João Félix Biography: Net Worth, Age, Career, Records, Family, Achievements!
João Félix Sequeira is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a forward for La Liga club Atlético Madrid and the Portugal national team. Despite his young age of 24, Félix has already established himself as one of the most exciting talents in world football today.
With his excellent dribbling skills, playmaking ability, eye for goal and versatility across the front line, Félix is a complete attacking player who has drawn comparisons to Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo. His potential is sky-high, and many predict he will develop into a Ballon d’Or winner in the years to come.
In this article, we will explore Félix’s background, his rapid rise at Benfica, his big-money transfer to Atlético Madrid and his impressive early performances for club and country. We will look at his playing style, achievements so far and what the future may hold for this Portuguese prodigy.
Background and Early Life
- Name: João Félix Sequeira
- Date of Birth: November 10, 1999 (age 24)
- Place of Birth: Viseu, Portugal
- Height: 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
- Position: Forward
- Current club: Atlético Madrid
- National team: Portugal
João Félix was born in Viseu, Portugal in 1999. His father, Carlos Sequeira, was also a footballer who played as a right back.
As a young boy, Félix played futsal for local club Os Pestinhas. He joined Benfica’s youth academy in 2015 at the age of 15 after impressing scouts with his technical skills.
Félix progressed quickly through the Benfica youth ranks. In 2017, he was part of the squad that won the UEFA Youth League. The following year, he stepped up to the Benfica B team in Portugal’s second tier and immediately became an important player.
Breakthrough at Benfica
The 2018/19 season was when Félix truly announced himself. After some excellent performances for Benfica B, he was called up to the senior squad by manager Bruno Lage.
On August 15, 2018, Félix made his professional debut for Benfica as a substitute against Fenerbahçe in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers. One week later, he made his first start for the club in Primeira Liga against Sporting CP in the Lisbon derby.
Félix quickly established himself as a regular starter for Benfica. Playing as a second striker or out wide, he showcased his phenomenal technical ability and intelligence to register impressive goal and assist numbers.
Some highlights from his breakout season:
- 20 goals and 11 assists in 43 games across all competitions
- Winner of the Primeira Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year award
- Became the youngest player to score a Europa League hat-trick (19 years old)
- Formed prolific partnership with striker Haris Seferović
- Helped Benfica win the Primeira Liga title
Félix’s rapid rise drew interest from clubs across Europe. In June 2019, Atlético Madrid activated his $140 million release clause to sign him on a seven-year contract. It was the fifth-highest transfer fee ever paid.
Move to Atlético Madrid
The pressure was on Félix after his big-money move to Spain. But he quickly adapted to life at Atlético under manager Diego Simeone, a club known for its rugged style.
Félix had to adjust his game to fit into Simeone’s disciplined system. While he was no longer the main focal point of attack, he impressed with his work rate and link-up play. He finished his first season with 9 goals and 3 assists across all competitions.
In 2020/21, Félix took his game to another level. He formed a superb partnership with new signing Luis Suárez, combining technical brilliance with intelligence and work ethic. Some highlights included:
- 10 goals and 6 assists in La Liga
- Champions League quarter-final run
- Stunning performance in the 3-2 win over Liverpool at Anfield
- Formed tight bond with Suárez on and off the pitch
Félix continues to mature and develop his game at Atlético. Under Simeone’s tutelage, he has become a more complete player. If he can maintain his fitness and form, a Ballon d’Or could certainly be in his future.
Style of Play
As a versatile forward, Félix is capable of playing anywhere across the front line. But he excels as a second striker or no. 10 where he can maximize his creative talents.
Some attributes that make Félix such a special player:
- Excellent dribbling – He has quick feet, close control, and the ability to glide past defenders. This helps unlock stubborn defenses.
- Playmaking vision – Félix has impressive passing range and the intelligence to spot runs his teammates make.
- Clinical finishing – He is a composed finisher with either foot and excellent technique on long shots.
- Work rate – Félix also does the ugly work like tracking back, pressing, and winning aerial duels. This has improved under Simeone.
- Agility and acceleration – With sharp turns of pace, he can accelerate past defenders before they can react.
- Creativity – His imaginative attacking play helps break down deep blocks. Félix can unlock spaces with his passing, movement and combination play.
Still only 24, Félix is far from the finished product. As he gains more experience at the top level, he will continue refining his talents to become a world-class player.
International Career with Portugal
Despite his youth, Félix has already become an important player for the Portuguese national team. He made his senior international debut in 2019 against Switzerland in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals.
Some highlights of his international career so far:
- 13 goals in 33 appearances for Portugal
- Won the 2019 UEFA Nations League with Portugal
- Scored a hat-trick against Switzerland in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers
- Forms dangerous attacking trio with Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva
Many view Félix as the long-term heir to Ronaldo as Portugal’s talisman. The two have shown promising signs of an understanding at international level.
Félix will be crucial to Portugal’s hopes at the 2024 European Championships on home soil, and the 2026 World Cup where he will hit his prime years. If he continues his rapid development, he could lead the next golden generation for Portugal.
Career Statistics and Awards
Despite being only 24, Félix has already accumulated impressive numbers for club and country:
Club Career
Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
---|---|---|---|
Benfica | 43 | 20 | 11 |
Atlético Madrid | 130 | 48 | 28 |
Total | 173 | 68 | 39 |
International Career
National Team | Appearances | Goals |
---|---|---|
Portugal | 33 | 13 |
Individual Honors and Awards
- Primeira Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year: 2019
- Golden Boy Award: 2019
- UEFA Nations League Finals: 2019
- La Liga Player of the Month: October 2021
Net Worth and Endorsements
According to multiple reports, Félix’s current net worth is estimated to be around $25 million as of 2024.
The main sources of his wealth are:
- Current Atlético Madrid salary of $7.7 million per year
- Signing bonus from Atlético Madrid transfer
- Endorsement deals with Nike, Playstation, Pepsi and more
As Félix’s star continues rising, his income from endorsements and contracts will likely keep increasing. With his exciting style of play and marketability, he is an attractive proposition for brands.
Some of his current endorsement partners include:
- Nike – Has boot sponsorship deal since turning pro
- PlayStation – Featured in commercials and promotions
- Pepsi – Starred in Pepsi ad campaigns
- Electronic Arts – Cover athlete for FIFA 21 video game
- Altice – Telecommunications deal in Portugal
If Félix can realize his full potential and become a global superstar, his net worth could potentially reach $100 million+ at the peak of his career, similar to elite players like Neymar and Mbappé.
Family and Relationships
Félix prefers to keep his personal life private and out of the public spotlight. However, some basic details are known about his family and dating history.
- His parents are Carlos Sequeira (father) and Carla Felix (mother). His older siblings are Hugo Félix and Jorge Félix.
- Félix was rumored to be dating Portuguese model Margarida Corceiro for a period.