Real Madrid icon Guti recently opened up about a missed opportunity that could have changed the trajectory of one of football’s brightest talents. Speaking on El Chiringuito TV, the former midfielder disclosed that he had strongly advocated for Real Madrid to sign João Félix back in 2017, long before the Portuguese forward became a household name.Félix, who was then a rising star at Benfica, caught Guti’s eye during the UEFA Youth League. His performances were nothing short of extraordinary, consistently outshining his peers and demonstrating a level of skill and composure far beyond his years. Guti was so impressed by Félix’s ability to “destroy everyone” on the pitch that he felt compelled to inform the decision-makers at the Santiago Bernabéu.
“I told Real Madrid to follow João Félix in 2017,” Guti revealed during the show. “He was ridiculous in the Youth League, he was destroying everyone. I could see the potential in him, the way he moved, his vision, his finishing—it was all there. He had the makings of a world-class playerDespite Guti’s recommendation, Real Madrid did not act on the advice. Instead, Félix’s path led him to Atlético Madrid in 2019, where he was signed for a staggering €126 million, making him one of the most expensive transfers in football history. However, his time at Atlético has been marked by inconsistency, with the young forward struggling to fully adapt to Diego Simeone’s tactical demands and the pressure of living up to his hefty price tag.
Now, at 24 years old, Félix is set to embark on a new chapter in his career, as he prepares for a permanent move to Chelsea. His impending transfer back to the Premier League has reignited discussions about what might have been had he joined Real Madrid instead.
Guti’s revelation adds another layer of intrigue to Félix’s story, highlighting the fine margins that often define football careers. Had Real Madrid heeded Guti’s advice, Félix might have developed under a different system, surrounded by some of the world’s best players, possibly altering the narrative of his carAs Félix prepares to don the Chelsea blue, there will be plenty of speculation about whether this move will finally unlock his full potential. For Real Madrid, it’s a reminder of a talent that slipped through their fingers, one that could have been nurtured at the Bernabéu.
💣 "AVISÉ al REAL MADRID de que siguiese a JOAO FÉLIX".
— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) August 19, 2024
🔥 "En la Youth League era RIDÍCULO: SE IBA DE TODOS".
Bru-tal: @GUTY14HAZ y cómo descubrió a @joaofelix70 en 2017. pic.twitter.com/UB241HXOX1
The saga of João Félix continues, but Guti’s insight offers a fascinating glimpse into the what-ifs of football, where one decision can shape the destiny of a player, and by extension, the clubs they play for.eer..”