Gustavo Varela

Gustavo Miguel Pereira Sousa Varela (born 30 January 2005) is a Portuguese professional football player who plays as a forward for club Monza.

Club career Varela is a product of the Portuguese clubs Miúdos Talentosos and Sporting CP, before moving to the Greek club PAOK in 2016 to finish his development. On 5 January 2022 he transferred to Benfica. He was promoted to Benfica B in 2023. He debuted with the senior Benfica team in a 1–1 Primeira Liga tie with Rio Ave on 17 May 2024. On 30 May 2024, he extended his contract with Benfica until 2028. On 9 July 2025, he joined Gil Vicente on a season-long loan in the Primeira Liga.

On 27 July 2026, Varela joined newly-promoted Serie A club Monza on a four-year contract.

International career Born in Portugal, Varela is of Cape Verdean descent through his father. He is a youth international for Portugal, having played for the Portugal U21s in October 2025.

Personal life Varela's father, Fernando Varela, was also a professional footballer and played for the Cape Verde national team. He holds dual citizenship.