João Félix Opens Up About the Toughest Lesson He Learned on His Path to Success

João Félix, at just 25 years old, has already gathered a wealth of experiences and lessons that go beyond the football pitch. His journey from a young boy in Viseu to one of the most expensive footballers in history has been marked by significant moments of growth, resilience, and learning. His path wasn’t always smooth, but each challenge shaped him into the player and person he is today.

As an 11-year-old, João left his family home to chase his dream at FC Porto’s academy. It was a big step for a boy so young, and on his first night, he felt the weight of homesickness. Calling his father in tears, he begged to come back home. But his father, understanding the importance of this opportunity, gave him a choice that would define his future. “He said, ‘I’ll pick you up, but I won’t take you back,’” João recalls. This tough love helped João realize that pursuing his dream would require sacrifice. After thinking it through, he chose to stay, learning early on the value of commitment and perseverance.

Throughout his journey, family remained a cornerstone of João’s growth. His father, a teacher and former district-level footballer, supported him without pushing too hard. João recognizes the difference between encouragement and pressure. “I see parents forcing their kids to be the next Cristiano Ronaldo, but it’s not about that—it’s about doing what makes you happy,” he explains. This perspective has stayed with João, reminding him of the importance of finding joy in what you do.

When João moved to Benfica at 16, he wasn’t alone. His younger brother Hugo joined him, and the two shared a unique bond that helped João navigate the challenges of a new environment. Having that familial connection made the transition easier, teaching him the importance of leaning on loved ones during tough times. Despite their differences, João and Hugo remain incredibly close, a testament to the strength of their relationship.

João’s rapid rise to fame taught him other important lessons, especially about confidence and humility. At just 19, he became a star at Benfica and was sold to Atlético Madrid for a staggering €126 million. While the record-breaking transfer fee could have been overwhelming, João learned to put it in perspective. “I never think about the fee unless someone mentions it. What matters is staying focused on what I love,” he says. Initially, he felt untouchable—a natural reaction to his quick success—but his father soon helped him stay grounded. This balance between confidence and humility became a cornerstone of his character.

Handling pressure is another area where João has grown immensely. For many athletes, the weight of expectations can be crushing, but João learned early on how to channel his confidence. “If you feel pressured, things won’t go well. Confidence comes from knowing what you’re good at,” he says. Criticism, too, became easier to manage as he matured. Today, João says it no longer affects him, though he acknowledges that people often forget athletes have personal lives and emotions. This awareness has helped him separate his professional and personal life, a skill he believes is vital for maintaining mental well-being.

Mental health is a topic João feels strongly about, even though he hasn’t sought therapy himself. He understands the challenges athletes face, especially when things don’t go as planned. “People think that because we make a lot of money, we don’t have struggles, but that’s not true,” he explains. João believes it’s crucial to address mental health issues openly, as ignoring them can lead to bigger problems. His empathy for others in similar situations highlights his maturity and understanding of the pressures that come with being in the spotlight.

João’s philosophy on seizing opportunities has also played a significant role in his career. Reflecting on his early success, he admits that leaving Benfica after just six months with the first team upset some fans. However, he knew he couldn’t let the chance to move to Atlético Madrid slip away. “What if I got injured later and missed my chance?” he says. This forward-thinking mindset has guided many of his decisions, reminding him to make the most of every opportunity.

Despite the ups and downs of his career, including inconsistent performances and loan spells, João remains optimistic. He sees every experience as a learning opportunity, whether it’s adjusting to a new team or overcoming challenges on the pitch. His ability to adapt and grow is a testament to his resilience and determination to succeed.

At the heart of João’s journey is a commitment to staying true to himself. He values the upbringing his parents gave him and hopes to pass those same lessons on to his future children. “I want my kids to grow up with humility and respect for others,” he says. Even during tough times, João prefers to keep his struggles private, not wanting others to see him at his lowest. This self-awareness has helped him maintain a sense of balance and control in his life.

João Félix’s story is more than just a tale of football success. It’s a testament to the power of resilience, humility, and personal growth. From his early days at FC Porto to his record-breaking transfer and beyond, João has learned to embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. His journey serves as a reminder that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about the lessons you learn along the way and how you use them to become a better version of yourself.