Kiban Rai

Last updated

Kiban Rai
Personal information
Date of birth (2005-05-28) 28 May 2005 (age 19)
Place of birth Brecon, Wales
Height 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) [1]
Position(s) Striker
Team information
Current team
 Newport County
Number 18
Youth career
2021–2023 Newport County
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps(Gls)
2023– Newport County 21 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 16:25, 21 September 2024 (UTC)

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

Contents

Career

Rai joined the youth academy of Newport County at Under 15 level. [2] 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. [3] [4] In June 2023 Rai signed his first professional contract with Newport County [5] 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. [6]

Personal life

Rai was born in Brecon, Wales, and he also qualifies to represent Nepal through his parents. [7] [8] His father was a British Army Gurkha and in 2023 Kiban Rai became the first player of Nepalese descent to sign a professional contract in the Premier League or EFL when he joined Newport County. [9]

Style of play

Rai operates as a striker or attacking midfielder. [10] He is known for his creativity and technical ability. [2]

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References

  1. ↑ Newport County profile
  2. 1 2 "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.
  3. ↑ "Salford come from behind to beat Newport". Archived from the original on 15 March 2023. Retrieved 14 March 2023– via www.bbc.co.uk.
  4. ↑ "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.
  5. ↑ "Kiban Rai signs first professional contract". www.newport-county.co.uk.
  6. ↑ Rai first Newport goal
  7. ↑ "Rai debut interview". Archived from the original on 17 March 2023. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  8. ↑ "Newport County: Kiban Rai becomes first Nepalese player in EFL". DasFootball. Retrieved 26 June 2023.
  9. ↑ "Gurkha's son aims to inspire – and play for Wales" – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  10. ↑ "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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