Jonathan Dos Santos scored his first goal for Club America on Saturday, leading the Liga MX giants to a 2-1 win over Nexaca.
The midfielder has managed 21 goals throughout his career, recording strikes in the Europa League with Villarreal and MLS Cup playoffs with LA Galaxy. But no goal has brought the player to tears like his effort for the Eagles at Victoria Stadium.
“Happy, I have no words to describe this moment, the most important thing is that I was able to help the team to get the victory. We are already historic, we are in the books of Club América. This goal is dedicated to my whole family, my dad who I know is watching me from the sky,” he said through tears.
“I’m playing in the club of my dreams, my dad always wanted me to be here…this goal goes to him, I know he would be here very happy seeing me in the stands, but I know his spirit is here.”
Dos Santos’ father, Geraldo Francisco dos Santos and nicknamed Zizinho, kicked off his career with Club America in 1980 and went on to become a key figure for the Mexico City team. He passed away in 2021, failing to see the midfielder sport the iconic yellow and blue jersey.
But Jonathan dos Santos is following in his father’s footsteps, earning a place on the scoresheet for the esteemed club.
“I’m left with the tears of Jona, I’m left with that emotion of relief, of remembering his father, the rest will remain in history. I have a tremendous group of humans, I said it and I’m not going to get tired of saying it. Difficult moments where they have had to be, they have shown their faces,” added head coach Fernando Ortiz.
Club America now leads the 2022 Liga MX Apertura table, with 31 points in 14 games and a record of 10W-3L-1D. And after a turbulent start to the campaign, Ortiz holds the record for most consecutive victories at nine.