Seville, Spain – “I don’t sing very often,” remarks Johnny Cardoso. “Football is my passion,” he adds, chuckling at the thought. “But I once stood up in front of everyone and belted out ‘Payphone’ by Maroon 5. It actually went pretty well, considering I had been practicing for years.”
This moment occurred in November 2020, and while it may seem like an unusual choice, it held deeper significance for Cardoso. It was a connection to his past and a hopeful bridge to his present circumstances. “I’m calling home. All my changes, I’ve spent on you,” he recalled, noting that these were some of the lyrics he truly understood, even in a language he was still learning. Sitting in the sunlight, he smiles as he reminisces.
“Back in Porto Alegre, my dad would take me on the bus and we’d always listen to this song, so it was already ingrained in my memory,” he explained to ESPN before transferring from Real Betis to Atletico Madrid.
When Johnny first encountered the song, he was a young boy, 200 miles away from home, pursuing dreams and navigating the challenge of independence. There was a moment he felt overwhelmed, leading him to call his parents in tears for support, who traveled from Criciúma to help him. Standing now with the USMNT, he reminisced about singing that same song, “Where did the times go? It’s tough to remember who we used to be.” Although his English was limited, the team understood his sentiments through the music.
This new chapter with Atletico presents different challenges for Johnny, who is moving up in the world of football. Although his summer with the USMNT was fraught with tensions, he remains optimistic about this transition. Atletico Madrid represents a significant advancement—a bigger club and greater expectations, especially as he prepares to play in the FIFA World Cup.
Having lived in Spain for a year, Johnny’s language skills have improved greatly, blending Spanish with a touch of Brazilian accent. Every challenge is something he embraces, even if it means standing on a chair and singing in front of others.
When asked about his background, Johnny spoke about his roots as Joan Lucas de Souza Cardoso, born in New Jersey but returning to Brazil soon after. “I’m a boy from a Brazilian family,” he states, recounting how his parents were in the U.S. during a pivotal moment in history, just three days after the September 11 attacks. “We visited my birthplace and talked to the current residents, which was a surreal experience,” he shared.
In Brazil, his parents work in ceramics, but his father first delivered pizzas in the U.S., pursuing their dreams. Johnny’s nickname originated during this time, evolving from Joan to Johnny, to something everyone started to use. “If anyone called me Joan, it felt odd,” he laughs.
That brings us to the core question: why did he choose America over Brazil? Johnny had always felt a connection to the U.S. despite being born there. When the opportunity with the USMNT arose, it felt like the next logical step. “I had no doubts about choosing Brazil. There was no decision to be made; it just happened naturally,” he explained.
He expressed some nerves about those initial moments with the national team, especially when language barriers existed. “Growing up, I didn’t have the opportunity to learn English as my parents weren’t fluent,” he admits. But his passion for music helped him understand the language far more than traditional classes.
Cardoso acknowledges it hasn’t been the easiest summer. In the Concacaf Gold Cup, injuries meant he only played 11 minutes during the group stage; however, he remains hopeful about future competitions. He is committed to learning and developing his skills, understanding that soccer requires both a strong mental attitude and physical attributes.
“He’s a nice guy, quiet yet hardworking,” remarks teammate Luca de la Torre, while Jack McClinn adds, “Johnny’s always smiling and eager to make friends.” Under the guidance of USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino, Cardoso believes his football intelligence contributes more to his success than his language skills.
Johnny recognizes it’s critical to remain focused amidst pressures and expectations. “It’s challenging, but I’ve learned to stay resilient and not let negativity linger,” he explains. He tries to limit his presence on social media to avoid distractions from outside opinions on his performance.
Reflecting on his past experiences growing up in football, he shares tales of sacrifices—including living with older players while navigating the challenges of his career at a young age. “I learned invaluable lessons from the struggle and pressure,” he states, signaling a maturity beyond his years.
Despite setbacks and criticisms, Cardoso moves forward, looking to embrace new opportunities. “I’ve always wanted to learn and grow,” he concludes. From Denville, New Jersey, to Madrid via Brazil and Seville, he embodies resilience and determination.
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Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer enthusiasts as it highlights the increasing prominence of American players on the global stage, especially in top-tier leagues like La Liga. Johnny Cardoso’s journey not only inspires young players in the U.S. but also reflects the evolving dynamics in international soccer, where talent from diverse backgrounds can thrive in competitive environments.
