Kiban Rai

Kiban Rai (born 28 May 2005) is a Welsh professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for EFL League Two club Newport County.

Kiban Rai
Personal information
Full name Kiban Rai
Date of birth (2005-05-28) 28 May 2005
Place of birth Brecon, Wales
Position(s) Midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Newport County
Number 18
Youth career
2021– Newport County
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2023– Newport County 5 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 08:27, 13 August 2023 (UTC)

Career

Rai joined the youth academy of Newport County at Under 15 level.[1] He made his senior debut for Newport in the 3–1 EFL League Two away defeat to Salford City at Moor Lane on 5 March 2023 as a second-half substitute for Nathan Moriah-Welsh.[2][3] In June 2023 Rai signed his first professional contract with Newport County,[4] making him the first male player of Nepalese descent to sign a professional contract in the Premier League or EFL. On 29 August 2023 Rai scored his first goal for Newport, the 96th minute equaliser in the EFL Cup 1-1 draw against Brentford of the Premier League, which Brentford won on penalties.[5]

Personal life

Rai was born in Brecon, Wales, and he also qualifies to represent Nepal through his parents.[6] [7] His father was a British Army Gurkha and in 2023 Kiban Rai became the first male player of Nepalese descent to sign a professional contract in the Premier League or EFL.[8]

Style of play

Rai mainly operates as an attacking midfielder.[9] He is known for his creativity and technical ability.[1]

References
  1. "ACADEMY | Nine new scholars confirmed for 2021/22 season". www.newport-county.co.uk. Archived from the original on 6 March 2023. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  2. "Salford come from behind to beat Newport". Archived from the original on 15 March 2023. Retrieved 14 March 2023 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  3. "Surprise visits and high standards – County's top duo aim to use academy talent". South Wales Argus. Archived from the original on 13 March 2023. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  4. "Kiban Rai signs first professional contract". www.newport-county.co.uk.
  5. Rai first Newport goal
  6. "Rai debut interview". Archived from the original on 17 March 2023. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  7. "Newport County: Kiban Rai becomes first Nepalese player in EFL". DasFootball. Retrieved 26 June 2023.
  8. "Gurkha's son aims to inspire – and play for Wales" – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  9. "Newport County hope academy talent follows Kiban Rai lead". southwalesargus.co.uk. Archived from the original on 13 March 2023. Retrieved 13 March 2023.


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