Beto’s Journey: From the Portuguese Lower Leagues to Everton’s Star Man
Beto’s football journey is one of perseverance and a testament to hard work. From frying chicken at KFC to scoring crucial goals for Everton in the Premier League. Beto’s journey is one of the feel good stories everyone loves to hear about. Born in Guinea-Bissau but raised in Portugal, Beto began his football career in the youth ranks of Benfica, one of Portugal’s most prestigious clubs.
However, his time there was short-lived; he was released from the academy at just 14 years old, a setback that would shape his resilience. To make ends meet, Beto worked part-time at KFC while playing for União Recreativa e Desportiva de Tires in the Portuguese fifth tier, combining his love for football with the harsh realities of life.
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Beto’s talent didn’t go unnoticed for long. After stints in lower Portuguese leagues, Beto’s big break came when he moved to Portimonense in the Primeira Liga, where he began to make a name for himself with his physical presence and goal-scoring ability.
His performances there led to a significant move to Udinese in Serie A in 2021, where he continued to impress, scoring 22 goals in 66 appearances across all competitions. His direct style, aerial dominance, and knack for being in the right place at the right time made him a prime target for clubs looking for a robust forward.
The Everton Chapter Begins
In August 2023, Everton secured Beto’s services for a fee rumored to be around £30 million, with expectations high that he could solve their chronic lack of goals. However, the transition from Serie A to the Premier League was not as seamless as anticipated.
In his first season with Everton, Beto struggled to find both form and consistent game time. Under manager Sean Dyche, Beto made 42 appearances in the Premier League but only managed to score three goals, a tally that didn’t match the expectations set upon his arrival. His role was often reduced to that of a substitute, coming off the bench to try and make an impact in games that were already out of reach.
Transformation Under David Moyes
The narrative around Beto began to change significantly with the return of David Moyes to Everton in January 2025. Moyes, known for his ability to get the best out of players, saw something in Beto that had not been fully realized under Dyche’s management. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s persistent injuries, Beto was given more opportunities to start, and he seized them emphatically.
Since Moyes took charge, Beto has transformed into a pivotal figure in Everton’s attack. In just six matches under Moyes, Beto surpassed his goal tally from the entire previous season, scoring five goals. The change in his performance can be attributed to several factors:
Increased Confidence
Moyes’s tactical setup has allowed Beto to play to his strengths. His robust style and ability to hold up play have become central to Everton’s forward strategy. The team now plays with a focus on direct, counter-attacking football, which suits Beto’s game perfectly.
The veteran Scottish manager has instilled a new level of confidence in Beto. His comments post-match about Beto’s work ethic and potential have publicly backed the striker, giving him the psychological boost needed to perform at his best.
Tactical Role
Under Moyes, Beto has not only been a goal scorer but also a focal point in attack, improving his hold-up play and becoming more involved in the build-up phases. This has seen him become more than just a finisher, but a player who can link play and disrupt defenses. The chemistry between Beto and new signings like Carlos Alcaraz, has begun to flourish, providing Beto with better service and more goal-scoring opportunities.
Conclusion
Beto’s resurgence under Moyes has coincided with Everton pulling clear of relegation troubles, providing a glimmer of hope for the Toffees’ fans who have long yearned for a reliable goalscorer. His journey from the KFC counters to becoming Everton’s key player showcases a remarkable path of determination, adaptation, and now, under the right guidance, success.
As Everton looks towards a new chapter in their new stadium, Beto appears set to be at the heart of their aspirations. With Everton’s new stadium on the horizon and a fresh tactical identity under Moyes, Beto could be on the cusp of becoming the talismanic striker the Toffees have long sought. The question now is can he sustain this form and cement himself as a Premier League force?
By: @Declan3013
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Mondadori Portfolio