Diego Cardoso

Diego Cardoso Nogueira (born 6 March 1994), known as Diego Cardoso, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Maltese Premier League club Valletta.

Career Santos Born in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Diego Cardoso joined Santos FC's youth setup in 2007, aged 12. He soon earned plaudits for his performances with the under-20's, being the club's top goalscorer with nine goals.

On 21 January 2014 Diego Cardoso made his first-team debut, coming on as a late substitute in a 1-1 away draw against Audax. He scored his first goal on 9 March, the last of a 4–1 home routing over Oeste.

Bragantino (loan) On 21 August 2015, after appearing rarely, Diego Cardoso was loaned to Bragantino until the end of the season.

Vila Nova (loan) On 6 January of the following year he moved to fellow Série B team Vila Nova, in a one-year loan deal.

Guarani (loan) After two years playing in Santos B, on 7 January 2019, Diego Cardoso was loaned to Guarani until the end of the year. A regular starter during the Campeonato Paulista, he lost his starting spot in the Série B.

Botafogo-SP On 31 December 2019, Diego Cardoso signed a one-year contract with Botafogo-SP, after his deal with Santos expired.

Valletta On 24 July 2023, Valletta from Malta, announced the signing of Diego Cardoso.

Career statistics

Honours Club Santos Copa do Brasil Sub-20: 2013 Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior: 2013, 2014

Country Brazil U17 South American Under-17 Football Championship: 2011