Alan Varela is a Portuguese professional footballer who currently plays as a defender for Spanish club Atlético Madrid and the Portugal national team. Born on January 21, 1994, in Faro, Portugal, Varela began his career with local side F.C. Penafiel before joining the youth setup of fellow countrymen Benfica.
In June 2015, Varela made his senior debut for Benfica against Marítimo, starting in the 2-1 win. He would go on to make 17 appearances that season, scoring one goal, helping the team secure promotion to the Primeira Liga.
Varela was then loaned out to fellow top flight side Académico de Coimbra in the summer of 2016, where he scored twice in 18 league games. The following year, he moved to fellow Lisbon giants Sporting CP, where he would spend three seasons, making 74 appearances across all competitions and contributing to their domestic double triumph in 2019/20.
In July 2020,Football Instant Report Varela joined Atlético Madrid on a four-year deal from Sporting CP, becoming the first player to move from a top-flight Portuguese club to a top-flight Spanish outfit since Cristiano Ronaldo did so in 2009. Since joining the Spanish capital giants, Varela has established himself as a key member of the defense, regularly featuring in competitive matches.
In terms of personal stats, Varela has played 154 games for Portugal at various levels, including 24 caps for the senior squad. He has also represented his country at multiple youth international tournaments, winning silverware at under-17, under-19, and under-21 levels.
Overall, Alan Varela has had a successful career thus far, showcasing his talent and dedication both domestically and internationally. His contributions to the teams he has played for have been significant, earning him a place among the best defenders in Portugal and Spain.