Cardines makes Crystal Palace Premiership debut

Senior national footballer Rio Cardines reached another important milestone in his young career on Sunday, making his English Premier League debut for Crystal Palace in the club’s 2-1 defeat against Arsenal.

The 19-year-old midfielder delivered a solid performance in his first appearance at the highest level of English football, showing composure and maturity on a big stage despite the result. Cardines was also the second-youngest player on the field during the encounter, behind Arsenal’s 16-year-old Max Dowman.

Cardines, who is already part of Trinidad and Tobago’s senior team setup, continues his rise through the game and adds another proud chapter to his developing football journey. His debut marks a significant achievement not only for himself and his family, but also for T&T football.

TTFA, via a release, extended congratulations to Cardines on his milestone achievement.

Kieron Edwards, TTFA president, said: “On behalf of the T&T Football Association, I want to congratulate Rio on this significant achievement. To see one of our young players step onto the field in one of the world’s top leagues is a proud moment for our football community. Rio has shown commitment and determination throughout his journey and we hope this is just the beginning of many more memorable moments in his career.”

Senior men’s team head coach Derek King also praised Cardines on his achievement.

“Rio has worked hard and earned this opportunity. Making your Premiership debut at such a young age is never easy and it’s pleasing to see him step into that environment and put in a strong performance,” King said. “We are always encouraged when our players continue to progress at club level because it also strengthens what we are building with the national team. We congratulate him and encourage him to keep pushing forward.”

Cardines remains a part of T&T’s senior national team pool and his continued development will be closely followed as he seeks to further establish himself at club and international level.

Prior to his first league start, Cardines made his senior competitive debut earlier in the 2025/26 season as a late substitute in Palace’s UEFA Conference League victory over Dynamo Kyiv on October 2, 2025. He made his debut for T&T in the Unity Cup against Jamaica last May at Brentford.