 Varela only made his competitive debut for Ajax on 22 January 2020, in the 7–0 home demolition of SV Spakenburg in the round of 16 of the KNVB Cup.His first league match occurred four days later, in a 2–1 away loss against FC Groningen.Varela represented Portugal at the 2013 UEFA European Under-19 Championship and at the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup, being a backup to José Sá in the latter tournament.