Cristiano Ronaldo has dismissed claims that he played a role in luring fellow Portugal international Joao Felix to Al-Nassr, rubbishing suggestions that the Saudi club “stole” the forward from Benfica.

Felix, 25, had multiple transfer options on the table this summer, including a potential return to his former club Benfica.

However, after Chelsea opened the door to a permanent exit—and following a loan spell at AC Milan—the forward opted for a move to the Saudi Pro League, linking up with Ronaldo in Riyadh.

Rumours quickly surfaced suggesting Ronaldo had influenced Felix’s decision, steering him away from a return to Lisbon.

But the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was quick to reject those claims, GOAL reports on Friday.

“Stealing is bad form; no one has ever stolen anything from Benfica.

“Everyone knows Joao; he’s very talented. I think he’ll help us a lot in the Saudi league, which is very competitive,” Ronaldo told reporters.

Ronaldo defended the quality of the Saudi Pro League, pointing to the growing number of high-profile players in the division and backing Felix’s decision to join.

“You don’t know him; you’re not there, you don’t show up, but we saw him at the Club World Cup.

“I think it was a better option for Felix than playing in the Portuguese league; just look at the number of stars there are in Saudi Arabia.

“Regardless of not playing in the Champions League, it was a very wise decision on his part,” Ronaldo continued.

The veteran striker also denied any direct involvement in the transfer talks.

He further stated, “Calling him to convince him? I don’t do that, I don’t pick up the phone. It’s not my job. You [journalists] said that, but my job is to train and play.”

Felix made his Al-Nassr debut in a pre-season friendly alongside Ronaldo, who starred with a hat-trick in a 4-0 win over Rio Ave as the club ramps up preparations for the 2025-26 campaign.