Born in Tarrafal, Cape Verde, Varela moved to the ICeSa neighbourhood in Vialonga, Portugal in 1999 and started playing futsal for the local club Os Patuscos.
[4][5] After three seasons at UDC Forte da Casa, he moved to the youth ranks of Benfica, staying just one year, earning a place in the main squad in 2008.
[7][8] On 29 December 2011, Varela was loaned out to gain experience, joining Belenenses on a six-month deal.
[10][11] On 16 June 2013, Varela moved to Fundão on a permanent deal,[12] In the first year there, he helped the club win their first title ever, the Taça de Portugal de Futsal, plus reach the playoff finals.
[13][14] After three years with Fundão, Varela returned to Lisbon to play for Sporting CP, joining them on 19 July 2016.