Bento Estrela
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Bento Luís Estrela[1] | ||
| Date of birth | February 10, 2006 | ||
| Place of birth | Newark, New Jersey, U.S. | ||
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||
| Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Sporting CP B | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2019–2022 | New York Red Bulls | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2021–2024 | New York Red Bulls | 0 | (0) |
| 2021–2024 | New York Red Bulls II | 40 | (0) |
| 2024– | Sporting CP B | 0 | (0) |
| International career | |||
| 2021–2022 | Portugal U16 | 3 | (0) |
| * Club domestic league appearances and goals as of March 25, 2024 | |||
Bento Luís Estrela (born February 10, 2006) is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Sporting CP B. Born in the United States, he is a youth international for Portugal.
New York Red Bulls
Born in Newark, New Jersey, Estrela joined the New York Red Bulls youth academy in July 2019, at the age of 13.[1] He immediately began playing with the club's under-19 squad.[2]
On February 9, 2021, one day before his 15th birthday, Estrela signed a professional homegrown player deal with the New York Red Bulls.[2] At 14 years and 364 days old, Estrela was the youngest signing in New York Red Bulls history, and the 4th youngest signing in Major League Soccer history.[2] Estrela made his professional debut for New York Red Bulls II, the club's reserve side, on August 28, 2022, in their USL Championship match against Birmingham Legion.[3]
On 20 March 2024, Estrela made his U.S. Open Cup debut, appearing as a starter for New York Red Bulls II in a 5–1 victory over Hudson Valley Hammers in the first round of the U.S. Open Cup.[4]
Sporting CP
On 28 August 2024, Estrela moved to Sporting CP for an undisclosed transfer fee.[5]
International career
Estrela was born in the United States, to a Portuguese mother of Cape Verdean descent.[6] He holds American and Portuguese citizenship. In August 2021, Estrela was called into camp with the Portugal U16 side.[7] On May 5, 2022, Estrela made his first appearance for the Portugal under-16's in a 4–1 victory against Belgium.[8] In an interview with the Portuguese Football Federation, Estrela stated that "I feel Portuguese and I represent our colors. I have to do my best for the shield that I carry on my chest."[9]
On August 16, 2022, Estrela was called into camp for the United States under-17 squad.[10]