With one swing of his right foot, João Félix showed why Atlético Madrid made him one of the most expensive transfers in soccer history.
Félix scored a stunning second-half goal as Atlético Madrid defeated the MLS All-Stars 3-0 at Exploria Stadium on Wednesday.
The Portugal international also added an assist.
Félix has not wasted any time making an impact with Atlético. He has scored two goals in his last two matches, including his impressive goal in the 85th minute against a team consisting of some of MLS’ best players.
Félix received the ball outside the top of the 18-yard box and ripped a swerving shot. MLS All-Star goalkeeper Nick Rimando got a hand on it, but the power behind the shot was enough to go into the back of the net.
The goal iced the game for Atlético.
“I like to score goals,” Félix said. “I’ve scored two goals in (the last) two games and I’m very happy.”
The club signed Félix from Portuguese club Benfica for a £113 million transfer fee (about $141 million), the fourth-highest international fee in soccer history.
During his one-year stint with Benfica, Félix 19, emerged as one of the top young talents in the world. He scored 15 goals in 26 senior-league appearances last season as Benfica won the Portuguese league. Félix was also named the league’s best young player before Atlético swooped in and decided to bring him to Spain.
Felix has acclimated himself both on the field and with the rest of the team and has so far lived up to the hype.
“I feel good, my teammates have received me well,” he said. “They have helped my integration into the team and I’m very happy.”