Bento Estrela

Bento Luís Estrela (born February 10, 2006) is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Major League Soccer club New York Red Bulls. Born in the United States, he is a youth international for Portugal.

Bento Estrela
Personal information
Full name Bento Luís Estrela[1]
Date of birth (2006-02-10) 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
 New York Red Bulls
Number 91
Youth career
2019–2022 New York Red Bulls
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2021– New York Red Bulls 0 (0)
2021– New York Red Bulls II 27 (0)
International career
2021–2022 Portugal U16 3 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of October 15, 2022

Club career

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]

New York Red Bulls

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 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]

International career

Estrela was born in the United States, to a Portuguese mother of Cape Verdean descent.[4] He holds American and Portuguese citizenship. In August 2021, Estrela was called into camp with the Portugal U16 side.[5] On May 5, 2022, Estrela made his first appearance for the Portugal under-16's in a 4–1 victory against Belgium.[6] 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."[7]

On August 16, 2022, Estrela was called into camp for the United States under-17 squad.[8]

Career statistics
As of match played October 15, 2023[9]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League Playoffs National Cup Continental Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
New York Red Bulls II 2022 USL Championship 60—————60
2023 MLS Next Pro 21010———220
Career total 270100000280

References
  1. "Bento Estrela - New York Red Bulls". New York Red Bulls.
  2. Bogert, Tom (February 9, 2021). "New York Red Bulls sign 14-year-old midfielder Bento Estrela to homegrown deal". Major League Soccer. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  3. "Birmingham Legion 3–1 New York Red Bulls II". Soccerway.
  4. Bulls, New York Red. "How Maria Estrela's Passion for Arts and Travel Shapes RBNY Homegrown Player, Bento Estrela". New York Red Bulls.
  5. Haley, Ross (August 23, 2021). "Red Bulls Expert Guide: August 23, 2021". Once A Metro. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  6. "Sub-16: Portugal vence Bélgica no Torneio de Desenvolvimento da UEFA". O Jogo. May 5, 2022. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  7. "Bento Estrela: "Tenho que dar o melhor pelo escudo que carrego ao peito"". Federação Portuguesa de Futebol. May 5, 2022. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  8. "U17 MNT Heads to California Training Camp". Top Drawer Soccer. August 16, 2022. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  9. Bento Estrela at Soccerway
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