Nery Antonio Cardozo Escobar (born 26 May 1989 in Quiindy, Paraguay)[1] is a Paraguayan former professional footballer who played as a forward. He has the record of the fastest goal in the history of 104 seasons of football of Asociación Paraguaya de Fútbol in 2011.[2][3]
In 2005, Cardozo formed part of Tembetary's squad as a 16-year-old, along with Jorge Aquino.[4] Both players remained at the club for the following season.[5] In 2007, he appeared for the squad in Paraguay's third-tier league.[6]
In October 2011, Cardozo netted for Rubio Ñu against Olimpia Asunción.[7] In April 2011, Cardozo achieved the record of scoring the fasting goal in 104 seasons of Paraguayan football, scoring against Cerro Porteño in 7 and a fraction seconds.[2][3]
In March 2012, Cardozo impressed well coach Age Hareide in his first friendly game in Norway against Ålesund, only being in the country for 24 hours before it.[8] Cardozo's transfer to Viking FK was a loan deal from Rubio Ñú.[9]
In January 2014, Cardozo agreed to a six-month deal with Olimpia Asunción.[10] Chilean Primera División club O'Higgins wanted to sign Cardozo, but he signalled that he wanted to play for Olimpia.[10] His signing to Olimpia was a loan from his owner club Rubio Ñu.[11] Cardozo prepared the 2012 pre-season training with Rubio Ñu, before he was chosen as a signing by Olimpia coach Ever Hugo Almeida.[12] He began very well the first friendlies of the 2014 season with goals.[13] In February 2014, Cardozo received surgery which was a successful operation according to Olimpia's medic, and that the player could return within one month.[13]
In July 2014, Cardozo left Olimpia to join Gimnasia La Plata.[14] His contract was until December 2015.[14] In January 2015, Cardozo gave his consent to return to Rubio Ñu whilst he was negotiating his departure with Gimnasia La Plata.[15]
In June 2016, Cardozo joined Club Guaraní, becoming their third signing for the Torneo Clausura.[16]
In February 2018, Cardozo signed with Nacional Asunción.[17]
In 2019, Cardozo formed part of the Independiente CG squad with Victor Mareco and Aldo Paniagua, which played in the Copa Sudamericana, despite bring in the Paraguay División Intermedia.[18]
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