Johnny's First La Liga Goal

On This Day in 2024, the Midfielder Scored a Banger for the Insurance Goal in a Victory over Athletic Club

Johnny Cardoso's meteoric rise in Spanish football reached new heights last winter. The American midfielder scored his first La Liga goal in Real Betis' 3-1 victory over Athletic Club and was named La Liga's U23 Player of the Month.

The 22-year-old New Jersey native, who completed a €4-5 million move from Brazilian club Internacional in December 2023, has experienced a remarkably swift adaptation to Spanish football. Despite expectations of a lengthy adjustment period to European football, Cardoso had instead become an integral part of Manuel Pellegrini's squad since his debut against Barcelona on January 21

His crowning moment came on February 25 at the Benito Villamarín, where he sealed Betis' victory over Athletic Club with a thunderous strike. With his team already leading 2-1 against 10-man Athletic in the 67', Cardoso unleashed a powerful shot that put the game beyond reach, earning him his second Man of the Match award of the month. After a counter-attack was slowed, Nabil Fekir played it off to Cardoso, who was trailing the play. He unleashed a one-time effort that curled to the far post. 

The goal was just one highlight in an extraordinary February for the U.S. international. After making his European debut in the Conference League against Dinamo Zagreb on February 15, Cardoso continued to impress in domestic competition. His stellar month included a crucial assist in a 2-0 victory over Cádiz on February 9, where he was named Man of the Match.

The midfielder's impressive form earned him recognition as La Liga's U23 Player of the Month, beating out prestigious competition from Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga, Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and others. The award caps a remarkable rise for a player who, just two months ago, was preparing to leave Brazilian football for his first European adventure. His consistent performances have also earned him a place in WhoScored's La Liga Team of the Month for February.

Betis, who identified Cardoso as a potential long-term replacement for Guido Rodriguez, has been pleasantly surprised by the American's rapid adaptation and impact. What started as a creative recruitment strategy targeting the Brazilian market has quickly transformed into one of La Liga's transfer coups of the season.