Maccabi Tel Aviv's Varela Gets a World Cup Chance to Impress Spain

Maccabi Tel Aviv winger Helio Varela, a Cape Verde international, is set for a major stage against Spain at the 2026 World Cup. The article says he may not start, but he could get real minutes against the European champions and tournament favorites, where he is still seeking his first national-team goal.

Varela enters as an underdog. At Maccabi Tel Aviv, he scored six goals and added three assists in an uneven first season, though he did win the cup final with the deciding goal. The piece notes that a strong World Cup showing can change a career, and that his presence in the tournament is already worth about $7,300 per day to Maccabi Tel Aviv, or roughly $200,000 over the competition.

The article argues that Varela is not likely to play in one of Europe’s top five leagues, but he could move to a major league if he shines, as he previously advanced from lower divisions in Portugal to Gent and then Maccabi Tel Aviv. He began professional football only at age 20, has long been viewed as a small but fearless winger, and improved in Israel under coach Ronny Deila. His dribbling, two-footed play, and ability to operate on the wing fit Cape Verde’s style, especially in open space against Spain.

The piece compares his situation to past World Cup breakouts such as El Hadji Diouf, Joel Campbell, and especially John Pantsil, who used the tournament as a springboard from Hapoel Tel Aviv to West Ham after Ghana’s run in 2006. Varela is 24, stands 1.76 meters tall, and will return to Maccabi Tel Aviv afterward to try to help the club reach the Europa League for a third straight season. The article concludes that one good moment against Spain could change his life.