League finals - decided to ignore what people say about him after getting more than he bargained for on social media.
Latest football features
He revealed: “I get some nudes from fans, it’s true. But I always reject them.
“In the first team, I started checking all the reactions and noticed not-so-very-nice things about me.
“So from that moment on, I realised how it was going to be and stopped reading comments about me.”
