For five years Manchester United's new £7million striker found refuge in an orphanage but recalls: "I was largely living on my own. I remember so many nights sleeping on the streets.
"When I look at what's happened, it's like sport's Cinderella.
"All the sacrifices have proved worth it."
Bebe, 20, has never been capped, but did represent Portugal at the homeless World Cup in Brazil.
His transfer has seen Portuguese third division team Vitoria Guimaraens make a killing on the kid they plucked from amateur football and actually signed only 45 days ago.
Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz recommended Bebe to United, who swiftly closed the deal when Real Madrid also became interested.
And United chief executive David Gill insists Bebe will not be sent out on loan to gain experience.
Gill said: "I think he'll benefit from day-to-day coaching from some of the best coaches in the world in the Manchester United way. He'll certainly be with us this season."
Last night United let striker Danny Welbeck, 19, join Sunderland on a season-long loan.