Beto
footballer.
Norberto Bercique Gomes Betuncal, known as Beto, is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Everton. Born on January 31, 1998, in Lisbon, Portugal, Beto has made a significant impact in European football with his physical presence and goal-scoring ability. His journey to the Premier League began in the lower leagues of Portuguese football, where he honed his skills and developed into a formidable forward. Beto's professional career started with União de Tires, an amateur team, while he worked part-time at KFC. His impressive performances caught the attention of Olímpico do Montijo, where he finished second in the scoring charts with 21 goals in the 2018 season. This success earned him a move to Portimonense in the Primeira Liga in 2019, where he continued to impress with his goal-scoring prowess. In 2021, Beto made a significant move to Serie A club Udinese, initially on loan, before making the transfer permanent. During his time in Italy, he quickly adapted to the demands of top-flight football, scoring crucial goals and establishing himself as a key player. On August 29, 2023, Beto joined Everton on a four-year deal for a reported fee of £25.8 million. He made an immediate impact by scoring on his debut in an EFL Cup match against Doncaster Rovers. Beto's arrival at Everton marked a new chapter in his career, as he brought his physicality and goal-scoring ability to the English Premier League, aiming to make a significant impact for the Toffees.
Early life & youth football
Beto's early life and youth career were marked by perseverance and determination. Born in Lisbon to Bissau-Guinean descent, Beto faced several challenges on his path to professional football. He began playing football at a young age, joining local youth clubs such as URD Tires, SL Benfica, and Oeiras. Despite his passion for the game, Beto's journey was not straightforward. He experienced setbacks, including being released from Benfica's youth academy due to his size and physicality, which were initially seen as disadvantages. However, Beto's resilience and dedication to improving his skills kept him focused on his dream. He returned to URD Tires, where he continued to develop his abilities and gain valuable experience. His time in the lower leagues of Portuguese football, particularly with União de Tires, was crucial in shaping his playing style and work ethic. Beto's breakthrough came when he joined Olímpico do Montijo in 2018, where his goal-scoring exploits caught the attention of higher-tier clubs. This period of his career was pivotal, as it showcased his potential and set the stage for his move to Portimonense in the Primeira Liga. Beto's early experiences taught him the value of hard work and perseverance, qualities that would serve him well as he progressed to the professional level.
Professional career
Beto's time with Olímpico Montijo and Portimonense marked crucial phases in his footballing journey, showcasing his rise from the lower leagues to top-flight football. After starting his senior career with União de Tires, Beto moved to Olímpico Montijo in 2018, a club competing in the Campeonato de Portugal, the third tier of Portuguese football. This move was pivotal as it provided him with a platform to demonstrate his abilities. During his single season with Olímpico Montijo, Beto made a significant impact by finishing second in the league's scoring charts, netting 21 goals in 34 appearances. His performances were characterized by his physical presence, goal-scoring instinct, and ability to lead the line, which quickly caught the attention of scouts from higher divisions.Beto's remarkable season at Olímpico Montijo earned him a move to Portimonense in the Primeira Liga on June 3, 2019. This transition to top-flight football was a significant step up, and Beto signed a four-year contract with the club. He made his Primeira Liga debut on August 9, 2019, as a late substitute in a 0-0 draw against B-SAD. During his first season with Portimonense, Beto primarily featured as a substitute, making 11 league appearances without scoring. Despite limited opportunities, his potential was evident, and he continued to work hard to establish himself in the team.The 2020/21 season was a breakthrough year for Beto at Portimonense. He scored his first goal in the Portuguese top division on November 8, 2020, in a match against Porto, despite the team losing 3-1. This goal marked the beginning of a prolific season for Beto, during which he scored 11 goals in 30 league appearances, becoming the team's top scorer. His performances were instrumental in helping Portimonense avoid relegation, and his ability to score crucial goals in tight matches highlighted his development as a forward.In the 2021/22 season, Beto continued to impress, scoring two goals in just three league appearances before making a significant move to Serie A club Udinese. On the last day of the 2021 summer transfer window, he joined the Italian club on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy. This move to Serie A was a major leap from his time in the Portuguese Primeira Liga with Portimonense, and it provided him with the opportunity to showcase his talents on a bigger stage.In his debut season with Udinese, Beto quickly adapted to the demands of Italian football. He made an immediate impact by scoring four goals in his first ten Serie A appearances, helping his team secure valuable points. His physical presence, combined with his ability to find the back of the net, made him a crucial player for Udinese. One of the highlights of his time in Italy was a hat-trick in a 5-1 home victory over Cagliari on April 3, 2022. This performance underscored his potential and ability to perform at a high level.Despite experiencing some ups and downs, including a goal drought from January 2022 until March, Beto finished his first season in Serie A with 11 goals in 28 matches. His performances were enough to convince Udinese to make his transfer permanent. In the 2022-23 season, Beto continued to be a key player for Udinese, scoring 10 goals in 34 appearances. His consistency in front of goal made him the club's top scorer, and his contributions were vital in Udinese's efforts to maintain their status in Serie A.Beto's performances in Italy did not go unnoticed, and in the summer of 2023, Everton made a move to bring him to the Premier League. On August 29, 2023, Beto signed a four-year contract with Everton for a reported fee of £25.8 million (€30 million). His transfer to Everton marked the next chapter in his career, as he joined a club with a rich history in one of the world's most competitive leagues.Beto made an immediate impact at Everton, scoring on his debut in a 2-1 victory against Doncaster Rovers in the EFL Cup. His league debut followed shortly after, where he played the full match in a 2-2 draw against Sheffield United. Beto's first Premier League goal came on December 7, 2023, when he scored in a 3-0 win over Newcastle United at Goodison Park. He continued to demonstrate his goal-scoring abilities by equalizing in a League Cup quarter-final against Fulham and converting his penalty in the shootout, although Everton was eventually eliminated.Throughout the 2023/24 season, Beto became an integral part of Everton's attacking lineup. His physicality, aerial strength, and ability to hold up the ball provided Everton with a new dimension in their forward play. Manager Sean Dyche praised Beto's work ethic and versatility, highlighting his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively.
National team
Beto did not feature prominently in Portugal's youth national teams or as of yet the senior national side. Unlike many of his peers, Beto's rise to prominence came through his performances in club football rather than through the traditional youth international pathway.
Player’s style
Beto's style of play is characterized by his physicality, aerial prowess, and goal-scoring ability. Standing at 194 cm (6'4"), he is a commanding presence in the attacking third, often using his height and strength to his advantage in aerial duels. Beto's ability to hold up the ball and bring teammates into play makes him a valuable asset in link-up play, allowing his team to transition from defense to attack effectively. His technical skills complement his physical attributes, enabling him to execute precise finishes and make intelligent runs behind the defense. Beto's work rate and determination are also notable aspects of his game, as he consistently presses opponents and contributes defensively when needed. His adaptability allows him to fit into various tactical systems, whether as a lone striker or part of a front two. Beto's playing style has drawn comparisons to traditional target men, but his mobility and technical ability set him apart as a modern forward capable of influencing games in multiple ways. As he continues to develop at Everton, Beto's style of play is expected to evolve further, making him an increasingly important figure in the Premier League and a potential asset for the Portuguese national team.