Fernando Varela (Spanish footballer) Fernando Varela (Spanish footballer) Fernando Varela Ramos (born 1 September 1979) is a Spanish retired footballer. Mainly a right midfielder he could also operate as an attacking right back, being noted for his long-range strikes. He amassed La Liga totals of 257 matches and 13 goals over 11 seasons, in representation of Betis and Mallorca. He won one Copa del Rey with the former club. Born in Dos Hermanas, Province of Seville, Varela was a youth player at local Real Betis, and made his first-team – and La Liga – debut in 1996–97's closing stages, in a 1–1 away draw
Real Betis cantera Rivas, Arzu, Melli and Juan José Cañas whose careers were defined by their long spells at Betis, plus Joaquín who transferred to Valencia for €25 million. In the subsequent decade the production line of "canteranos" did not stall entirely, but the "Verdiblancos" never came close to developing another group of that quality, nor were they able to nurture any exceptional individuals who could be sold on for economic benefit, until summer 2017 when Dani Ceballos signed for Real Madrid for €18 million. The same club have also tempted younger players to join their academy from that of Betis for little