On October 7, 1899, Riverside AFC joined Barry West End for what is now considered the first recorded match of Cardiff City FC.
This was little more than a friendly, with the club narrowly missing the opportunity to secure a spot in the Cardiff & District League for the 1899-90 season.
Despite this rocky start, the the club went from strength to strength. Riverside AFC joined the league in 1900/01 season and within just five years, the club soared to the top, lifting the Bevan Shield in 1905. This early success laid the foundations for the club we know today.
Following the granting of city status for Cardiff in 1905, they ambitiously requested a rebrand to become Cardiff City Football Club. This was approved in 1908.
In the 125 years since the club played its first game, the crowds grew and the success kept coming. In 1910, Cardiff City became Wales’ first professional football club and officially opened its new home ground in Ninian Park, where the club remains, albeit in a modern stadium that can hold more than 30,000 people.
Their most memorable moment came in 1927 when they reached the FA Cup Final, becoming the only Welsh club to win the prestigious trophy, defeating Arsenal 1-0.
By 1968, the club had achieved significant success by winning the Welsh Cup, which secured them a place in the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup for the following season.
Cardiff City reached the FA Cup Final again in 2008. Though they were narrowly defeated by Portsmouth, the journey was electric and helped to inspire a new generation of young footballers across Cardiff.
In 2012, Cardiff City achieved promotion to the Premier League, a huge milestone in its 125 year history. While relegation was their fate in 2014, the quickly returned following their impressive Championship League victory in 2018.
By 2024, Cardiff City FC has experienced many ups and downs. The club is holding its own in the Championship and is playing a huge role in developing local talent through its academy. As we celebrate 125 years of Cardiff City FC, we remember this long and exciting history and look forward to a future of continued success.