Rapid fire with Giovani Dos Santos: That goal vs. USA, Ronaldinho, more

Grant Wahl asks Giovani Dos Santos about some of his career highlights, best teammates and more in his rapid-fire quiz.

LA Galaxy forward Giovani Dos Santos has already had an event-filled career at age 26, having played for Barcelona, Tottenham and Villarreal, among other teams, in addition to winning an Under-17 World Cup and an Olympic gold medal with Mexico.

So we decided to put Dos Santos on the hot seat with our famous Rapid-Fire Quiz, in which we ask players about the greatest moments in their careers, the best they've played with and against and much more. You can hear it in the new Planet Fútbol podcast (Dos Santos's interview begins at the 24:25 mark) and also read it right here:

SI.com: Accomplishment in your career that you’re most proud of?

Dos Santos: [Winning] the U-17 World Cup.

SI.com: Your favorite goal you’ve ever scored?

Dos Santos: My favorite goal? That’s an easy answer: Against the United States in the Rose Bowl when we won the Gold Cup 4-2 [in 2011]. I think it’s the best goal I’ve scored in my life. It was a very difficult goal, a dream goal. It can just happen once in your life, and it happens at that moment. I just saw the defender on the post and thought quick, I have to put it in the top corner. So I tried, and it was perfect.

SI.com: The best player you have ever played against?

Dos Santos: I played with great teammates like Ronaldinho and Messi. I think they are two of the greatest players in the history of football. But against? I will say Cristiano Ronaldo. He’s just powerful. His ability is amazing. He has everything. He can shoot with his right and his left, he can score with his head. He’s amazing. For me, the best player in the world is Messi, but the second one is Cristiano.

SI.com: Toughest defender you have ever faced?

Dos Santos: Difficult question. I will say Sergio Ramos. He’s just strong, very smart and intelligent. Always in the right position. He has improved a lot. He’s more quick now, more powerful.

SI.com: Most difficult goalkeeper to score against in your career?

Dos Santos: Iker Casillas or [Manuel] Neuer from Bayern Munich. [Neuer] is big, he’s strong, quick. He has everything as a goalkeeper.

Lluis Gene/AFP/Getty Images

SI.com: Best teammate of your career?

Dos Santos: I will say Ronaldinho. As a person he’s just incredible. He’s very humble. He’s a nice guy, and he always looks after everyone. He’s always happy, and he’s a guy you always want to be on your team.

SI.com: Best manager you’ve ever had?

Dos Santos: My dad was my manager when I was young, but as a professional, Frank Rijkaard [at Barcelona]. He was the one who gave me the opportunity to become a professional soccer player. He was also a great person.

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SI.com: The player you have most admired in your career?

Dos Santos: Ronaldinho. Because I played with him and know him as a person.

SI.com: Who is the person you most want to meet in the United States?

Dos Santos: Barack Obama.

SI.com: What would you say to him?

Dos Santos: Hello, Barack, nice to meet you!