Hélio Varela

Hélio Varela is a Portuguese-born winger of Cape Verdean heritage who represents Cape Verde internationally. He has played across Portugal, Belgium and Israel, currently on the books of Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Varela developed through Portuguese academies and progressed into professional football, earning a move to Belgian top-flight club K.A.A. Gent in August 2024, where he scored twice on his debut in the Croky Cup. He subsequently transferred to Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2025, making 23 appearances with 3 goals.

He made his international debut for Cape Verde in October 2023 and has since earned 11 caps.