Johnny Cardoso’s rise in European Football will continue in La Liga.
Cardoso has officially joined Atletico Madrid in a permanent deal from Real Betis, both clubs announced Wednesday. The American midfielder has signed a five-year contract with Atletico.
A New Jersey native, Cardoso spent the last two seasons with Real Betis. He totaled five goals and three assists in 65 combined appearances for Manuel Pellegrini’s squad.
After originally breaking through in Brazil’s Serie A with Internacional, Cardoso excelled for Betis, helping the club reach the UEFA Europa Conference League Final last May.
On the international level, Cardoso has earned 22 caps for the U.S. men’s national team since debuting in 2020. He was part of the CONCACAF Gold Cup roster this summer, but only featured twice in the tournament.
Atletico Madrid finished third in La Liga last season, qualifying once again for the UEFA Champions League. The club was part of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup this summer, but suffered elimination in the group stage.
Even a decade ago, could we have foreseen that we would have players on so many top teams like Juventus (2), AC Milan (2), Leverkusen, and now Athletico Madrid? Additionally A. Robinson is considered one of the top LB’s in the EPL and Chris Richards is becoming a standout at Crystal Palace. That’s 7 out of 10 outfield players. Add to that Tyler Adams who starts in the EPL whenever he’s healthy and either Dest or Scally at RB and that’s a lot of good starters. While there is one or two here who think club situations aren’t that important and we should look at overlooked players, I think management in the top leagues kind of know what they are doing when it comes to player selections. The issue for Pochettino is how to get the most out of what he has, not necessarily to find good players.
Good for Johnny. Muy bien!
Here’s hoping that Simeone and Co. coach up this diamond-in-the-rough into a top-drawer D mid and he winds up making significant contributions to the USMNT at the upcoming WC.
Onward! Adelante!
Hope he continues his level play for Atleti.
He’s obviously a very talented player. But why does he seem so lost most times with the national team? Nerves? System? Hard to pinpoint but it’s like a different level player club vs. country thus far.
Before the Gold Cup many, including me, were saying the same thing about Malik Tillman.
Wow……Athletico Madrid REALLY wanted him. Hope this is the start to something great!!!!!