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.
