Daniel Cardoso: Player Profile and Biography

Daniel Cardoso is a professional footballer who plays as a defender for Sekhukhune United FC in the Premier Soccer League. Born on October 6, 1989, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Cardoso has made a name for himself as a reliable and skilled defender. He has played for several teams throughout his career, including Kaizer Chiefs, Free State Stars, and Santos.

Cardoso’s career began at the age of 16 when he joined the youth academy at Santos. He made his professional debut in 2007 and quickly established himself as a talented defender. After spending several years at Santos, Cardoso moved to Free State Stars in 2012, where he continued to impress with his solid defensive performances. In 2015, he joined Kaizer Chiefs, one of the most successful teams in South African football, where he played for six seasons before joining Sekhukhune United FC in 2022.

Throughout his career, Cardoso has earned a reputation as a hardworking and dedicated player. He is known for his strong defensive skills, including his ability to read the game and make crucial tackles. In addition to his defensive abilities, Cardoso is also a skilled passer and has contributed to several goals throughout his career. With his talent and experience, Cardoso is sure to continue making an impact on the South African football scene.

Early Life and Education

Daniel Antonio Cardoso was born on October 6, 1989, in Johannesburg, South Africa. He grew up in Regents Park, a rough environment in the deep south of Johannesburg. Despite the challenges of his surroundings, Daniel was able to stay focused on his passion for sports.

Daniel’s father grew up in Portugal, while his mother is a native South African. There is no information available on Daniel’s early education, but he dropped out of school in grade nine to pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer.

Daniel’s decision to leave school early paid off when he signed his first professional contract with Free State Stars in 2008. He played for the club for four years before moving to Golden Arrows in 2012. Daniel’s success on the field continued, and in 2014, he signed with Kaizer Chiefs, one of the most popular football clubs in South Africa.

Throughout his career, Daniel has shown dedication and perseverance, both on and off the field. He is a role model for young athletes who want to pursue their dreams and overcome the challenges that life throws their way.

Club Career

Beginnings and Breakthrough

Daniel Cardoso began his professional football career in 2009 with the University of Pretoria FC. After a few seasons with the club, he signed with Free State Stars FC in 2012. Cardoso quickly established himself as a reliable defender and was a key player for the team during his time there.

Professional Achievements

In 2015, Cardoso signed with Kaizer Chiefs FC, one of the most successful clubs in South African football history. He made an immediate impact, helping the team win the 2015/2016 Premier Soccer League championship. Cardoso’s solid performances at the back earned him a regular spot in the starting lineup and he became a fan favorite at the club.

Notable Performances

Cardoso’s standout performance for Kaizer Chiefs came in a 2017/2018 CAF Confederation Cup match against Zimamoto FC. He scored a brace of goals in the game, including a stunning free-kick, to help his team secure a 4-0 victory. His impressive display earned him the Man of the Match award and was widely praised by fans and pundits alike.

Throughout his career, Cardoso has established himself as one of the best defenders in South Africa. His solid defensive skills, aerial ability, and leadership qualities have made him a valuable asset for any team he has played for.

International Career

National Team Debut

Daniel Cardoso made his debut for the South African national team on March 24, 2018, in a friendly match against Zambia. He played the full 90 minutes of the match, which ended in a 2-0 victory for South Africa.

World Cup Appearances

Cardoso has not yet made an appearance in the FIFA World Cup. However, he was part of the South African national team that participated in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. He played in two matches in the tournament, against Namibia and Morocco.

International Goals

Cardoso has yet to score a goal for the South African national team.

Playing Style and Position

Daniel Cardoso is a versatile defender who can play as a center-back or a left-back. He is known for his physicality, aerial ability, and strong tackling skills. His ability to read the game and make interceptions is also noteworthy.

Cardoso is comfortable on the ball and has good distribution skills. He is not afraid to carry the ball forward and initiate attacks. His ability to play long balls and switch play is also an asset to his team.

Despite his height, Cardoso is quick and agile. He is able to keep up with fast attackers and make crucial tackles and interceptions. His positioning on the field is also excellent, which allows him to make timely interventions.

Overall, Cardoso’s playing style is that of a modern defender who is comfortable with the ball at his feet. He is a strong defender who is not afraid to make tackles and interceptions, but also possesses good distribution skills. His versatility and ability to play in multiple positions make him a valuable asset to any team.

Off the Field

Philanthropy and Community Service

Daniel Cardoso has been actively involved in various philanthropic and community service initiatives throughout his career. He has been a strong advocate for youth development and education, and has worked with several organizations to promote these causes.

One of the initiatives that Cardoso has been involved in is the “Kick for a Cause” campaign, which aims to raise awareness and funds for various charitable causes. He has also been involved in the “Soccer Against Crime” campaign, which seeks to use soccer as a tool to combat crime and violence in South Africa.

Endorsements and Sponsorships

As a professional soccer player, Daniel Cardoso has been the recipient of several endorsements and sponsorships throughout his career. These include deals with major brands such as Nike and Puma.

Cardoso has also been involved in various advertising campaigns for these brands, and has been featured in several commercials and print advertisements. He has also been involved in various promotional events and product launches for these brands.

In addition to these endorsements and sponsorships, Cardoso has also been involved in various charity events and fundraisers sponsored by these brands. He has used his platform as a professional athlete to promote these causes and raise awareness for various charitable organizations.

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Personal Life

Daniel Cardoso was born on October 6, 1989, in Johannesburg, South Africa. His father grew up in Portugal, while his mother is a native South African. Wikipedia Despite his Portuguese heritage, Cardoso is a proud South African citizen.

In his free time, Cardoso enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He is also an avid fan of music and enjoys listening to a wide variety of genres. Cardoso has stated that he finds music to be a great way to relax and unwind after a long day of training and playing.

Cardoso is a devoted family man and has a wife and children. He often shares photos of his family on social media and has spoken about how important they are to him. Cardoso has also been involved in charitable work, including donating money to help underprivileged children in South Africa.

Overall, Daniel Cardoso is a well-rounded individual who values his family, music, and giving back to his community.

Media Presence

Daniel Cardoso has a moderate media presence. He is active on social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram, where he shares updates about his personal and professional life. As of May 2024, he has 62.2k followers on Instagram and 16.7k followers on Twitter.

Cardoso has also been featured in various media outlets such as KickOff, FARPost, and Transfermarkt. These platforms have covered his career highlights, personal life, and future plans.

In addition, Cardoso has been featured in several interviews and press conferences. He has shared his thoughts on various topics related to football, including his playing style, team dynamics, and future aspirations.

Overall, Cardoso’s media presence is moderate, and he has a positive reputation among fans and media outlets alike. He maintains a professional and respectful demeanor in interviews and social media interactions, which has helped him build a loyal fan base.

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Career Statistics

Club Statistics

Daniel Cardoso has a long and impressive career in professional football. He started his career with the youth academy of Jomo Cosmos in 2008 before moving to the senior team the following year. After three seasons with Cosmos, he joined Free State Stars in 2012, where he played for four seasons. In 2016, he signed with Kaizer Chiefs, where he played for six seasons before joining Sekhukhune United in 2022.

Throughout his career, Cardoso has been a reliable defender, known for his strong tackling, aerial ability, and leadership on the pitch. He has played in a total of 268 club matches, scoring 20 goals and providing 9 assists. His most successful season was with Kaizer Chiefs in the 2019/2020 season, where he played in 40 matches, scoring 4 goals, and providing 2 assists.

International Statistics

Daniel Cardoso has also represented South Africa on the international stage. He made his debut for the national team on 8 September 2018 in a friendly match against Libya. He has since played in one more match for the national team, bringing his total international appearances to two.

Despite his limited appearances for the national team, Cardoso has shown his quality as a defender and has been an important player for his country.