CARSON, Calif. – The third time is the charm for Jonathan dos Santos.
After controversy and injury prevented the talented central midfielder from making Mexico’s World Cup squads in 2010 and 2014, the LA Galaxy star will be heading to Russia with El Tri. Jonathan dos Santos was named, alongside his brother Giovani dos Santos, in Mexico’s 23-man roster for the 2018 FIFA World Cup on Monday morning.
“It’s a dream for me. I’ve dreamt about it day and night and I’ve waited a long time for this moment to arrive,” dos Santos told LAGalaxy.com. “I thank God for every difficulty that he has put in my path and I’m very happy to be able to receive my dream. The third time is the charm and I’m very happy.”
Dos Santos has endured a stop-start 2018 campaign with the Galaxy, making eight appearances while scoring one goal and one assist. Despite dealing with injury issues, dos Santos has appeared to regain the form that made him El Tri’s top player in the 2017 Confederations Cup by looking solid in both friendly matches prior to the official World Cup announcement.
In Russia, he’ll not only realize a professional goal, but also have the opportunity to realize a lifelong personal dream of playing beside his brother Giovani on the world’s biggest stage. For Jonathan, who has sought out to build his own legacy with Mexican national team, it’ll be a dream come true to play alongside his brother.
“It’s what he and I are both wishing for to be able to play in a World Cup together,” he said. “I can’t wait for the moment that both of us are on the field playing together.”
And as for Mexico’s aspirations in Russia?
“We want to go as far as possible— to be champions. We have always said, if you don’t go with that mindset then you won’t go far. We’re lucky that our coach has changed our mentality and our hope is to be champions.”
