PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hélio Sandro Oliveira Alves Varela |
| Date of Birth | 3 May 2002 (Age: 24) |
| Place of Birth | Almada, Portugal |
| Nationality | Cape Verdean (born in Portugal to Cape Verdean parents) |
| Height | 1.76 m / 5 ft 9 in |
| Weight | 72 kg |
| Position | Winger / Forward |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #29 (Maccabi Tel Aviv) |
| Current Club | Maccabi Tel Aviv |
| Previous Clubs | Amora, Sintrense, Portimonense, Gent |
| International Caps | 21+ |
| International Goals | 1 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2028 |
The Frozen Moment
Miami, Florida. June 21, 2026. Cape Verde and Uruguay were locked in a World Cup group-stage clash, and the Blue Sharks were chasing another historic result. The island nation had already stunned European champions Spain with a 0-0 draw in their World Cup debut. Now, they were 2-1 down against the two-time world champions.
Hélio Varela, the 24-year-old winger, had been waiting for his opportunity. He had sat through 146 minutes of World Cup football before being called upon. Just three minutes after entering the pitch as a substitute, the moment arrived.
A wayward pass in the Uruguay half left goalkeeper Fernando Muslera stranded far off his line. Varela anticipated the play, collected the ball, and with two exquisite touches—a control and a precise finish—slotted into the empty net. The stadium erupted. Cape Verde had pulled off another shock, drawing 2-2 with the former world champions.
“Entré desde el banco con la intención de ayudar. Todos los jugadores que estaban en el banquillo están capacitados para hacer lo que yo hice,” Varela told FIFA afterwards. The goal was his first for Cape Verde, and it came on the biggest stage of all. For the boy born in Portugal who chose to represent his parents’ homeland, it was the culmination of a journey that had taken him from the lower reaches of Portuguese football to the World Cup.
Origins
Hélio Sandro Oliveira Alves Varela was born on 3 May 2002 in Almada, Portugal, to Cape Verdean parents. He holds dual Portuguese and Cape Verdean nationality.
His football journey began in the youth academies of Monte Caparica and Charneca Caparica in Portugal. He later joined Vitória Setúbal, where he developed through the youth ranks from 2014 to 2018, before moving to Cova da Piedade’s academy. His early career was marked by steady progression through the Portuguese football system.
His senior career began with Amora in the Campeonato de Portugal, the Portuguese third tier, where he made 8 appearances in the 2020-21 season. He then moved to Sintrense, also in the third tier, where he scored 5 goals in 26 appearances during the 2021-22 season.
The Professional Forge
Portimonense (2022-2024):
Varela’s breakthrough came with Portimonense in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. He made his professional debut on 30 July 2023 in a Taça da Liga match against Leixões. His first league goal came on 26 August 2023 in a 1-1 draw with Arouca. Over the course of the 2023-24 season, he made 33 Primeira Liga appearances, scoring 6 goals and providing 3 assists. His performances in Portugal’s top flight established him as a promising young winger.
Gent (2024-2026):
On 16 August 2024, Varela made the move to Belgian football, signing with KAA Gent. He made his debut for Gent on 30 October 2024 in the Croky Cup, scoring two goals. However, his league appearances were limited—he made 10 appearances in the 2024-25 season and 3 in the 2025-26 season. In total, he made 17 appearances across all competitions for Gent, scoring 2 goals.
Maccabi Tel Aviv (2026-Present):
In the summer of 2026, Varela completed a move to Israeli Premier League side Maccabi Tel Aviv. His transfer fee was reported at approximately €1.7 million. In his first season with the club, he made 30 league appearances, scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists. He also helped Maccabi Tel Aviv win the Israeli State Cup in the 2025-26 season.
International Career
Cape Verde Debut:
Born in Portugal, Varela chose to represent Cape Verde—his parents’ homeland. He made his senior debut for the Blue Sharks on 12 October 2023 in a friendly against Algeria. The match ended in a 5-1 defeat, but it marked the beginning of his international journey.
2026 World Cup Campaign:
Varela was named in Cape Verde’s 26-man squad for their historic World Cup debut in 2026. He made three substitute appearances at the tournament, totalling 104 minutes of football. His most significant contribution came against Uruguay, where he scored his first international goal just three minutes after coming off the bench, equalising in a 2-2 draw.
Cape Verde achieved a historic milestone at the tournament—drawing 0-0 with Spain, 2-2 with Uruguay, and 0-0 with Saudi Arabia to reach the knockout rounds, becoming the smallest nation ever to achieve that feat. Varela’s goal against Uruguay was a defining moment in the campaign.
International Record:
Varela has made 21+ appearances for Cape Verde and scored 1 international goal. His goal against Uruguay was his first for the national team. He has also provided 2 assists for the Blue Sharks.
The Anatomy of His Game
Varela is a right-footed winger known for his pace, dribbling, and ability to exploit spaces behind defensive lines. At 1.76 metres, he uses his low centre of gravity and acceleration to beat defenders.
In Possession:
Varela’s standout quality is his directness. His goal against Uruguay—anticipating the pass, controlling with his left thigh, and finishing first-time—demonstrated his speed of thought and execution. His 2023-24 Primeira Liga season, with 6 goals in 33 appearances, showcased his ability at the highest level of Portuguese football.
Out of Possession:
Varela contributes to the team’s pressing game with his work rate. His ability to read the game and exploit opposition errors was demonstrated perfectly against Uruguay.
Psychological Edge:
Varela’s decision to represent Cape Verde—his parents’ homeland—over Portugal reflects a deep connection to his heritage. His patience at the World Cup, waiting 146 minutes for his opportunity, and his immediate impact when it arrived, demonstrated his mental resilience.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: 2026 World Cup Snapshot
| Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 3 | 0 | 104 | 1 | 0 |
TABLE B: 2025/26 Season Snapshot
| Competition | Apps | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Israeli Premier League | 30 | 1,980 | 3 | 2 |
| Belgian Pro League | 3 | 161 | 0 | 0 |
TABLE C: Career (League Only)
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amora | 2020-2021 | 8 | 0 |
| Sintrense | 2021-2022 | 26 | 5 |
| Portimonense | 2023-2024 | 33 | 6 |
| Gent | 2024-2026 | 13 | 0 |
| Maccabi Tel Aviv | 2026-Present | 30 | 3 |
| TOTAL | — | 110+ | 14 |
TABLE D: Career Achievements
| Honour | Details |
|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup Participant | 2026 (Cape Verde) |
| First International Goal | 2026 World Cup vs Uruguay |
| Israeli State Cup Winner | 2025/26 |
| Primeira Liga Debut | 2023 (Portimonense) |
| Transfer to Maccabi Tel Aviv | 2026 (€1.7M) |
What these figures reveal is a player who has progressed through the Portuguese football pyramid, established himself in the Primeira Liga, and made the move to Israeli football. His 110+ club appearances and 14 goals reflect a career of steady development. His World Cup goal, his first for Cape Verde, came on the biggest stage of all.
The Present Tense
Hélio Varela is 24 years old and at a defining stage of his career. He is a winger for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Israeli Premier League and a World Cup squad member for Cape Verde.
The Maccabi Tel Aviv Story:
Varela joined Maccabi Tel Aviv in the summer of 2026. In his first season, he made 30 league appearances, scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists. He also won the Israeli State Cup with the club. His contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv runs until 2028.
The World Cup Campaign:
Varela was a key member of Cape Verde’s historic 2026 World Cup campaign. He made three substitute appearances at the tournament. His most significant contribution came against Uruguay, where he scored his first international goal just three minutes after coming on, equalising in a 2-2 draw. Cape Verde reached the Round of 16, becoming the smallest nation ever to do so.
International Record:
Varela has made 21+ appearances for Cape Verde and scored 1 international goal. He has also provided 2 assists for the Blue Sharks.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Varela’s journey is one of heritage and determination. Born in Portugal to Cape Verdean parents, he chose to represent his ancestral homeland. His decision to represent Cape Verde over Portugal reflects a deep connection to his roots.
His World Cup goal against Uruguay was a moment of personal redemption. He had been part of the Cape Verde squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations but chose not to travel to the tournament, staying with his then-club Portimonense to secure his place. The decision was not well received by the Cape Verdean football federation, but he worked his way back into the team and ultimately scored the goal that defined Cape Verde’s historic World Cup campaign.
The Verdict from the Camp
Hélio Varela:
“Entré desde el banco con la intención de ayudar. Todos los jugadores que estaban en el banquillo están capacitados para hacer lo que yo hice” (I came off the bench with the intention of helping. All the players on the bench are capable of doing what I did).
“Somos un equipo muy unido. Eso demuestra que todos estamos en un gran nivel, no solo individualmente, sino como selección. Estamos aquí por un objetivo mayor, que es representar a nuestro país” (We are a very united team. That shows that we are all at a great level, not only individually, but as a team. We are here for a greater objective, which is to represent our country).
Where Next?
Hélio Varela is 24 years old and under contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv until 2028. His World Cup experience and his goal against Uruguay have elevated his profile significantly. His performances in the Israeli Premier League, combined with his international pedigree, could attract interest from clubs in Europe.
For Cape Verde, Varela represents a promising attacking option. His pace, directness, and ability to make an impact from the bench make him a valuable asset. With 21 caps and a World Cup goal to his name, he is expected to be a key figure for the Blue Sharks in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
From Almada to Sintrense, from Portimonense to Gent, from Maccabi Tel Aviv to the World Cup, Hélio Varela’s journey is a story of heritage, patience, and extraordinary achievement. The boy born in Portugal who chose to represent his parents’ homeland is now a World Cup goalscorer—and a symbol of Cape Verdean football’s remarkable rise.
