Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Rio Cardines made his English Premier League debut on Sunday, becoming one of the latest Caribbean footballers to reach England’s top flight after featuring for Crystal Palace in their 2-1 loss to Arsenal.
The 19-year-old delivered a composed performance in his first appearance in the Premier League and was the second-youngest player on the field during the match, behind Arsenal’s 16-year-old Max Dowman.
Cardines, who is already part of Trinidad and Tobago’s senior national team setup, continues to build on a rapidly developing career that has seen him rise through the ranks at Crystal Palace.
His Premier League debut marks another milestone for both the young midfielder and Trinidad and Tobago football.
The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) congratulated Cardines following the achievement.
TTFA President Kieron Edwards described the moment as a proud one for the country’s football community.
“On behalf of the Trinidad and Tobago 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,” Edwards said.
“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 National Team head coach Derek King also praised the midfielder, saying his development at club level would benefit the national programme.
“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.”
Before making his league debut, Cardines made his senior competitive debut for Crystal Palace earlier in the 2025-26 season as a late substitute in the club’s UEFA Conference League victory over Dynamo Kyiv on October 2, 2025.
He also made his senior international debut for Trinidad and Tobago against Jamaica in the Unity Cup at Brentford last May.
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