Champions League 2022: Results, Top Scorers After Wednesday's Round of 16 Games
Feb 23, 2022
LISBON, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 23: Sebastien Haller of Ajax looks on during the UEFA Champions League Round Of Sixteen Leg One match between SL Benfica and AFC Ajax at Estadio da Luz on February 23, 2022 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
The Champions League round of 16 is halfway over after the last four clubs began their knockout stage runs on Wednesday.
Atletico Madrid and Manchester United finished with a 1-1 draw while Ajax and Benfica ended even at 2-2 in the first leg for each tie. The squads will look to clinch a spot in the quarterfinal in the return matches on March 15.
The latest matches were also important in the race for the top goalscorer in this year's competition with Sebastien Haller continuing to lead big names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Antoine Griezmann and others who were in action Wednesday.
Here is the latest in the hunt for the golden boot.
Sebastien Haller entered the day leading the competition with 10 goals, but made what was seemingly his first mistake of the tournament with an own goal in the 25th minute against Benfica:
◉ Most goals scored in first two games (5) ◉ Most goals scored in first five games (9) ◉ Most goals scored in first six games (10) ◉ Most goals scored in first seven games (11)
Sébastien Haller has scored more goals in 7 Champions League games for Ajax (11) than he did in 48 Premier League games for West Ham (10) 😳 pic.twitter.com/XylcNzEhFY
Anthony Elanga produced a great finish on his first touch after a perfect Bruno Fernandes through ball. It was the seventh assist in UCL play for Fernandes, who leads all players in the competition.
Bruno Fernandes has 7 assists in 6 #UCL games this season:
🅰️ vs Young Boys 🅰️ vs Villarreal 🅰️🅰️ vs Atalanta 🅰️ vs Atalanta 🅰️ vs Villarreal 🅰️ vs Atletico Madrid
6 - Bruno Fernandes is the first player in Champions League history to assist in six consecutive appearances while playing for an English club, breaking the record held by David Beckham (for @ManUtd) since 1998. Creator. pic.twitter.com/y92qBMZas8
The one assist was enough for Manchester United to have much more confidence heading into the second leg.
The goalscoring competition should also remain a good one throughout the knockout stages with Robert Lewandowski's Bayern Munich and Mohamed Salah's Liverpool both a threat to make a deep run.
Benfica President Says Joao Felix Could Leave Amid Manchester United Rumours
Jun 9, 2019
Benfica's Joao Felix reacts in dejection at the end of the Europa League quarterfinals, second leg soccer match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Benfica at the Commerzbank Arena in Frankfurt, Germany, Thursday, April 18, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)
Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira has conceded Joao Felix could leave the club, with Manchester United eyeing the prodigy.
According to Metro, United are reportedly keen to bring the 19-year-old to Old Trafford as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rebuilds the Red Devils. Manchester City, Real Madrid and Juventus are also reportedly monitoring the teenage sensation.
Vieira admitted the player has a £106 million release clause in his contract, and if a club matches the total, there is a chance he will depart Lisbon.
"We sit down with players and they say, 'President, I can earn €5 million (£4.5 million), president, do not make me stay here'. Joao Felix had a release clause of €60 million (£53 million) and we realised after two or three games that we must increase it to €120 million (£106 million). But it is Joao Felix and his family who will decide if he stays. If someone bids €120 million (£106 million) it is not worth dreaming that he will stay."
PORTO, PORTUGAL - JUNE 5: Joao Felix of Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during the UEFA Nations league match between Portugal v Switzerland at the Estadio Dragao on June 5, 2019 in Porto Portugal (Photo by Erwin Spek/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Felix has quickly become one of the most desired forwards in Europe and experienced a breakout campaign for the Eagles last season. The attacker scored 18 goals and provided eight assists in the Portuguese league and Europe, and he also recently made his debut for Portugal.
Vieira added he might be open to the idea of selling Felix in the summer if the youngster is loaned back to Benfica next term.
However, the player appears content in his environment as he takes huge steps forward in his career.
Speaking to Benfica's official website, Felix declared he is willing to stay with his club at present (h/t Metro).
"I think that time will tell," said Felix. "I'm good here, I'm very happy, I love the club, I adore these fans who adore me. I want to enjoy the moment, play football, have fun doing what I like, and then, over time, things happen naturally. I am very happy in Benfica."
Solskjaer must bring fresh talent to United, and his recruitment needs to be impactful and accurate.
The Manchester giants were excellent under the Norwegian during his spell as interim boss, but Solskjaer quickly discovered the depth of problems in his squad as they dramatically crashed at the end of the campaign.
United have confirmed the capture of Daniel James from Swansea City, and the potential arrival of Felix would provide Solskjaer with an exciting and youthful attacking lineup next season.
The aim will be to challenge for silverware, but the first hurdle will be to establish United back in the top four of the Premier League.
Joao Felix Will 'Resolve' Future After Nations League Amid Transfer Rumours
Jun 6, 2019
PORTO, PORTUGAL - JUNE 05: Joao Felix of Portugal during the UEFA Nations League Semi-Final match between Portugal and Switzerland at Estadio do Dragao on June 5, 2019 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Benfica starlet Joao Felix will make a decision on his future after Sunday's UEFA Nations League final amid rumours he is wanted by the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid.
Per Goal's Dejan Kalinic, they are among the European giants prepared to meet his €120 million (£106 million) release clause.
Felix spoke after making his Portugal debut on Wednesday, when they beat Switzerland 3-1 to reach the Nations League final, and said: "Now I'm focused on the national team. After finishing the Nations League, I'm going to resolve my life."
The 19-year-old had a quiet debut, but it was a fairly typical performance from the youngster, according to Scouted Football:
Only 11 touches at half-time against Switzerland, but there have been a few examples of his innate movement and excellent spatial awareness.
Félix is the type to be generally ineffectual, then appear to make a difference at a decisive moment.
Felix has pace to burn and the skill to match, and it's clear he has plenty of end product too.
He's also a versatile operator, having provided cover on both wings, though he has primarily played through the middle in support of striker Haris Seferovic.
United, in particular, have a need for a player of his ilk, as they only managed 65 goals in the Premier League this season and lacked the kind of spark he can provide in the final third.
Real have already signed Luka Jovic to enhance their goalscoring prowess this summer, and they have also been heavily linked with Chelsea's Eden Hazard. Should the Belgian join, it's unlikely they will move for another high-profile attacker.
He's a player with superstar potential, and City boss Pep Guardiola could perhaps give him the best platform on which to reach it.
Another year with Benfica wouldn't do him any harm, though, so it would not be too surprising if he opted to continue his development in a slightly less glaring spotlight.
Joao Felix Reminiscent of Antoine Griezmann, Could Play in Any Team, Says Tiago
Jun 4, 2019
Former Atletico Madrid midfielder Tiago has talked up Benfica talent Joao Felix, comparing him to Antoine Griezmann and saying he could play for any club in the world amid transfer links to Los Rojiblancos, Manchester United, Manchester City, Juventus and Real Madrid.
Per Goal's Dejan Kalinic, Tiago―now an assistant coach at Atletico―told El Partidazo de COPE he expects Benfica to hold out for more than €80 million for the forward: "He could play in any team in the world. I don't think Benfica will accept selling him for €80 million. He's a player who reminds me a bit of Griezmann."
He also spoke about former team-mate Griezmann, saying everyone at Atletico expects him to join Barcelona. Marca's David G. Medina previously reported Los Rojiblancos could replace the France international with the in-demand Felix.
He has also been strongly linked to Italian giants Juventus. According to Portuguese reports (h/t AS' Jaime Candil), Benfica have already rejected an offer from the Bianconeri, who want to unite Felix with Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo. The two share an agent in Jorge Mendes.
According to Correio da Manha (h/t MailOnline), Premier League giants Manchester United are willing to offer a total package worth more than £100 million:
Man United ready to offer package worth over £100m for wonderkid Joao Felix... but Benfica look set to reject proposal https://t.co/beGXziHTEW
City have also been strongly linked, and Tifo Football analysed whether he would fit manager Pep Guardiola's system:
The 19-year-old starlet had a breakout 2018-19 campaign, scoring 15 goals in the Portuguese Liga NOS and adding seven assists. He played a crucial role in Benfica's run to the title, as they beat rivals Porto to the top spot by two points.
His finest performance of the season came in the UEFA Europa League, where he scored a hat-trick in a 4-2 win over Eintracht Frankfurt:
Frankfurt would win the quarter-final return leg 2-0 and advance in the tournament thanks to the away-goal rule.
Like Griezmann, Felix does his best work as a secondary striker who is allowed to roam the attacking third freely. He frequently drops back into a midfield slot to collect the ball, but is equally adept at finding space in or around the box.
Benfica have a sterling reputation for unearthing and cultivating talent, earning big sums on the likes of Ederson, Raul Jimenez, Nelson Semedo, Victor Lindelof and Renato Sanches in recent years.
They don't tend to sell their prized youngsters on the cheap, so interested clubs will likely have to cough up a massive transfer fee to land Felix this summer.
Benfica President Dismisses Joao Felix Transfer Rumours: 'No One Will Leave'
Apr 24, 2019
LISBON, PORTUGAL - APRIL 22: Joao Felix of SL Benfica celebrates scoring SL Benfica third goal during the Liga NOS match between SL Benfica and CS Maritimo at Estadio da Luz on April 22, 2019 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira has said he guarantees "no one will leave" the club this summer in regards to rumours Joao Felix and other promising youngsters could be sold to Europe's top teams.
"In relation to our youngsters, mainly those that are today part of our main squad, Benfica will do everything so that no one leaves.
"I can practically say and guarantee to Benfica fans that no one will leave. I'm one of the biggest mentors of this project and I will do everything within my power to ensure that no one leaves this year or next if possible."
Corriere dello Sport (h/t Rob Train of AS) reported the 19-year-old featured on a list of six players Cristiano Ronaldo wants Juventus to sign this summer.
The Portugal under-21 international has been compared to his compatriot and five-time Ballon d'Or winner after exploding on to the scene in the Primeira Liga, and his deal holds a release clause worth €120 million (£104 million).
Juventus blogger Arjun Pradeep cited a similar report from Tuttosport, adding Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes was also involved:
🇮🇹 📰 |
Front page of Tuttosport headlines that Fabio Paratici is working with Jorge Mendes to prepare an assault on João Félix, a talent who is considered Cristiano Ronaldo's heir. pic.twitter.com/WxDmzQN5mK
Benfica won back-to-back European Cups in 1961-62 and have finished as runners up on five other occasions. The club more recently finished as Europa League runners up in 2013 and 2014.
Vieira detailed the ambitions Benfica have to once again contend for top honours in Europe and highlighted the significant role he wanted their youth to play in reviving those prospects:
"It's my conviction that Benfica can aspire to win a European title if it maintains its identity, and that is with players that have come from our youth teams.
"Every year we consolidate our project. There were four youngsters that came from our youth teams in our starting XI [for Monday's 6-0 league win over Maritimo] and I believe that it will be five, six or seven in the future."
Benfica need only look at Ajax's run to this season's UEFA Champions League semi-finals as evidence the continent's most famed institutions haven't been completely left behind by more cash-rich clubs.
The Godenzonen are back in the final four of the Champions League for the first time since 1997. They've unearthed a formula for success by blending a capable coach in Erik ten Hag with a young core complemented by several higher-profile figures.
The Eagles could hope to replicate that rise at the Estadio da Luz, and Vieira clearly sees Felix as a key ingredient to concocting their own winning mix.
The teenager recently became the youngest player to score a UEFA Europa League hat-trick in Benfica's 4-2 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, though it wasn't enough to secure a spot in the semi-finals, via BT Sport (UK only):
Having only appeared in Benfica B matches until August 2018, his adaptation to the rigours of senior football has been remarkable.
Felix most recently scored twice and set up another in Monday's 6-0 hammering of Maritimo, where United had scouts in place to watch the starlet in action, per MailOnline's Simon Jones.
He showed a composed first touch to convert his opener, via VSports:
There's no guarantee Felix's talent would translate as smoothly to one of Europe's top leagues, although his output during his debut season has astounded, per OptaJoao:
20 - João Félix is the second youngest player to have 20+ goal involvements in league football this season behind only Jadon Sancho at Dortmund (based on age today), among all players in the top seven UEFA ranked leagues in 2018/19. Talent. pic.twitter.com/krAG2FWTdd
The prospect has only improved as the season has continued and he's gained more experience. Felix has failed to score in only four of his last 12 league appearances, and he also boasts a knack for creating chances.
Benfica can feel safe knowing their starlet has a contract until 2023, with Felix at the front of their plans to launch a new generation of European challengers.
Benfica President: Joao Felix One of Portugal's Best Since Cristiano Ronaldo
Mar 23, 2019
Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo (R) and Portugal's forward Joao Felix attend a training session at 'City of Football' training camp in Oeiras, on March 20, 2019 ahead of the Euro 2020 qualifying football match Portugal vs Ukraine. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP) (Photo credit should read PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP/Getty Images)
Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira has called Joao Felix one of the best talents to emerge from Portugal since Cristiano Ronaldo.
The club's chief recently spoke to Tuttosport (h/t Calciomercato.com) and confirmed plans to increase the youngster's €120 million (£102.8 million) release clause while making the comparison to Ronaldo:
"I am happy that all of Europe is talking about Benfica's talents. Now it is clear that our project of betting on young players is bearing the desired results. Joao Felix the next Ronaldo? There is only one sure thing: Felix is one of the best talents produced by Portuguese football since Ronaldo.
"Juventus and Real Madrid's interest in him? Ask them. At this moment we are not interested in selling him and soon we will increase the release clause in his contract (currently €120 million). Joao has an incredible technique, he is fast and also very intelligent. He is a good person, he shows that he has important values that make me very proud."
Felix recently impressed in Benfica's 4-2 Lisbon derby win over Sporting CP, in which he scored his side's second goal before winning the penalty for their fourth:
The teenager has scored 10 times in his first 18 Primeira Liga outings (13 starts) and is averaging a goal every 109.1 minutes in Portugal's top flight.
His adaptation to senior football has been a fast one after making the step up from Benfica's B team in the summer, with the prospect now looking like possibly the Eagles' most prized possession.
Benfica sporting director and club legend Rui Costa also spoke to Tuttosport (h/t Chris Burton of Goal) about the club's latest emerging talent, whom he said boasted rare ability and "a remarkable sense of goal."
Costa also addressed the comparisons that have been made between himself and Felix, per journalist Juan Arango:
The Sun reported on Thursday that reigning Premier League champions Manchester City are ready to launch a move for his signature.
Felix earned his first call-up to Portugal's senior squad alongside Ronaldo for the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers with Ukraine and Serbia, and he was an unused substitute on Friday as Fernando Santos' side drew 0-0 against the former.
There aren't many finer role models Felix could have in training, and the forward recently spoke of just how highly regarded Ronaldo is within the camp:
Felix has failed to have a direct goal involvement in only one of his last eight league appearances and already looks to be outpacing the Primeira Liga competition.
It will take a significantly larger fee to free him from Benfica than the £13 million required to take Ronaldo from Sporting, and the Eagles are well aware of just how rare a talent they've got on their hands.
Rui Costa Hails 'Extraordinary' Joao Felix Amid Man United and Juventus Rumours
Mar 22, 2019
LISBON, PORTUGAL - MARCH 14: Joao Felix of SL Benfica during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 - Second Leg match between SL Benfica and Dinamo Zagreb at Estadio da Luz on March 14, 2019 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Benfica sporting director Rui Costa has heaped praise on the club's "extraordinary" star Joao Felix and has admitted they will struggle to keep hold of him this summer.
The 19-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Benfica and is considered one of European football's most exciting prospects.
Speaking to Tuttosport (h/t Chris Burton of Goal), Costa commented on the talent of Felix and the €120 million (£103 million) release clause he is said to have in his contract at the Estadio da Luz:
"Someone called him my heir. Or the new Kaka. The truth is that Felix is only Felix.
"He has an extraordinary sense of play and he has a rare ability, he can guess what will happen in front of the goal. He is a modern No. 10, a second striker with a remarkable sense of goal, he scored 10 goals in the league.
"€120 million release clause? We will try to keep him as long as possible, this applies to Felix as it does to all the others. This is the club's policy, then we will see why we are aware that the clauses exist and that certain players cannot be held back indefinitely in Portugal."
Ben Smith of ESPN FC reported Manchester City are also keeping tabs on the progress of the youngster, who has drawn comparisons with his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo.
It's no shock the biggest clubs in Europe are said to be considering a move for Felix, as he has the potential to go to the top of the game. As relayed by Portuguese football journalist Tom Kundert, there's justifiable hype in his homeland about his future:
"It’s enough to watch him play to see he’s different from other players. Scouts were in the stands from Manchester United, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Dortmund and Félix must have left them crazy with the talent he was spreading over the pitch." pic.twitter.com/z2HkSOjHBp
Marcus Alves thinks the 19-year-old will be at the summit of European football for a while:
Get used to Joao Felix: he might not be at Benfica for much longer, but when it comes to the top level of European football, he's definitely here to stay. I profiled Portugal's player of the next decade for @brfootballhttps://t.co/SlMoLYJRec
This season, Felix has been entrusted with more responsibility in the Benfica side, starting 13 matches in the Portuguese top flight.
He's relished being a more significant part of the team. Whether operating as a left winger, a centre-forward or a second striker, his intelligence in possession and dribbling skill has been too hot for many defences to deal with.
In addition, he has a composure in front of goal that's rare for youngsters. Scouted Football put the accomplishments of the Benfica sensation this season into some context:
João Félix's 10th Primeira Liga goal of the season.
He has only made 13 starts. He has only played 1,038 minutes.
It's testament to Felix that he appears to be taking his rapid and the speculation regarding his future in his stride.
Benfica have earned a reputation for selling on their best assets for big money in recent years and Costa seems to feel his departure will come. However, at this stage of his career, Felix's development would likely be enhanced by another season with the Lisbon giants, at least.
Meet Benfica's Joao Felix: The Phenom Europe's Biggest Clubs Are All Watching
Feb 21, 2019
Benfica's midfielder Joao Felix looks on during the Portuguese League football match between SL Benfica and CD Nacional at the Luz stadium in Lisbon on February 10, 2019. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP) (Photo credit should read PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP/Getty Images)
Before every Benfica home game, reporters head to a tiny room near one of the main entrances at the Estadio da Luz to collect their media accreditation and tickets.
On the left end of the desk, they can usually find a piece of paper with the names of the teams scouting the match that day.
That one piece of paper is enough to create a series of rumours that are turned into headlines.
When the Lisbon side hosted Boavista on January 29, the list featured the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Feyenoord.
The scouts were among the 41,352 fans who attended the game, scribbling notes in the hope of finding the next big thing in Portuguese football.
That cold night, their eyes were all drawn to Benfica's No. 79—a small 19-year-old, with braces on his teeth and a fuzzy haircut combed to the left.
His name is Joao Felix, and as soon as he touches the ball, you realise why he's already being courted by several of Europe's top clubs.
Some of his team-mates even call him the "€120 million boy" inside the dressing room because of his release clause.
Despite being just 19, he has managed to bring the joy back to the Estadio da Luz and place Benfica in the domestic title fight once again.
There's something special about him—and Benfica fans know it.
Like a procession, they spill out of the Alto dos Moinhos metro station and walk to the stadium every chance they get because, deep in their hearts, they're aware Felix won't be around for much longer. They have to enjoy him while they can.
That night against Boavista was one of those games that will be remembered when he is gone, with the Portuguese wonderkid being directly involved in three goals during Benfica's 5-1 win.
A Bola newspaper's headline the next morning was "Served by a genius." Record, meanwhile, called him the "new golden boy" and "a hurricane."
Despite the disproportionate hype usually given to Benfica youth players, especially by A Bola, this lad João Félix may justify it. Looks a truly special talent. Headline after another sparkling performance yesterday: "Served by a Genius" pic.twitter.com/qX4WMfJNL2
At his age, as some in Portugal have lately been arguing, Felix seems to be even more developed than Cristiano Ronaldo was when he was still settling into life at Manchester United after arriving from Sporting CP.
The Juventus star himself came to Lisbon in the week after the Boavista game, to watch the derby from a box at Sporting's Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Ronaldo saw his former club beaten 4-2 by Benfica and a Felix masterclass. The teenager had a goal disallowed in the first half but then scored right after that, and he also won a penalty for the fourth goal. He was named man of the match.
Former Benfica vice-president Rui Gomes da Silva even joked after the sparkling display: "Portugal's best player was at Alvalade...and it was nice of Ronaldo to have gone there to watch him play."
Felix broke into the team as a playmaker, but he has been turned into a lethal striker since head coach Bruno Lage took over on January 3. Felix has scored nine goals and produced five assists in 25 games in all competitions this season.
How can anyone stop him? Now working as a football pundit, former FC Porto and Juventus centre-back Jorge Andrade caused some fuss in the country with his suggestion.
"If I still played, I would step on him and there would be no more Joao Felix during the match. They [Benfica] would have to look for another alternative," he told RTP3 (h/t Jornal de Noticias).
Despite Andrade's controversial words, bringing Felix down has not been an easy job for opponents this season.
Devastatingly effective when running at defenders, the teen star is capable of playing in every position across the forward line. With a vast skill set that will probably only get better as he develops more, he already possesses an elegance and self-confidence with the ball comparable to the best talents in the game.
He's the latest in a long line of prospects to come out of Benfica's highly rated academy, Seixal, after Bernardo Silva, Victor Lindelof and Ederson.
"It's possible and fair to say that Felix is the Seixal graduate who has raised the highest expectations in a long time," Joao Goncalves, a pundit for BTV, the club's official television channel, tells Bleacher Report.
"About a year ago, he was still playing with the B side in the tough and difficult Portuguese second division and making a difference. It's been a sustained development, with him showing proof of his huge potential every step of the way. The natural, easy and triumphant way he's establishing himself in the senior team explains the enormous hope for his future."
Born in the city of Viseu, 290 kilometres away from Lisbon, Felix arrived at Seixal in 2015. Since then, Valter Marques, who covers Benfica for Record, has lost of track of the number of conversations he has had about the player with people involved in the academy.
He was told Felix was "a pearl who would set tongues wagging," and he was quick to see that potential himself.
"It had always been a matter of finding the right timing to unleash him and give him a proper chance to reach the top," Marques tells B/R.
"There's no doubt left whatsoever about his value. The next step is making the national team, which I believe will happen very soon. After that, it remains to be seen how far the European heavyweights will be willing to go to sign him—he will probably be featuring for a European giant next season or the season after that.
"I don't think Benfica will be able to hold him."
LISBON, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 10: Joao Felix of SL Benfica celebrates after scoring a goal during the Liga NOS match between SL Benfica and CD Nacional at Estadio da Luz on February 10, 2019 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Felix originally started his career at Porto as an eight-year-old before packing his things and heading south to Lisbon in 2015. Back then, he was deemed too small by Porto's coaches and was not getting much playing time. At the end of his contract, he decided to abandon the Dragons and join their fierce rivals.
In order to lure him to Seixal, Benfica cited the example of Andre Gomes, who had taken a similar path and successfully broken into their first team.
Porto's loss ended up being Benfica's gain.
"I would like to pick up a wooden stick and hit on the head whomever let him go," former Porto captain Rodolfo Reis said on SIC Noticias.
One of the most respected football pundits in Portugal, Luis Cristovao believes Felix couldn't have benefited more from the move, even though his shirts still look two sizes too big for him.
"He made it to Seixal when he was already 15, after seven seasons with Porto. Due to its philosophy, Benfica's academy has been, for a while, the best one at treating Portuguese talents, opening spaces for different kinds of footballers—such as Ruben Dias, Gedson Fernandes and Felix," Cristovao, who works for Eleven Sports and Antena 1, tells B/R.
"Among those who broke into their first team, Felix appears to be, without a doubt, the one with most indicators that he will be become a great player.
"Despite still being 19, he's been very quick in showing an array of qualities that can easily take him to another level."
Almost impossible to stop with the ball on his feet, Felix seems to break records every other week in the Portuguese football.
Benfica's midfielder Joao Felix looks on during the Portuguese League football match between SL Benfica and CD Nacional at the Luz stadium in Lisbon on February 10, 2019. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP) (Photo credit should read PATRICIA
He was promoted to Benfica's B team when he was just 16, becoming the youngest player of all time to debut and also score in the Portuguese second tier. At the end of that season, he was already featuring in the Portugal under-21 team, skipping three age groups.
Felix has not stopped since then, though, as netting twice in three derbies against Sporting in his breakout season showed.
B/R's football expert Sam Tighe first noticed Felix during Benfica's UEFA Youth League run in 2016-17, when he destroyed Real Madrid with a brace in the semi-final before losing to Red Bull Salzburg in the final.
"His ability to twist and turn in tight spaces, manipulate the ball, and his appreciation for space really stuck out to me," Tighe recalls.
"At the time, he was incredibly skinny and small, so it was difficult to project exactly how he'd take the step into senior football, but technical skills like his don't come around too often.
"He's taken Lisbon by storm. He's also showing athletic traits we don't see very often at youth level. When I see him storming up field with the ball at his feet and swinging in pinpoint balls, I shake my head a little. Is there anything he can't do?
"Felix looks set right for the very top. He's in the top echelon of teenagers and exciting youngsters, jostling for a spot alongside Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid) and Matthijs De Ligt (Ajax). He's not the 'name' they are just yet, but he soon will be."
The Benfica prodigy has been defined as a mix of Portuguese legends Rui Costa and Joao Vieira Pinto and has also, somewhat inevitably, been compared to Ronaldo.
And he can indeed be a bit of all three.
ZABRZE, POLAND - NOVEMBER 16: Joao Felix of Portugal in action during the European Under-21 Championship Qualifier match between Poland U21 and Portugal U21 on November 16, 2018 in Zabrze, Poland. (Photo by Norbert Barczyk/PressFocus/MB Media/Getty Images
Felix is also being touted to become the leader of what is regarded as the most promising crop of youngsters to come through Portugal's youth system in a long time.
Don't believe the hype? Portugal won the UEFA Under-19 Championship in July, despite the absences of some of their brightest talents, including Felix, Gedson, Diogo Dalot, Rafael Leao and Diogo Leite.
A few months later, the under-17 side thrashed Brazil 4-0 to end up as winners of the Nike International Friendlies tournament.
The post-Ronaldo future couldn't look brighter for the Portugal national team.
You could already field the following starting XI of players aged 24 or younger: Diogo Costa (Porto); Joao Cancelo (Juventus), Ruben Dias (Benfica), Diogo Leite (Porto) and Diogo Dalot (Manchester United); Ruben Neves (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City) and Bruno Fernandes (Sporting); Joao Felix (Benfica), Rafael Leao (Lille) and Andre Silva (Sevilla).
"There's a big group of players—all of them younger than 24—that seem to fit in the idea of a powerful generation, fighting, in terms of quality and number of options, with the best ones we ever had in Portugal," Cristovao argues.
Even among such a talented crop, Felix still stands out.
"His room for progression is enormous and, even so, he already displays the level of talent of the biggest stars. He's treading the same path as Bernardo Silva," Goncalves says.
"He has everything it takes to be the Portuguese football reference point for the next decade."
"With Ronaldo approaching the end of his career, there will possibly be only one player who can rival Felix in the coming years: Bernardo. I can't see anyone dethroning these two," Marques adds.
Get used to Joao Felix: He might not be at Benfica for much longer, but when it comes to the top level of European football, he's here to stay.
'Money Is No Issue' in Jose Mourinho Pursuit, Says Benfica President
Jan 8, 2019
Manchester United's Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho leaves at full time in the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on October 28, 2018. - Manchester Utd won the game 2-1. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)
Benfica President Luis Filipe Vieira has hinted that he wants Jose Mourinho to take over as manager at his club following the departure of Rui Vitoria.
Vitoria left his position last week following a shock 2-0 defeat to Portimonense which saw Benfica drop seven points behind Primeira Liga leaders Porto.
Reserve coach Bruno Lage was installed as caretaker manager, and Vieira said he has not yet spoken to Mourinho about the job. But he made it clear he would like the former Manchester United boss back at Benfica following his Old Trafford sacking last month, per SIC (h/t Goal's Sacha Pisani):
"For now, Bruno Lage is the coach of Benfica. I am [Mourinho's] friend. Who would not like to have Mourinho? [But] I have not talked to him. If he says yes tomorrow, he'll be here at the drop of a hat. Money is no issue for Benfica."
Mourinho, 55, cut his teeth as a manager at Benfica back in 2000. He stayed only three months in the job, leaving the post after a change in president.
He went on to win back-to-back league titles with rivals Porto, as well as the 2003-04 UEFA Champions League, before establishing himself as arguably the world's best manager at Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid.
GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY - MAY 26: Nuno Valente of FC Porto hugs his manager Jose Dos Santos Mourinho after winning the Champions League during the UEFA Champions League Final match between AS Monaco and FC Porto at the AufSchake Arena on May 26, 2004 in G
His reputation has taken something of a hit recently, though, during his two-and-a-half-year spell at Manchester United.
Mourinho won the UEFA Europa League and League Cup while in charge at Old Trafford, but he never got close to challenging for the Premier League and implemented a tedious brand of football at the club.
As such, there is no guarantee that Europe's biggest clubs will be interested in hiring him anymore.
A return to Real Madrid has been mooted given their current struggles in La Liga.
But Mourinho may welcome the opportunity to go back and manage in his native Portugal, where the spotlight is less intense and he could rebuild his reputation.
It has been over 14 years since he worked in his homeland, and Vieira and Benfica could offer him his chance to return.
