Anilton (futsal player)

Anilton César Varela Silva (born 25 February 1989), known as Pany, Anilton Varela or simply as Anilton, is a Portuguese futsal player who plays for Sporting CP and the Portugal national team as a winger.

Career

Born in Tarrafal, Cape Verde, Anilton started playing futsal as a 9-year-old. After three seasons at UDC Forte da Casa, he moved to the youth ranks of Benfica, staying just one year, earning a place in the main squad in 2008. Over the three years he spent at Benfica, he won three league titles, four other cups, and was part of the squad that won the 2009–10 UEFA Futsal Cup.

On 29 December 2011, Anilton was loaned out to gain experience, joining Belenenses on a six-month deal. He moved to Olivais on 19 August 2012, in an equal predicament, but for one season.

On 16 June 2013, Anilton moved to Fundão on a permanent deal, In the first year there, he helped the club win their first title ever, the Taça de Portugal de Futsal, plus reach the playoff finals.

On 19 July 2016, it was announced that Anilton was joining Sporting CP for the following season.

Honours

Benfica

• UEFA Futsal Cup: 2009–10
• Liga Portuguesa: 2008–09, 2011–12
• Taça de Portugal: 2008–09, 2011–12
• Supertaça de Portugal: 2010, 2012

Fundão

• Taça de Portugal de Futsal: 2013–14

• "Anilton Profile". Serbenfiqusita.com (in Portuguese).