Kadan Young
Kadan Christophe Young is an English professional footballer who plays as a winger for club Aston Villa.
Club career
Having started out with local club Phoenix United in Erdington, Young trialled with a host of professional sides before eventually joining Premier League side Aston Villa at under-13 level. He went on to sign a scholarship deal with the club in July 2022, and during the mid-season break for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he was a surprise inclusion in Aston Villa's squad for a warm-weather training camp in December of the same year. Prior to the squad flying to Dubai for the training camp, he featured in a friendly against Cardiff City - his unofficial first team debut.While on the tour, he continued to feature in friendlies, playing ten minutes at the end of a 2–2 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion before being brought on as a half-time substitute for Arjan Raikhy against Chelsea. Playing on the right wing, he impressed against Chelsea's full-back, Marc Cucurella, earning plaudits for his performance in a 1–0 win. Following the conclusion of the warm-weather camp, he signed his first professional contract with the club in January 2023. On 18 September 2024, Young signed a long-term contract extension with Aston Villa.
On 24 September 2024, Young made his senior debut in a 2–1 away victory over Wycombe Wanderers in the EFL Cup.
On 3 February 2025, Young signed for Belgian Pro League club Royal Antwerp on loan until the end of the season. Young made his Belgian Pro League debut on 15 February, in a 2–1 victory over Kortrijk.
On 29 January 2026, Young made his European debut in the UEFA Europa League for Aston Villa, coming off the bench to assist Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba's winner in a 3–2 victory over Red Bull Salzburg.
International career
Born in England, Young is of Jamaican descent and holds dual British and Jamaican citizenship. He has represented England at both under-16 and under-17 level. He was called up for the 2023 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, and scored the fourth goal in England's 4–2 win over Switzerland to clinch qualification to the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup.On 20 May 2024, Young was called up for the England U18 squad for two upcoming matches against Northern Ireland & Morocco. He made a goalscoring debut in a 4–2 win over Northern Ireland at St. George's Park. Young an unused substitute for the victory over Morocco which won the Tri-Nations Trophy for England.
On 9 October 2024, Young made his U19 debut during a 2–1 defeat to Portugal in Marbella.
Young was a member of England's squad at the 2025 UEFA European Under-19 Championship.
Career statistics
Honours
Aston Villa U21s- Birmingham Senior Cup: 2023–24
- Tri-Nations Trophy: 2024