Who is Helio Varela? Cape Verde player who scored vs Uruguay in FIFA World Cup 2026 clash
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Helio Varela’s goal brought the Blue Sharks level for the second time against Uruguay.
Helio Varela was the hero for Cape Verde in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H clash against Uruguay at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The winger, who came on as a substitute for the West African side in the second half, scored just after the hour mark to tie the game 2-2.
Kevin Pina’s direct free-kick goal in the 21st minute put the Blue Sharks ahead. However, two goals in three minutes from Maxi Araujo and Agustin Canobbio put La Celeste back on the ascendancy.
Cape Verde, who are making their World Cup debut in the expanded 48-team tournament in North America, fought back in the second half. The decisive moment came in the 61st minute, when Mathias Olivera’s horrible cross-field pass was intercepted by Varela, who was introduced in the match just seconds earlier.
The 24-year-old Portugal-born attacker went past Fernando Muslera and then calmly slotted the ball into the back of an unguarded net.
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Helio Varela Profile
- Age: 24
- Position: Left winger (primary), right winger
- Club: Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel)
Born in Almada, Varela began his youth career in the academies of Monte Caparica, Charneca Caparica, Vitoria Setubal, and Cova da Piedade. He moved to Amora FC on a free transfer in 2020 and made his senior debut there. He departed for third-division side SU Sintrense the following year.
He was on the move again a year later, joining the reserve side of Portimonense. He made his senior debut for them in a Taca de Portugal clash against Leixoes in 2023. After 34 appearances for the Black and Whites across two seasons, he was signed by Gent for 3.12 million euros.
He scored twice on his debut against Union Rochefortoise, but his career with the Belgian side never took off. Just a year later, he was sold to Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv for 1.70 million euros.
He settled well into the side, finishing his debut season with 45 appearances across all competitions. He scored six goals and registered three assists for them.
Having never represented Portugal’s youth sides, he changed his international allegiance and made his Cape Verde debut in 2023. Since then, he has earned 21 caps. His goal against Uruguay was his first international goal, while he also has two assists to his name.
Who is Helio Varela?
He is a 24‑year‑old winger who plays for Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel and the Cape Verde national team.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.