Playing time has been scarce for Johnny Cardoso to start the new season at Atlético Madrid. 

He had played a big role during Atlético’s run in the 2026 UEFA Champions League semifinals, the furthest an American had played since Christian Pulisic won the 2021 Champions League with Chelsea, but he did not get off the bench in its 2-1 loss at Liverpool to open a new league phase campaign in the Champions League.

Six minutes at Sevilla (3-1 win) and 15 minutes at Athletic Bilbao (3-0 loss) are the extent of the Brazilian-raised midfielder’s involvement through five games in the 2026-27 season.

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Paul Kennedy edited Soccer America for 41 years (1985-2026). He began writing for SA in 1974. He started writing for France Football in 1978 and has served on in Ballon d'Or jury since 2007.