Kian Ashford

Ashford's first league goal for Cardiff City came in the 96th minute. On his league debut in April 2024, the midfielder scored the winner in a 2–1 victory over Southampton.

He had been at the club far longer than that afternoon suggests. Ashford joined the Cardiff City academy in 2010, aged six, and came through the age groups without a loan spell elsewhere. At under-18 level he became the youngest scorer for the club's side in the Premier Development League, finding the net at 14 years and 124 days.

The senior route opened in 2023. He signed his first professional contract in June of that year and made his first-team debut on 9 August in the EFL Cup against Colchester United. In January 2024 he extended the deal to June 2027, and a further extension, reported in 2026, would keep him at Cardiff until 2030.

For Wales he has played at under-15, under-16, under-18 and under-21 level. His under-21 debut, against the Czech Republic in October 2023, brought a goal.

Ashford is comfortable on either foot and can play in midfield or further forward. He has made 77 appearances for Cardiff and scored nine goals.