Johnny Cardoso: From the Song in the Chair to the Conquest of Atlético de Madrid
“I don’t sing very well. I prefer to play soccer.” With these words, Johnny Cardoso, midfielder for the United States national team and new signing for Atlético de Madrid, begins a conversation full of laughter. Remembering his beginnings, he evokes the moment when, during his initiation into the national team, he climbed onto a chair and sang “Payphone” by Maroon 5.
This musical choice, unusual but significant, connected Cardoso to his Brazilian roots and marked a new beginning in a new place. “I’m in a payphone, trying to call home; all my change, I spent on you,” he recalls, evidencing the importance of those lyrics that resonated within him. At that moment, although he didn’t master English, the words of the song had a deep meaning for him.
Before his transfer from Real Betis to Atlético de Madrid, Cardoso shared how his father used to play that same music on the bus when he was a child in Porto Alegre, Brazil. This song, which accompanied him in his childhood, united him to a new challenge.
The first encounter with the song was in his childhood, 200 miles from his home, chasing a dream and facing a pressure he shouldn’t have experienced at that age. Despite the moments of difficulty, the support of his parents was fundamental. Now, he was preparing to represent the United States, singing the same song, on a new stage.
In the club environment, Atlético de Madrid represents a significant step forward, a new chapter in his career with greater demand and a different style of play. Despite a frustrating summer with the US national team, Cardoso feels confident in this new challenge.
With a soft Spanish, with a Brazilian accent, Cardoso has demonstrated his ability to adapt at every stage of his career, even climbing onto a chair to sing. But what connects this Brazilian born in the United States with American football?
Cardoso explains that, although he was born in the United States, he grew up in Brazil. His parents, who lived in the United States for four years, passed on memories and experiences that connected him to the country. This bond, along with his talent, led him to represent the American team.
The decision to play for the United States was natural, without doubts or pressure. Despite the initial difficulties with the language, Cardoso focused on soccer and communicating through his game. The support of his teammates and coach Mauricio Pochettino, who speaks Spanish, have been fundamental.
The American midfielder acknowledges that it hasn’t been the best summer, due to an illness and an ankle injury that limited his participation in the Concacaf Gold Cup. However, he is confident that this situation will change. Cardoso stands out for his intelligence, his technique, and his physical capacity, qualities that distinguish him.The key question is: Why the United States? Cardoso always knew he could play for the United States, but he never seriously considered it until the opportunity arose. The connection and the possibility of growth drove him to make the decision.
The midfielder is inspired by Kaká, and by players like Busquets, Rodri and Thiago. His training in futsal and his time in the lower categories of Internacional de Porto Alegre gave him the skills needed to adapt to different roles on the field.
Manu Fajardo, Betis’s sports director, highlighted his physical and technical ability to break lines and reach the rival area. Cardoso defines himself as a versatile player, capable of performing both in defense and attack. At Atlético de Madrid, he is expected to be the perfect pivot for the team, protecting the defense and moving the midfield.
Mario Suárez, former Atlético player, considers Cardoso a necessary signing for the team, highlighting his quality with the ball, his strength in duels, and his ability to press. He is expected to play a more defensive role than other players on the team.
The mistake in the friendly against Turkey, where an error of his resulted in an own goal, is part of the learning process. His teammates and coach Pochettino support him, valuing his mentality and his ability to overcome challenges. Cardoso is a brave and resilient player, who adapts to the demands of football.
Cardoso’s experience in football, from his childhood to his arrival at Atlético de Madrid, has been marked by resilience and determination. The support of his family and the help of a psychologist have allowed him to face pressure and challenges with maturity. Cardoso focuses on mentality, avoiding distractions and prioritizing hard work.
The captain of the US national team, Tyler Adams, highlights his work ethic and mentality. Cardoso has learned to deal with criticism and focus on personal growth. His story is an example of perseverance and how the mind and the game go hand in hand.
