Adrian Mariappa

Adrian Joseph Mariappa (born 3 October 1986) is a professional footballer who currently plays as a defender for Macarthur FC of the A-League Men. Born in England, he represents the Jamaican national team.

He progressed through the Watford youth academy and began playing for the first team in the 2005-06 season. Although he was primarily a central defender, he spent part of his early professional career as a right back due to competition for places in the middle. In his first spell at Watford, he made 247 first-team appearances, including 19 in the Premier League. This included a run of 113 consecutive league appearances, the fourth-longest run in Watford history. Mariappa captained Watford at under-18, reserve and first-team levels, and was the club’s vice-captain in his final years at Vicarage Road.

Mariappa accepted his first call-up for the Jamaican international team in May 2012. [5] He won his first cap against Guyana later that month and transferred to Premier League side Reading in July 2012. He made 29 league appearances for the club before joining Premier League side Crystal Palace in September 2013, then of Reading’s relegation to the Championship. Returning to Watford ahead of the 2016–17 season, Mariappa made seven league appearances that season.