Federico Nicolás Varela Escudero (born 7 May 1996) is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Phoenix Rising FC in the USL Championship.

Varela made his senior debut on 24 September 2014, starting in a 3–1 home loss against FC Köniz.

[3] He made his debut on 15 August, coming on as a second-half substitute for João Graça in a 2–1 away win against CD Santa Clara.

[5] He made his debut in the category eight days later, playing the last ten minutes in a 4–1 home routing of Rio Ave FC.

On 30 July 2018, Varela returned to Spain after agreeing to a one-year loan deal with Segunda División side CF Rayo Majadahonda.