Everton’s Rising Star: Beto’s Journey
In the wake of the excitement and fervor from Everton’s recent Merseyside derby that ended in a 2-2 tie with Liverpool, one player marked his presence by taking a triumphant lap around the pitch. Beto, the tall forward who struck the first goal of the match, showcased a noticeable rise in form since the return of manager David Moyes, giving him newfound confidence.
Reflections on the Derby
Reflecting on the significance of the derby, Beto shared,
“Honestly, I viewed it as just another match. However, people around the club—like Seamus (Coleman) and Tony, our kit man—emphasized how essential it was to win against them.”
As he experienced the intense rivalry firsthand, he realized its weight, saying,
“The tackles are fierce, and I love the competition. Now, the derby truly feels like a part of me. Losing that match? I can’t stand the thought of it.”
Last season, under Moyes, Everton managed to avoid defeat in 16 of their last 19 games, with Beto playing a pivotal role in their escape from potential relegation. Initially signed for £21.5 million ($28.5 million) during Sean Dyche’s tenure in August 2023, Beto struggled in his opening 16 months, netting only three Premier League goals in his debut season. An injury to teammate Dominic Calvert-Lewin during a game at Brighton on January 25 led Everton to reconsider a potential transfer for Beto, inadvertently triggering a streak of important goals against teams like Leicester City, Crystal Palace, Liverpool, and Manchester United.
A Journey from Humble Beginnings
The 27-year-old, who has become a fan favorite, recently spoke in New York City during Everton’s pre-season trip, detailing his journey from playing soccer in Lisbon’s outskirts and working at KFC to becoming a forward in one of the world’s most competitive leagues.
Originating from Cascais, a coastal area roughly a half-hour from Lisbon, Beto shared memories of growing up in social housing where resources were limited.
“We lacked parks or proper fields,”
he recalled,
“so we adapted by playing in parking lots, organizing games two-on-two or three-on-three.”
Beto’s mother, Filomena, emphasized the importance of education, which initially slowed his path to organized football due to financial strains combined with family priorities. Only after turning nine did he start to play regularly when his mother compromised on the family’s tight budget.
His early exposure to football was minimal, as access to the internet and satellite TV was scarce, making it challenging to follow the sport. Interestingly, Beto chose his jersey number based on recommendations about strikers like Samuel Eto’o, someone he knew very little about at the time. It wasn’t until he watched the Barcelona vs Manchester United Champions League final in 2009 that he fully recognized Eto’o’s talent.
Overcoming Challenges
Beto’s unconventional route to professional football included a disappointing stint at Benfica, where he faced early rejection, subsequently spending two years in lower leagues before finally making a breakthrough.
“When I was released from Benfica, it was a reality check. I realized I needed to refocus; I spent years lost, wandering without direction,”
he admitted. He later chose to work jobs, including a notable position at KFC, to gain financial independence and assist his mother.
“Every job prepared me, kept me grounded,”
he said, recalling the balance he struck between work and amateur football during this time. He played for lesser-known clubs, namely Uniao Tires and Olimpico Montijo, before eventually competing at a higher level with Portimonense, which led to a Serie A transfer to Udinese followed by his current position at Everton.
Beto’s mother instilled discipline in him, doggedly supporting his dream in professional football even when it seemed beyond reach.
“Earning a professional athlete’s salary in Portugal seemed impossible, but football felt like a path to providing for my family,”
Beto reflected on his aspirations.
Looking Ahead
Now, as he strives to improve his impact at Everton, he remains intensely aware of the physical demands of the Premier League. Despite facing a challenging debut season filled with doubts and heavy criticism, Beto has channeled that stress into motivation.
“I care deeply about my training; I’m willing to put in extra work to grow,”
he explained. With aspirations to surpass his personal scoring record, Beto acknowledges the importance of persistence and strength, aiming to excel while strengthening Everton’s attacking line.
