Irvin Charly Jose Cardona (born 8 August 1997) is a professional footballer who plays as a forward or winger for club Saint-ÃÂtienne. Born in France, he represents the Malta national team.
Cardona made his professional debut on 2 February 2017 in the Coupe de France round of 32 against Chambly. He replaced Pierre-Daniel N'Guinda after 78 minutes in a 5âÂÂ4 away win. He made his Ligue 1 debut ten days later coming on for Radamel Falcao to play the last 9 minutes of a 5âÂÂ0 home thrashing of Metz.
On 18 July 2017, Cardona extended his Monaco contract until 2021 and was immediately loaned to the club's Belgian satellite club Cercle Brugge for the following season. Although he missed a couple of weeks by an injury, he still was a major key player in the team that became champion of the 2017âÂÂ18 Belgian First Division B. He scored an important penalty in the last minute in the champion's game against Beerschot-Wilrijk. He was voted second best player in the league, after teammate Xavier Mercier.
On 12 August 2019, Cardona signed with Ligue 1 promotees Brest. On 13 September 2020, he scored an acrobatic volley goal in a 2âÂÂ0 away win over Dijon which was described as a "Puskás Award contender."
On 18 January 2023, Cardona signed a contract with German club FC Augsburg until 30 June 2027.
On 3 January 2024, Cardona returned to France, joining Ligue 2 club Saint-ÃÂtienne on loan with an option-to-buy.
On 10 August 2024, Cardona moved on a new loan to Espanyol in La Liga.
On 28 January 2025, Cardona returned to Saint-ÃÂtienne on a new loan, with an option to buy. On 2 June 2025, Saint-ÃÂtienne exercised the option to buy and signed a three-year contract with Cardona.
Born in France, Cardona is of Maltese descent through a great-grandfather. He is a former youth international for France, having played up to the France U20s.
On 28 August 2025, he was called up to the Malta national team upcoming games in September. He made his debut on 4 September 2025, in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification against Lithuania which ended in a 1âÂÂ1 draw.
On 9 September 2025, on his second cap, he scored his first international goal with Malta, the opener in a 3âÂÂ1 friendly win against San Marino. Before half-time, Cardona was sent off following an altercation with Filippo Berardi.
Monaco
Cercle Brugge