Born in Cascais, a town near Lisbon, on 26 November 1987, Fernando Lopes dos Santos Varela started his career at the ranks of GD Estoril Praia. He also spent one season on loan at UD Rio Maior to get more playing minutes.

In January 2009 he signed for CD Trofense and made his debut in Portugal’s top flight league, but his team didn’t avoid relegation. He remained at Trofa for one more season before getting… promoted.

In the summer of 2011 he signed for CD Feirense who had just returned to the “elite” of Portugal after 22 years of absence. Varela lined up some outstanding performances, but his team didn’t remain in the top flight. That was his cue to move abroad.

On 29 May 2012, FC Vaslui announced they had signed him on a three-year deal. They could hold on to him however just for one season, as FC Steaua București were impressed by him and paid his clause.

In the past three years, Varela became the leader of Steaua’s defence and earned the captain’s armband. He went on to celebrate two league titles, one Romanian Cup and a League Cup before moving to Thessaloniki.

PAOK’s new acquisition is a Cape Verde international, like his new teammate Garry Rodrigues. He has scored 3 goals in 33 caps.