C.J. dos Santos

CJ dos Santos is an American-born goalkeeper of Cape Verdean heritage who switched national allegiance to Cape Verde in 2026 after representing the United States at youth level. He plays for San Diego FC in Major League Soccer.

Dos Santos developed through the Philadelphia Union academy and then moved to Benfica's youth system in Portugal at age 15. He made his professional debut with Benfica B in January 2021 before returning to MLS with Inter Miami CF in 2022, where he was part of squads that won the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 Supporters' Shield.

In December 2024 he transferred to the newly founded San Diego FC. Having represented the USA at youth level including the 2017 U-17 World Cup, he obtained FIFA clearance to switch to Cape Verde and was called up for the 2026 World Cup.