Fernando Varela: profile
Fernando Varela (born 26 November 1987 in Cascais, Portugal) is a former Cape Verdean footballer who played as a centre-back.
Varela made the step into senior football with G.D. Estoril Praia in 2006. He played for 6 clubs in 3 countries since 2006. The busiest spell of his career was at FCSB (2013–2016): 82 appearances and 10 goals. Across all recorded club spells he totals 294 appearances and 19 goals.
At international level, Varela represented Cape Verde (2008–present), earning 40 caps and scoring 3 goals. Our match database lists 1 of his international goals; the first came against Angola on 27 January 2013 (Africa Cup of Nations).
Cascais has produced 3 footballers in our database, including Sambinha and Rodolfo Lima.
Eligibility explained: Why does Fernando Varela play for Cape Verde?
Key facts
- Senior international debut
- 2008 (aged about 21)
- First international goal
- 2013 – aged 25 (match)
- Countries played in
- 3: Portugal, Romania and Greece
- Club goals per game
- 0.06 (19 in 294)
- Height
- 182 cm — taller than 52% of Cape Verdean internationals on record
- Latest move
- PAOK FC (21 Jul 2016)
- Shares a birthday with
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Aruna Dindane and Michael Eneramo (more)
Club career
| Years | Club | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006–2008 |  G.D. Estoril Praia |
Primeira Liga | 29 | 1 |
| 2009–2011 | C.D. Trofense |
Liga Portugal 2 | 50 | 2 |
| 2011–2012 | C.D. Feirense |
Liga Portugal 2 | 30 | 2 |
| 2012–2013 |  FC Vaslui |
37 | 1 | |
| 2013–2016 | FCSB |
Liga I | 82 | 10 |
| 2016– |  PAOK FC |
Super League Greece | 66 | 3 |
| Total | 294 | 19 |
Appearances and goals are league figures where recorded on Wikidata; “–” means not recorded.
International career
| Years | Team | Level | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008– |  Cape Verde |
Senior | 40 | 3 |
International goals (1)
| # | Date | Match | Min | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 27 Jan 2013 | Cape Verde 2–1 Angola | 81 | Africa Cup of Nations |
*Goals listed are those present in our match-by-match goal database, which is most complete for tournament matches.
Frequently asked questions
How old is Fernando Varela?
Fernando Varela was born on 26 November 1987, which makes him 38 years old.
Where was Fernando Varela born?
Fernando Varela was born in Cascais, Portugal.
Which national team does Fernando Varela play for?
Fernando Varela played international football for Cape Verde. He has 40 caps and 3 goals on record.
Which clubs has Fernando Varela played for?
Fernando Varela's recorded clubs are G.D. Estoril Praia, C.D. Trofense, C.D. Feirense, FC Vaslui, FCSB and PAOK FC.
How tall is Fernando Varela?
Fernando Varela is 182 cm (5 ft 12 in) tall.
What position does Fernando Varela play?
Fernando Varela played as a centre-back.
Cape Verdean players of the same generation
VozinhaCape Verde · Club Social y Deportivo Colo-Colo
Ryan MendesCape Verde · b. 1990
Garry Mendes RodriguesCape Verde · b. 1990
StopiraCape Verde · b. 1988
Julio TavaresCape Verde · Al-Faisaly FC
Héldon RamosCape Verde · b. 1988
B
BabancoCape Verde · b. 1985
Luís Carlos Almada SoaresCape Verde · b. 1986
Odaïr FortesCape Verde · b. 1987
J
Jeffrey FortesCape Verde · b. 1989
Toni VarelaCape Verde · b. 1986
Nivaldo Alves Freitas SantosCape Verde · C.F. União de Coimbra