Walter Varela
Forward
Walter Varela joins Portland Hearts of Pine after leaving the Chattanooga Red Wolves in the USL League One in 2024.
Originally from Cabo Verde, he began playing soccer at a young age, inspired by his older brothers, who not only introduced him to the game, but also played a key role in his development. Their guidance fueled his passion for the sport, leading him to pursue a career in soccer.
Walter attended the U-16 National Team camp, and after moving to the US, he began a collegiate career at Bunker Hill Community College. It was there that he was named to the collegiate Division III All-American Team in 2018. He played for two seasons, scoring 22 goals in 21 appearances, also tallying four assists.
Varela continued to develop his skill set in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) with Valeo FC and in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) with Brockton FC. In 2022, he joined Albion San Diego in the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA). Over the course of the season, he made 19 appearances, scoring three goals and contributing four assists. His performance that year earned him a place on the 2022 NISA Best XI Second Team.
Walter expressed his excitement in moving to Maine saying, “It seems like a welcoming and humble place to live and play soccer, and I couldn’t imagine a better location for this opportunity, and next chapter in my professional career. Up the Hearts!”