Pedro Amador Joins Hapoel Be'er Sheva After Rising Through Portugal and MLS Ranks

Pedro Amador, a 26-year-old Portuguese left-back, has signed with Hapoel Be'er Sheva following a diverse football journey through Portugal and the United States. Unlike many Portuguese players who joined Be'er Sheva, Amador never played for Portugal's national teams, charting a less conventional path. Starting in Sporting Lisbon's youth system, he moved through Sacavenense, Belenenses, and Braga, where he debuted professionally with Braga B in 2018 and later joined Braga's first team squad without playing in the Europa League. He then spent four stable seasons at Moreirense, making 80 appearances and achieving a career-high 21 league games in 2023/24, helping the club finish sixth in the Portuguese top division.

In summer 2024, Amador transferred on a free to Atlanta United in Major League Soccer under coach Ronny Deila. Quickly becoming a key player, he started 15 of 16 games, provided eight assists, and matched an MLS playoff record by assisting in four consecutive playoff matches. Amador recalled facing Lionel Messi in a packed Atlanta stadium and described the challenge of playing against one of football's greatest. Off the field, he cherishes a chain gifted by his grandfather, who encouraged him to develop his right foot despite being naturally left-footed.

Amador's career has included setbacks, notably a torn ACL in 2020 that sidelined him for nearly a year, along with several muscle injuries. Despite these challenges, he has demonstrated resilience and versatility, playing as an attacking-minded left-back who contributes significantly to his team's offense. Analysts at Five Stripe Final highlighted his value to Atlanta United, questioning why the club would consider releasing such a productive and affordable player.

Now at Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Amador faces a new challenge in Israeli football, bringing experience from lower Portuguese leagues, MLS competition against top players, and a career marked by steady growth and recovery. His journey reflects a player who has steadily built his career through perseverance rather than early stardom, aiming to prove himself in the Israeli Premier League.