Carlos Dos Santos — better known as CJ Dos Santos — is one of the most talked-about young goalkeepers in Major League Soccer right now.
This article breaks down his 2026 net worth, salary at San Diego FC, career earnings, and what makes him a rising name in both club and international soccer.
Carlos Dos Santos’ Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Carlos Joaquim Antunes dos Santos |
| Nickname | CJ Dos Santos |
| Date of Birth | August 24, 2000 |
| Age | 25 |
| Birthplace | Philadelphia, USA |
| Nationality | Cape Verde (switched May 2026) |
| Height / Weight | 6’4″ (194 cm) / 190 lbs (77 kg) |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Current Club | San Diego FC (MLS) |
| Shirt Number | #1 |
| Turned Professional | January 2021 (Benfica B) |
| Net Worth | ~$500,000 (estimated) |
| Base Salary | $350,000 gross per year |
| Guaranteed Compensation | $390,875 per year |
| Contract Expiry | December 31, 2027 |
Early Life & Career
Carlos Joaquim Antunes dos Santos was born on August 24, 2000, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
He comes from a bicultural background — his father is Cape Verdean and his mother is Portuguese, a heritage that would later shape his international career.
CJ started kicking a ball almost as soon as he could walk, beginning soccer at just two years old. He moved through youth academies in the Philadelphia area — including Foxchase SC, Philadelphia SC, and FC Delco — before earning a spot at Philadelphia Union’s academy in 2013.
That development pipeline proved critical. By August 2016, at just 15 years old, he had impressed enough to earn a trial and eventual signing with the academy of Benfica in Portugal, one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs.
His youth international career ran alongside this club development. He represented the United States U-17 national team at the 2017 CONCACAF U-17 Championship and then traveled to India for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, gaining exposure to high-level international competition at a young age.
In December 2020, just as he was breaking into senior football, the U.S. Soccer Federation called him up for a senior training camp — a clear indicator of the regard he was held in across the Atlantic.
Professional Career
Dos Santos made his professional debut on January 25, 2021, coming on for Benfica B in a 1–1 Liga Portugal 2 draw with FC Porto B.
That moment marked the start of a career that would take him from Lisbon to Miami to San Diego.
On February 11, 2022, he signed with Inter Miami CF in MLS. During his time in South Florida, he was primarily a squad goalkeeper, making two senior MLS appearances for Inter Miami while logging significant minutes for Inter Miami II in MLS Next Pro.
He did collect meaningful silverware during this time — the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield were both won during his tenure with the Inter Miami organization.
His big break came in December 2024. On December 11, 2024, San Diego FC — a brand-new MLS franchise entering its inaugural season — acquired Dos Santos from Inter Miami in a transfer worth $100,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM).
He quickly became their starting goalkeeper, appearing 33 times in 2025 across all competitions and recording 11 clean sheets, according to Goal.com’s player statistics.
His performances earned him a contract extension from San Diego FC.
The move to the first team coincided with the biggest moment of his international career: on May 13, 2026, FIFA officially approved his request to switch international allegiance from the United States to Cape Verde.
He had already traveled to New Zealand with the Cape Verde squad in March 2026 for friendly matches against Chile and Finland.
Carlos Dos Santos’ Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Carlos Dos Santos has an estimated net worth of approximately $500,000.
He built this wealth through professional soccer contracts spanning Portugal, the United States, and now as a key fixture at San Diego FC in MLS. Given his age of 25 and a long-term contract running through 2027, his financial profile is still in the early growth phase of what could be a substantial career.
Contract
San Diego FC signed Dos Santos to a contract extension in early 2026. According to the MLS Players Association salary guide, his current deal runs through December 31, 2027, with approximately $700,000 remaining on the contract.
He wears the #1 shirt and is established as the first-choice goalkeeper at a club that spent $24.4 million in total wages in 2026, ranking sixth highest in the league.
Salary
The MLS Players Association’s 2026 salary disclosure lists Dos Santos’ base salary at $350,000 gross per year, with a guaranteed compensation of $390,875 per year.
In his earlier days at Inter Miami, his 2024 base salary was far more modest at $89,716 gross, or roughly $1,725 per week.
The jump from developmental-roster wages to a six-figure guaranteed deal reflects his growth as a starting MLS goalkeeper over a short period.
Career Earnings By Year
| Season | Club | Estimated Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2020–21 | Benfica B | ~€15,000 (developmental wage) |
| 2021–22 | Benfica B | ~€15,000 (developmental wage) |
| 2022 | Inter Miami / Inter Miami II | ~$70,000 |
| 2023 | Inter Miami / Inter Miami II | ~$80,000 |
| 2024 | Inter Miami / Inter Miami II | $89,716 |
| 2025 | San Diego FC | ~$350,000 |
| 2026 | San Diego FC | $390,875 (guaranteed) |
Career Statistics
| Club | Season | Competition | Apps | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benfica B | 2020–21 | Liga Portugal 2 | 2 | — | — |
| Benfica B | 2021–22 | Liga Portugal 2 | 0 | — | — |
| Inter Miami II | 2022 | MLS Next Pro | 15 | — | — |
| Inter Miami II | 2023 | MLS Next Pro | 9 | — | — |
| Inter Miami II | 2024 | MLS Next Pro | 4 | — | — |
| Inter Miami | 2022–24 | MLS | 3 | — | — |
| San Diego FC | 2025 | MLS + Cups | 33 | 37 | 11 |
| Career Total | 69 |
FAQs
What is Carlos Dos Santos’ net worth?
Carlos Dos Santos has an estimated net worth of around $500,000. He earned this through MLS contracts with Inter Miami and San Diego FC, plus his earlier developmental deal at Benfica in Portugal.
How much does Carlos Dos Santos earn at San Diego FC?
The MLS Players Association lists his 2026 base salary at $350,000 gross per year, with a guaranteed compensation package worth $390,875 annually. His contract runs through December 31, 2027.
Is Carlos Dos Santos American or Cape Verdean?
He was born in Philadelphia and represented the U.S. at youth level, but FIFA approved his switch to Cape Verde on May 13, 2026. His father is Cape Verdean and his mother is Portuguese.
Which clubs has Carlos Dos Santos played for professionally?
He started his professional career at Benfica B in Portugal in 2021, then joined Inter Miami in MLS in 2022 before San Diego FC acquired him in December 2024, where he became the starting goalkeeper.
What is Carlos Dos Santos’ market value in 2026?
According to Transfermarkt, his current market value is €1.20 million, making him one of San Diego FC’s most promising assets. His value has grown consistently as he has established himself as a first-choice MLS goalkeeper.
