Johnny Cardoso is set to continue his ascent in European football following his recent transfer to Atletico Madrid. The American midfielder officially joined the La Liga club from Real Betis, as both clubs confirmed on Wednesday, signing a five-year contract in the process.
Hailing from New Jersey, Cardoso had a productive tenure at Real Betis over the past two seasons, amassing five goals and three assists across 65 appearances under manager Manuel Pellegrini. His previous experience in Brazil’s Serie A with Internacional laid the foundation for his success at Betis, where he played a key role in the squad that reached the UEFA Europa Conference League Final last May.
On the international stage, Cardoso has represented the U.S. men’s national team 22 times since making his debut in 2020. Although he was part of the roster for the CONCACAF Gold Cup this summer, he made two appearances during the tournament.
Atletico Madrid, having finished third in La Liga last season, secured a spot in the UEFA Champions League for another year. The club recently participated in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup but faced an early exit in the group stage.
This move to Atletico Madrid marks a significant step in Cardoso’s career, providing him with an opportunity to further showcase his talent on a larger stage in one of Europe’s top leagues. As he embarks on this new chapter, fans are hopeful for his continued growth and contributions to the team.