Norberto Bercique Gomes Betuncal, or just Beto, 24, has quite a story. From União Tires of the first division of Lisbon (5th tier of Portuguese football) to Udinese in just 4 years – his path to stardom for the Portuguese striker had humble beginnings.
He started at União Tires (U.Tires) at just 7 years old. When he was just 12, he had a trial at Benfica, but Benfica never gave him the “green light” and he went back to U.Tires.
In 2017/18 he made his senior debut, where he had a mediocre 3 goals in just 21 games in the 5th tier of Portuguese football. Since U.Tires is an amateur team, like most teams in Portugal on that level, he had to have a full time job. In an interview to DAZN he said that he “had a good life. He played at U.Tires and worked at KFC.”1
In 2018/19 he had his breakout year. He moved to the then, third tier of Portuguese football (Campeonato de Portugal) to the Olímpico Montijo side where he scored 21 goals in just 36 games.
This was a major year for him. Big teams like Sporting were on the hunt for his services. He’s a tall and strong striker, so his physique at that low level was crucial for his success. He opted to sign with first division team Portimonense for the 2019-20 season
He started his time at Portimonense in the second team (or U23) where he played with talent of his age. He again dominated, scoring 13 in 22 games, but when Portimonense called him to the big leagues, he did not perform well, ending the 2019-20 season with 0 goals in 10 games. Many doubters started questioning him – was he good enough to play in the top tier of Portugal?
The 2020-21 season came up and he proved the doubters wrong. He would score 11 goals in 31 games, which is acceptable. His first goal in the league was against the reigning champions FC Porto. Beto also scored a wonderful goal in this campaign of the liga portuguesa vs Tondela – worthy of the Puskas award
After this a move to Udinese (for 7M € for 50% of his rights) came and, in 2021-22, he debuted in the Serie A. In his first year there he would score 11 in 29 games. Again, acceptable numbers. This year he’s been crucial to Udinese. His stats have just been crazy. He’s been one of the best strikers of the Serie A…and he came most of the games off the bench! 6 goals in just 13 games.
He has one of the best non penalty goals per 90 minutes (0.59) and one of the best xG (0.65). He’s also above average in both stats.
Lastly, but also important – he’s on the 56 man shortlist to represent Portugal in the World Cup. Quite honestly I think he will make it, and to be honest, he deserves it. Beto has been getting better as the years go by, so naturally, he deserves it. Maybe he’s the true 9 that Portugal needs and will need going forward.
Hobby Wise
Beto’s only sticker (to date) is from Panini Calciatori 2021/22, listed as the feature image. Being the only sticker it is his Rookie Sticker.
Cards
1) N° 342bis / Calciatori 2021-2022. Adrenalyn XL (Panini)
2) T164 / Calciatori 2021-2022. Adrenalyn XL TITANS (Panini)
3) 2021-22 Panini Mosaic Serie A
4) CS39 / Serie A TIM 2021-2022. Official Celebration Set (Panini)
5) 6) 7) – 2021-22 Panini Chronicles Serie A
