Johnny Cardoso has completed a historic transfer to Atletico Madrid, the club announced on Wednesday. The 23-year-old U.S. men's national team midfielder has made the big move from fellow La Liga side Real Betis after the clubs agreed to a deal for a reported $35 million. Cardoso has signed a five-year contract with the Spanish giants, keeping him in Madrid through 2030.
Novo reforço para o Atlético de Madrid! 👀🇪🇸 Johnny Cardoso, filho de brasileiros e nascido nos Estados Unidos, assinou por 5 anos com o clube espanhol. O volante, ex-Internacional, defende a seleção americana e tinha contrato até 2029 com o Betis. pic.twitter.com/hLtGlHYCdC
— TNT Sports BR (@TNTSportsBR) July 16, 2025
Defensive Beast in La Liga
Cardodo impressed during his time with Betis, particularly in 2024/25 season, arriving in January 2024. He became a key figure, helping the team reach the UEFA Conference League final and delivering a standout performance. He averaged 11.6 defensive interventions per match in La Liga last season, third among midfielders behind only Real Madrid's Aurélien Tchouaméni(12.3) and Mallorca's Samu Costa(11.8). His defensive stats showcase the grit and engine that Atletico thrives on.
Johnny Cardoso (23 anos) pelo Real Betis:
— Sofascore Brasil (@SofascoreBR) July 16, 2025
⚔️65 jogos (55 titular)
⚽️ 5 gols
🅰️ 3 assistências
⚙️ 3.425 ações com a bola (!)
✅ 87% acerto no passe (!)
💨 67% acerto no drible (!)
💪 349 duelos ganhos (!)
🦾 321 bolas recuperadas (!)
🆚 140 desarmes (!)
⤴️ 114 interceptações (!)… pic.twitter.com/lMrTonC7e3
Dual Identity: U.S. Roots and Brazilian Development
Born in New Jersey to Brazilian parents, Jonny has an Italian passport, meaning he doesn't occupy a non-European Union spot in Diego Semione's squad, a valuable asset in Spanish football's foreign player regulations.
Cardoso moved to Brazil as an infant and developed at Internacional before his move to Europe. Though he was eligible for Brazil, he committed to the United States and debuted for the USMNT in 2020 and Wales. He has since earned 22 senior caps and won back-to-back Concacaf Nations League titles in 2023 and 2024.
International Challenge: Club Form Yet to Translate to USMNT
While Cardoso has thrived at the club level, he’s yet to fully convince on the international stage. His USMNT performances have been inconsistent, marred by errors like a key giveaway vs Turkey. Injuries also hampered his Gold Cup impact, leaving him with something to prove heading into the 2026 World Cup.
Now, under the guidance of Atlético boss Diego Simeone, an Argentine like USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino, Cardoso will have the chance to develop under two of the game’s elite managers.
Both are known for their tactical intelligence and combative playing styles, traits that could benefit the hard-working midfielder.
