Griezmann vs Joao Felix 2026 — Who Is the Better Player?

Antoine Griezmann's €18 million annual salary at Atletico Madrid makes him the club's highest earner and one of the best-paid players in La Liga. His long Atletico tenure has been rewarded with progressive salary increases, and his current deal runs through 2026 with an option for a further year. Griezmann's endorsement portfolio with Puma, Huawei, and Gillette adds approximately €6 million annually. His total compensation of approximately €24 million per year reflects both his on-pitch contribution and his commercial value as Atletico's most recognizable face.

Joao Felix earns approximately €14 million per year at Chelsea, a salary that was negotiated as part of his permanent transfer from Atletico in 2024. This figure represents a reduction from the rumoured €16 million he was earning during his final Atletico contract — a deal that was widely criticized given his limited output. Felix's endorsement deals with Adidas and Red Bull generate an estimated €5 million annually. At 26, his earning potential remains high if he can deliver consistent performances, but his salary has become a pressure point at Chelsea given the club's scrutiny over their spending in recent transfer windows.

Per-90 analysis reveals the contrasting profiles that explain why Griezmann thrived at Atletico while Felix could not. Griezmann's 0.42 goals per 90 and 0.38 assists per 90 give him 0.80 goal involvements per 90 minutes — the highest figure among Atletico players and 8th among all La Liga forwards. His efficiency is remarkable: Griezmann averages just 2.1 shots per 90 but converts at 21%, meaning he rarely wastes possession on speculative efforts.

Felix's per-90 numbers showcase his individual talent but also his inconsistency. His 3.4 successful dribbles per 90 and 4.8 carries into the final third per 90 are among the best in the Premier League, demonstrating his technical ability to beat defenders and progress play. However, his shot conversion rate of just 12% — compared to Griezmann's 21% — reveals the finishing inefficiency that plagued his Atletico career and continues at Chelsea.

The defensive contrast explains their Atletico trajectories. Griezmann registers 19.4 pressures per 90 and makes 3.2 tackles and interceptions — numbers that satisfy Simeone's demand for forwards who work without the ball. Felix averaged just 11.8 pressures per 90 during his Atletico tenure, and his reluctance to engage in defensive duties was a persistent source of tension with the coaching staff. At Chelsea, where attacking players face fewer defensive demands, Felix's pressing numbers have improved to 14.6 per 90, but he remains less industrious than Griezmann.