Johnny Cardoso

João Lucas "Johnny" de Souza Cardoso (born September 20, 2001) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for La Liga club Real Betis and the United States national team.

Early life
Cardoso was born in Denville Township, New Jersey, United States, to Brazilian parents and moved to Brazil when he was three months old. He had stints at Avaí and Criciúma before moving to the youth academy of Internacional.

Internacional
Cardoso made his professional debut with Internacional in a 3–1 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A win over Atlético Mineiro on September 15, 2019.

Real Betis
On December 27, 2023, it was officially announced that Cardoso would be transferring to La Liga club Real Betis on a reported five-year contract worth $6.3 million. On January 21, 2024, Cardoso made his debut for Betis, starting and playing 73 minutes in a league match against FC Barcelona which finished in a 2–4 loss.

International career
Eligible to represent both Brazil and the United States, Cardoso received his first call-up to the United States under-23 training camp in October 2019. He received his first call up to the senior United States squad for matches against Wales and Panama in November 2020.

Cardoso was subsequently called up again to the United States under-23 team for the 2020 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Championship, in which the United States failed to qualify for the Olympics.

Honors
United States
 * CONCACAF Nations League: 2022–23, 2023–24

Individual
 * La Liga U23 Player of the Month: February 2024