Rio Cardines
Rio Cardines joined Palace at the age of 16 and is a quick, athletic full-back capable of operating on either side of defence or in more advanced wide roles.
59RioCardines
out on loan
Mid
Midfielder
Date of Birth
01.07.0601 July 2006
Country
Joined Team
24.07.2524 July 2025
He joined the Academy at Under-16 level in 2022 and was part of the side which won a pre-season tournament against Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Dundee United that summer. Predominantly a right-back, Cardines can also feature on the wing or across the backline if required.
He made his first start for Rob Quinn’s Under-18s against Norwich City in November 2022, scoring in a 2-2 draw, and his performances soon earned a call-up to Trinidad and Tobago’s Under-17 side for the CONCACAF U17 Championship. Cardines scored once in three appearances as his country reached the quarter-finals.
He finished the 2022/23 campaign with 18 appearances and two goals, while also being named in Trinidad and Tobago’s provisional squad for the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Cardines stepped up to Under-21 level during the following season, first featuring in the EFL Trophy squad against Wycombe Wanderers before making his debut in the Premier League International Cup against Athletic Club.
He also represented Trinidad and Tobago Under-20s during CONCACAF qualifying, scoring once and registering three assists.
An injury towards the end of 2023/24 curtailed his momentum, but he still ended the season with 27 appearances across the U18s and U21s, alongside one goal and two assists.
In July 2024, Cardines signed his first professional contract with the club. After an early-season injury setback, he returned strongly and featured in every Under-21 match he was eligible for, finishing 2024/25 with 20 appearances, two goals and one assist.
His form earned a senior Trinidad and Tobago call-up for the Unity Cup, where he made his debut against Jamaica and struck the crossbar in a narrow 3-2 defeat. He subsequently featured in World Cup qualifiers and the Gold Cup, taking his senior international tally to 11 caps. During the March international window, he assisted both goals in a 2-2 draw against Gabon.
The 2025/26 campaign saw Cardines take another significant step forward despite enduring another spell on the sidelines through injury.
His progress was rewarded early in the season with a senior Palace debut in the UEFA Conference League victory over Dynamo Kyiv, before he also featured in the EFL Trophy win over Liverpool at Anfield off the bench.
Following his return from injury in the new year, Cardines rejoined the Under-21s and quickly made an impact. He scored in a 2-1 victory over Fulham that ended the Cottagers' 13-game unbeaten run, while also registering assists against Blackburn Rovers and Wolverhampton Wanderers U21s.
He later produced a superb free-kick in the Premier League 2 knockout tie against Liverpool, with the strike earning a nomination for April's Goal of the Month award.
Alongside his club commitments, Cardines continued his development on the international stage, taking his senior Trinidad and Tobago tally to 11 caps. During the March international window, he assisted both goals in a 2-2 draw with Gabon.
He finished the season with 12 Under-21 appearances, scoring four goals and registering one assist, while remaining a regular presence around the first-team environment across league, cup and European matchday squads.
Cardines capped the campaign in style, making his first senior start and Premier League debut on the final day of the season as he played the full 90 minutes against Arsenal.
Cardines highlights
View All Videos- 01:44
Cardines on making his Premier League debut
- 02:14
Rio Cardines on making his debut
- 106:59
The Full 90: Crystal Palace U21 v Chelsea U21 (PL2 play-off quarter-final) | Palace TV+
- 10:42
U21 Match Highlights: Crystal Palace 6-0 Chelsea
- 104:26
The Full 90: Manchester City U21 v Crystal Palace U21 | Palace TV+
- 10:26
U21 Match Highlights: Manchester City 2-3 Crystal Palace
- 02:46
Rio Cardines speaks after signing his pro deal
- 07:44
U18 Match Highlights: Crystal Palace 4-2 Fulham
- 00:00
Palace players visit kids at a Croydon hospital
- 03:20
Academy Players Learn to Referee
- 02:46
Goal of the Month January 2023
- 04:50
U18 Match Highlights: Fulham 0-4 Palace
- 05:58
U18 Match Highlights: Norwich City 2-2 Crystal Palace