Deji Oshilaja

Cardiff City

Born in Bermondsey, Oshilaja joined Cardiff City as a 16-year-old, progressing through the academy to sign his first professional contract in April 2012. His professional debut for Cardiff came on 14 August 2012, in a 2–1 defeat to Northampton Town in the Football League Cup. Oshilaja made his second appearance in another cup game in the new year, which also resulted in a 2–1 loss against Macclesfield Town. Despite this, manager Malky Mackay praised Oshilaja's performance, describing it as "great courage". At the end of the season, Oshilaja was offered a new contract by the club. On 31 October 2013, Oshilaja joined Newport County on a one-month loan. He made his Football League début for Newport on 2 November 2013 versus Fleetwood Town. He scored his first goal for Newport in the 3–0 win versus Portsmouth in the Football League Trophy match on 12 November 2013. His loan spell at Newport was extended and he returned to Cardiff City in January 2014, which he made eight appearances for the club. On 7 February 2014, Oshilaja was loaned to Sheffield Wednesday until 12 March. He then made his Sheffield Wednesday debut on 11 February 2014, playing as a centre-back, in a 3–0 loss against Wigan Athletic. His second appearance came on 12 March 2014, also came against Wigan, which Sheffield Wednesday lost 1–0 for the second time in the 2013–14 season. Oshilaja loan spell with Sheffield Wednesday was extended until the end of the season. However, Oshilaja never made…

As of 22 August 2026

Born in England, Oshilaja is of Nigerian descent.

Individual

AFC Wimbledon Player of the Year: 2017–18