Brotherly Game Archive
Union Academy goalkeeper C.J. Dos Santos signs with Benfica in Portugal
16-year-old spent the last three seasons with the Union Academy
Union Academy goalkeeper C.J. Dos Santos is heading to Portugal to continue his career with Sport Lisboa e Benfica.
The Philadelphia native who just turned 16 this week has signed a three-year professional contract with the top flight club and is currently playing for their U19 team, according to his family.
Dos Santos spent the last three years with the Union Academy, playing for the U14 team in 2013-14 and 2014-15 and the U16s last year. He also trained with Bethlehem Steel FC and has been called up to various U.S. youth national teams. His first national team call up was to join former Union coach John Hackworth’s U15 team.
His dual citizenship of the U.S. and Portugal through his parents made it possible to sign at age 16.
Prior to joining the Union Academy in its first season in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, C.J. played for FC Delco, Philadelphia Soccer Club and Fox Chase Soccer Club.