PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Carlos Joaquim Antunes dos Santos |
| Date of Birth | 24 August 2000 (Age: 25) |
| Place of Birth | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Nationality | Cape Verdean / Portuguese / American |
| Height | 1.94 m / 6 ft 4 in |
| Weight | 76–77 kg / 168–170 lbs |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #23 (Cape Verde) |
| Current Club | San Diego FC |
| Previous Clubs | Benfica, Inter Miami |
| International Caps | 1 |
| International Goals | 0 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 (squad member) |
| Contract Until | 2027 |
| Market Value | — |
The Frozen Moment
NRG Stadium, Houston. June 11, 2026. Cape Verde and Germany, locked in a World Cup group-stage opener that would mark the Blue Sharks’ debut on football’s grandest stage. For CJ dos Santos, the 25-year-old goalkeeper from Philadelphia who had traveled from the Benfica academy to Inter Miami to San Diego FC, this was the moment that justified a decade of sacrifice and the painful journey of a shattered face.
The tournament had begun days earlier. Dos Santos was named in Cape Verde’s historic first World Cup squad—the culmination of a long journey that began when he made the FIFA-authorized switch from representing the United States at youth levels to his father’s homeland. He was one of two MLS players on the roster, alongside Columbus Crew defender Steven Moreira. He had made his national team debut in a 3-0 World Cup tune-up win over Serbia, coming on as a second-half substitute and preserving a clean sheet.
Cape Verde were drawn in Group H alongside Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and Germany. The tournament was brutally difficult—a 4-0 defeat to Germany in the opener, a 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia, and a 2-0 loss to Uruguay. Dos Santos remained an unused substitute throughout the group stage. Cape Verde finished third in their group with 1 point and were eliminated.
But for the boy from Philadelphia who had spent six years in Benfica’s academy, who had shared a dressing room with Lionel Messi, who had suffered a fractured cheekbone in his first playoff start and returned to play, the World Cup selection was a personal triumph. His debut on the global stage—even without a single minute—represented the fulfilment of a lifelong dream.
Origins
Carlos Joaquim Antunes dos Santos was born on August 24, 2000, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is the son of a Cape Verdean father and a Portuguese mother, giving him a unique triple heritage.
His footballing journey began in the Philadelphia Union Academy, where he spent three seasons developing as a promising young goalkeeper. In August 2016, at just 16 years old, Dos Santos made the leap across the Atlantic to join Portuguese giants Benfica’s academy—a move that would shape his professional career.
He spent six years at Benfica, playing at various youth levels, including the U19s, U23s, and Benfica B. He made his Benfica B debut in January 2021, starting consecutive matches in Portugal’s second division. He also featured in the UEFA Youth League, recording a clean sheet against AEK Athens in December 2018.
His international career began with the United States. He was a member of the U.S. U-17 and U-20 national teams, joining the squads for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup and the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup. In December 2020, he participated in a senior national team camp. But the path to the U.S. senior team was blocked. A new door opened through his father’s homeland—Cape Verde called, and Dos Santos did not hesitate.
The Forge
Benfica (2016–2022):
Dos Santos joined Benfica’s academy in August 2016. Over six seasons, he developed through the youth ranks—playing for the U19s, U23s, and Benfica B. He made his Benfica B debut in January 2021. He also featured in the UEFA Youth League. His time in Portugal gave him a European football education, but consistent first-team minutes remained elusive.
Inter Miami (2022–2024):
On February 10, 2022, Dos Santos returned to the United States, signing with Inter Miami in MLS. His time in Florida was transformative—not just for his career, but for his perspective on the game.
In 2023, Inter Miami made global headlines. The club signed Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and later Luis Suárez. Dos Santos went from being a young goalkeeper in the shadows to sharing a locker room with some of the greatest players in football history.
“The transition wasn’t easy,” Dos Santos confessed. “I grew up watching them… You always feel that little impression of: ‘Wow, I’m playing with them.'” But the real impact was cultural. “They brought a great culture, a great winning mentality and family atmosphere to the locker room,” he explained. He saw how players who had won everything trained as if they had no money in their pockets. “When you’re young, you only see them at a football level, but when you get to know them personally, they become even bigger.”
At Inter Miami, Dos Santos was part of the squads that won the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters’ Shield in 2024 with a record-breaking 74 points. He made 2 MLS appearances during his time at the club.
San Diego FC (2024–Present):
On December 11, 2024, Dos Santos was acquired by San Diego FC, the expansion franchise preparing for its inaugural 2025 MLS season, in exchange for $100,000 in General Allocation Money. He had a guaranteed contract through 2025 with a club option for an additional year. The move gave him the opportunity he had been seeking—the chance to be a first-choice goalkeeper.
In San Diego’s inaugural 2025 season, Dos Santos exploded. He made 30 starts, playing all 2,700 minutes, recording 10 clean sheets, and posting a 69.6% save percentage. The Chrome-and-Azul set expansion records for wins (19) and points (63), reaching the playoffs. Dos Santos became the first starting goalkeeper in franchise history.
His 2025 season nearly ended in tragedy. In the first playoff match in club history, a brutal collision left him with a fractured cheekbone. He underwent surgery as his teammates continued the playoff run without him. It was a devastating blow—a year of personal success, a playoff debut, and then the operating table.
But Dos Santos returned. At the start of the 2026 MLS season, he was back between the posts, playing 5 matches and recording another clean sheet. He had survived the injury, and he had earned a place in Cape Verde’s World Cup squad.
International Career:
Dos Santos has earned 1 senior cap for Cape Verde, making his debut in a 3-0 World Cup tune-up win over Serbia, where he came on as a second-half substitute and preserved a clean sheet. He was named in Cape Verde’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup—the country’s first-ever appearance at the tournament. He was an unused substitute in all three group matches against Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay.
The Anatomy of His Game
CJ dos Santos is a 25-year-old goalkeeper defined by his physical presence, shot-stopping ability, and resilience. Standing at 1.94 meters, he commands his penalty area and has proven his quality over a full MLS season.
In Possession:
Dos Santos is a composed goalkeeper with reliable distribution. He is right-footed and has the ability to play out from the back. In the 2025 MLS season, he posted a 69.6% save percentage. His EA FC ratings reflect a well-rounded profile—GK Reflexes 64, GK Diving 60, GK Handling 61, and GK Positioning 58. He has no career goals or assists—his value lies in shot-stopping.
Out of Possession:
Defensively, Dos Santos is a commanding presence. In the 2025 season, he recorded 10 clean sheets in 30 starts, including a clean sheet on his San Diego debut against LA Galaxy. His save percentage of 69.6% across 30 games is strong for an expansion team. He has also proven his mental toughness—returning from a fractured cheekbone to reclaim his starting spot.
Psychological Edge:
Dos Santos’s mental resilience is his defining quality. His journey from the Philadelphia Union Academy to Benfica, from Inter Miami to San Diego, and from the U.S. youth teams to Cape Verde has been marked by adaptability. He has shared a locker room with Messi and learned from the best. He has survived a fractured face in his first playoff start and returned to play. His decision to switch allegiance to Cape Verde—the homeland of his father and grandfather—was deeply personal. “These were the types of things that he would tell me, about playing at a professional level and hopefully being blessed enough to play at a high level,” Dos Santos said of his late grandfather. “I wish that he was here to see me and to see this opportunity that I have.”
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Minutes | Goals | Clean Sheets | Save % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLS (San Diego FC) | 30 | 2,700 | 0 | 10 | 69.6% |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 (Cape Verde) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| TOTAL | 30 | 2,700 | 0 | 10 | — |
TABLE B: Career (League)
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Benfica B | Portuguese Segunda Liga | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 | Inter Miami | MLS | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 | Inter Miami | MLS | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | San Diego FC | MLS | 30 | 0 |
| 2026 | San Diego FC | MLS | 5 | 0 |
| TOTAL | — | — | ~39 | 0 |
TABLE C: International Record (2026)
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friendlies | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 1 | 0 | 1 |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Benfica Move | Joined Portuguese giants from Philadelphia Union Academy |
| 2017 | U-17 World Cup | Represented USA U-17 |
| 2019 | U-20 World Cup | Represented USA U-20 |
| 2021 | Benfica B Debut | Started consecutive matches in Portuguese second division |
| 2022 | Inter Miami Move | Returned to MLS |
| 2023 | Leagues Cup Winner | With Inter Miami |
| 2024 | Supporters’ Shield Winner | With Inter Miami |
| 2024 | San Diego FC Move | Traded to expansion franchise |
| 2025 | San Diego Debut | 30 starts, 10 clean sheets, 1st GK in franchise history |
| 2025 | Playoff Injury | Fractured cheekbone, season-ending surgery |
| 2026 | Cape Verde Switch | FIFA-authorized switch to Cape Verde |
| 2026 | Senior Debut | vs Serbia, clean sheet |
| 2026 | World Cup Selection | Named in Cape Verde’s historic first World Cup squad |
What these figures reveal is a player of late-blooming success. Dos Santos has accumulated only 39 MLS appearances by age 25, but his 30-start season with San Diego FC proved his quality at the top level. His 69.6% save percentage and 10 clean sheets in an expansion team’s inaugural season suggest he is a reliable shot-stopper. His international cap (1) and World Cup selection demonstrate his commitment to Cape Verde.
The Present Tense
CJ dos Santos is 25 years old, entering the prime of his career. He is San Diego FC’s starting goalkeeper, a Cape Verdean international, and a 2026 World Cup squad member.
The San Diego FC Story:
Dos Santos was acquired by San Diego FC in December 2024. In the club’s inaugural 2025 season, he made 30 starts, recording 10 clean sheets and a 69.6% save percentage. He set expansion records with the team. He suffered a fractured cheekbone in the playoffs but returned in 2026. His contract is guaranteed through 2025 with a club option for 2027.
The World Cup Campaign:
Dos Santos was named in Cape Verde’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup—the country’s first-ever appearance. Cape Verde were drawn in Group H alongside Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and Germany. He was an unused substitute in all three matches, with Cape Verde finishing third in the group with 1 point.
International Record:
Dos Santos has earned 1 senior cap for Cape Verde, making his debut in a 3-0 win over Serbia and preserving a clean sheet. He was a former U.S. youth international.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, CJ dos Santos is defined by his multicultural heritage and his journey from Philadelphia to the World Cup. Born in Philadelphia to a Cape Verdean father and a Portuguese mother, he grew up surrounded by family who followed Benfica. His decision to represent Cape Verde was deeply personal. “It’s everything I’ve ever wanted. That’s why it’s such a blessing and a huge honour to be part of this group and to represent Cape Verde on a world stage—the country’s first World Cup,” he said.
His connection to Philadelphia remains strong. “A lot of cold winters, a lot of cold preseasons playing in February and March, and playing in the snow,” he remembered. He thanked friends and family, including cousins in Cape Verde and a grandfather who died a decade ago. “I wish that he was here to see me and to see this opportunity that I have.”
His nickname, “Batman,” came from the black mask he wore after fracturing his nose—custom-molded to his face and comfortable enough to play in. The mask became his signature.
His time at Inter Miami left an indelible mark. Sharing a locker room with Messi and his Barcelona teammates taught him the culture of champions. “The guys who had won everything trained as if they had no money in their pockets,” he observed. He became the “third goalkeeper” in that star-studded dressing room, but he learned from the best.
The Verdict from the Camp
A Bola
, on Dos Santos’s World Cup journey:
The dream of playing a World Cup lives in the head of almost every footballer. For CJ dos Santos, it began in the fields of Philadelphia, passed through Benfica’s youth teams, and ended up taking him to the biggest stage in football… with a black mask on his face and Cape Verde on his chest.
OneFootball
, on Dos Santos’s Inter Miami experience:
For a goalkeeper who grew up in the United States kicking on college fields and watching European football on TV, the 2023 MLS transfer window was an earthquake. Overnight, Inter Miami’s locker room filled with legends. Dos Santos went from daily calm to sharing mate, gym and chats with Messi, Busquets, Alba and Suárez.
CJ dos Santos
, on sharing a locker room with Messi:
When you’re young, you only see them at a football level, but when you get to know them personally, they become even bigger. They brought a great culture, a great winning mentality and family atmosphere to the locker room.
Dos Santos
, on his grandfather:
These were the types of things that he would tell me, about playing at a professional level and hopefully being blessed enough to play at a high level. I wish that he was here to see me and to see this opportunity that I have.
Dos Santos
, on representing Cape Verde:
It’s everything I’ve ever wanted. That’s why it’s such a blessing and a huge honour to be part of this group and to represent Cape Verde on a world stage—the country’s first World Cup. It’s a pride to represent this country and to be in touch with my roots and my heritage.
OneFootball
, on Dos Santos’s international switch:
Without space in the United States national team, a new door opened through family roots. Cape Verde called and the goalkeeper did not hesitate.
Where Next?
CJ dos Santos is 25 years old and entering the prime of his career. He is established at San Diego FC, a Cape Verdean international, and a World Cup participant.
For Cape Verde
, Dos Santos is the future. At 25, he has already been selected for the country’s historic first World Cup. He will be expected to compete for the starting role in future tournaments, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. His World Cup experience, even as an unused substitute, will be valuable.
For San Diego FC
, Dos Santos is a key player. He has established himself as the franchise’s first starting goalkeeper. His contract option for 2027 suggests the club sees him as part of its long-term plans. His market value is likely to increase after his strong 2025 season.
His career trajectory is one of persistence and cultural connection—from the Philadelphia Union Academy to Benfica, from Inter Miami to San Diego, from the United States youth teams to the Cape Verde national team, from a fractured cheekbone to the World Cup.
The boy from Philadelphia who grew up watching European football, who spent six years at Benfica, who shared a locker room with Messi, who chose his father’s homeland, who survived a shattered face and returned to play, who was named to Cape Verde’s first World Cup squad—CJ dos Santos’s journey is a story of heritage, resilience, and the pursuit of a dream on football’s greatest stage.
