There is plenty of intrigue surrounding the future of young Liverpool defender Carter Pinnington. The 19-year-old has enjoyed a steady rise through the ranks at Kirkby, but supporters could potentially see the young centre-back switch international allegiances to South Africa after he revealed that he is eligible to represent the nation.
The news will certainly be of interest to fans of Bafana Bafana, who always want to see talented young players break into the international team. Ensuring Pinnington makes the switch could prove to be a decisive move as they bid for success at future tournaments.
Hugo Broos’ side is currently gearing up for the 2026 World Cup. Sports bettors looking to back South Africa can check out the latest football news & betting bonuses before the tournament begins.
Pinnington’s admission likely comes too late for him to earn a place at the summer tournament should South Africa come calling. But might we see the talented Liverpool academy star playing for the country in subsequent years?
Carter Pinnington’s Liverpool career so far
Pinnington’s affiliation with Liverpool goes back nearly two decades. Born in Bebington, Wirral, he first joined the club’s academy at under-7 level, progressing through the ranks and impressing at each stage.
A centre-back by trade who can also play as a holding midfielder, his performances did not go unnoticed by the club’s hierarchy. Signing a first professional contract in May 2024, he was included in the senior squad for the first time for Liverpool’s Carabao Cup match against Crystal Palace in October 2025.
While he did not earn any minutes that game, it is a sign of what could be to come for the young defender, who has continued to feature regularly for the club’s PL2 side.
Pinnington qualifies for South Africa through his father
Along with promising signs at club level, Pinnington has steadily progressed through the youth ranks of England’s international teams. But while he’s capped at U15, U16 and U18 level, a first senior international appearance could well come for South Africa.
In February 2026, during an interview with the club’s academy media team, Pinnington admitted that he could represent the country where his father was born. He qualifies as a dual national, having not yet represented England in a competitive senior match.
He did not reveal whether that was a decision he was prepared to make in the near future. But Broos and the Bafana Bafana setup will closely monitor his development as they bid to build a competitive side for the future.
Liverpool have rich history of South African players
Despite his future remaining undecided, Pinnington could become the latest South African to pull on a Liverpool shirt in the future.
Arguably the most famous to ever do so is Gordon Hodgson, who represented the club from 1926 until 1935. Making 377 appearances at Anfield, he scored an incredible 241 goals and remains fourth in their all-time top goalscorers list behind Mohamed Salah, Roger Hunt and Ian Rush.
While not a defender like Pinnington, Berry Nieuwenhuys might also serve as inspiration for the young centre-back. Across 257 appearances for Liverpool, ‘Nivvy’ helped guide the club to league title success in 1946/47, 13 years after the winger joined the team.
In total, 14 South African-born players have donned Liverpool’s famous shirt through the years, including some who have gone on to represent other nations, such as legendary goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar. If Pinnington makes the switch, perhaps he will become the next legend for both his club and his country.
