Jazz Richards
A versatile Welsh defender whose career spanned the Premier League, international duty, and a return to his home nation's domestic league.
Born 1991 (age 35)·Welsh footballer·Birthday: April 12·Millennials
Biography
Ashley 'Jazz' Richards carved out a solid professional path defined by defensive versatility and a steady presence. The Swansea City academy product broke through as his hometown club rose to the Premier League, becoming part of the first Welsh team to compete at that level. His ability to play on either flank as a full-back made him a useful asset, leading to spells at Crystal Palace and, most notably, a key role in helping Fulham secure promotion to the top flight. Capped over a dozen times for Wales, he was part of the historic squad that reached the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2016. In the latter stages of his career, he demonstrated a commitment to the Welsh domestic game, joining Haverfordwest County in the Cymru Premier.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jazz was born in 1991, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jazz Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Jazz's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Earned 14 caps for the Welsh national team and was a member of their squad for UEFA Euro 2016.
- Won the Football League Championship play-off final with Fulham in 2018, securing promotion to the Premier League.
- Was part of the historic Swansea City squad that gained promotion to and established itself in the Premier League in the early 2010s.
Did You Know?
His middle name, Darel, is also his father's first name.
He played for both of Wales' major professional clubs, Swansea City and Cardiff City, though his stint at Cardiff was on loan.
He scored his only international goal in a 3–0 friendly win against Trinidad and Tobago in 2019.
“You play for the badge on the front, not the name on the back.”
