Kian Best

Kian Andrew Best is an English footballer who plays as a full-back for club Chelsea.

Early life

Best attended Corpus Christi Catholic High School, Fulwood in Lancashire.

Club career

In June 2021, Best agreed to two-year scholarship terms with Preston North End. In April 2023, his contract was extended by an extra year by Preston. Best made his league debut in the 2023–24 league opener against Bristol City wearing the number 33 shirt at Ashton Gate. On 29 January 2025, Best was loaned out to League of Ireland Premier Division club Bohemians until the end of June. On 9 May 2025, Preston North End announced that Best would be released following the end of his contract in June. He joined Premier League club Chelsea on 4 July 2025.

International career

In November 2023, Best received his first call-up to the England U19 side. He scored and assisted on his debut on 15 November 2023, in a 6–0 win over Romania U19.

Style of play

Left-footed and described as "versatile", Best is capable of playing full-back or wing-back. Since his debut in August 2023, Best started the season at left wing back before converting to a left back in a back four and left sided centre back when in a back three. Bests left foot has shown dividend in some crucial games assisting the winner against Sheffield Wednesday and being heavily involved in recent games vs Coventry and Blackburn. Preston North End manager Ryan Lowe stated in an interview that Best "has a wand of a left foot" He has also played in Preston youth teams as a left-sided centre-back and in midfield.