Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

João Felix Eyes Potential Benfica Reunion: Bruno Lage’s Influence Grows

Felix’s Connection with Lage and Benfica’s Legacy Could Spark a Career Turning Point

Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Chelsea attacker João Felix is having it rough since the beginning of 2025. Being on loan at AC Milan until June 30, 2025, a clause in his contract allows Chelsea to recall him for the Club World Cup. But the Blues have chosen not to include him as they face Palmeiras in the semi-final next.

Felix who aims to find a new home has hinted that the Portuguese could go back to where he started. Talking about a possible reunion with Benfica and Bruno Lage, the 25-year-old has shown great admiration for his former coach.

Joao Felix (19) (€127.2M) – Benfica to Atlético Madrid (2019) pic.twitter.com/qHdiJbf0cj
— Transfersthathappened (@actualtransfers) July 3, 2025

João Félix’s Emotional Connection to Benfica and Bruno Lage

Sharing a bond which goes way back to Felix’s young days, Lage played a crucial role in his breakout season with Benfica in 2019. Upon leaving the club in 2020, Lage returned to Benfica in September 2024.

Speaking on the Lage’s return and his desire to head back, Felix told Cm Journal,

“Seeing Bruno Lage the coach, who I know and was important for my career, earns points in my decision over the future and I see with good eyes returning to Benfica”.

“And it is, maybe, where I am most inclined…”,

Having an emotional connection with Benfica, Felix could find his spark again should he join the Portuguese side. Playing under a manager he has a history with in his home country is one of the ideal choices Felix could approve of given his recent run.

What João Felix’s Benfica Homecoming Could Mean for His Future

Benfica manager Lage shared his views on Felix’s desires. Talking about the difficulty that may arise in bringing Felix back, Lage told the media in June,

“There is desire on both sides. But we must also look at the financial aspect. João must understand that Benfica can’t afford the salary he’s used to.”

Félix’s career since leaving Benfica in 2019 has been a of high expectations and inconsistent performances. Managing around 34 goals in 131 appearances, he had loan spells at Chelsea and FC Barcelona from Atletico Madrid.

At just 19, Felix made 26 appearances in the Primeira Liga, scoring 15 goals and 7 assists highlighted his ability to create as well as finish. Across all competitions, Felix tallied 20 goals in 43 matches, a remarkable output for a teenager in his breakout season.

A return to Benfica could be more than a nostalgic homecoming—it could be the reset Felix needs to reignite his career. Playing in a system that once unlocked his potential and under a coach who knows him well. However, Felix needs to rediscover his confidence given he has a long career ahead of him for clubs and country.

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Mayur Dedwal

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I’m a Sports Content Writer with expertise in football. Being a decade old football enthusiast and part-time coach, I try to bring to life to the articles in a statistical manner. Being around all kinds of sports updates and able to put in my perspective’s to the happenings in the world of football are few of the many things i like in doing what i do. You can find me playing Sunday leagues or Xbox on weekends!