Trinidad and Tobago’s teenage sensation Rio Cardines has signed an extension with English Premier League club Crystal Palace that will keep him at the club until June 2028.
The 19-year-old defender joined Palace at the Under-16 level in 2022 and went on to sign his first professional contract with the club in July 2024.
He made his first-team debut earlier this campaign in Palace’s UEFA Conference League victory over Dynamo Kyiv, before making a substitute appearance in the EFL Trophy win against Liverpool at Anfield.
Cardines featured in every Under-21s fixture he was eligible for during the 2024/25 season, scoring twice and registering one assist in 20 appearances.
The full-back has also earned 11 senior caps for Trinidad and Tobago. He featured in last summer’s Gold Cup and recent World Cup qualifiers. During the March international window, he assisted both goals in a 2-2 draw with Gabon.
Speaking during an interview on WESN TV’s Face of Sports programme on Wednesday, Cardines said he was looking forward to improving his skills at the club.
“It feels amazing and I’m really grateful for the trust that the club has in me and it motivates me even more to keep pushing and deliver my best and hopefully bring more success to the team.
“I’d just like to thank everyone in Trinidad and Tobago, really for all the support and the belief, it really does power my drive every day and all I can promise is to keep giving my all and making them proud,” Cardines said.
“…I still think that I have a long way to go, but it’s all about staying connected to my roots, keeping close to my family, just to remind myself why I started and just focus on the process and not what’s just to come.”
Academy Director, Gary Issott, said he was eager to continue working with Cardines.
“Rio has gone from strength to strength since arriving at the club. He’s progressed really well through the Academy, earned opportunities around the first team, won senior caps for his country, and continued to make a strong contribution for our Under-21s.
“I am confident he will keep progressing for the rest of the season and beyond,” Issott said.
CMC
