Jesper Daland

Jesper Daland was named IK Start's Young Player of the Year for 2020, a year after making his senior debut for the club from his home city of Kristiansand. He had come through the youth system at FK Vigør before moving to Start.

The centre-back made 30 appearances for Start before Belgian side Cercle Brugge signed him in May 2021 for an undisclosed fee. He stayed three seasons and played 110 matches. It was the longest spell of his career so far, and it led to his next move. In August 2024 Cardiff City signed him on a four-year contract, for a reported €4.1 million (£3.4 million).

On 30 August 2025 Daland joined Fortuna Düsseldorf on loan for the 2025/26 season. The loan carries no fee. Fortuna hold an option to buy him for €2 million, which applies only if the club are promoted to the Bundesliga.

For Norway, Daland played at U21 level. He won 15 caps, scored once and was in the squad for the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. In September 2023 he was called up to the senior national team, though he has not yet won a senior cap.

At 191 centimetres he is a right-footed defender who has usually played in the middle of the back line.