Former footballer Ashley Cain has packed quite a lot into his 33 years, from playing for Coventry City to climbing Kilimanjaro. Here’s everything you need to know about the man from Nuneaton:
Ashley Cain on Instagram
Since making the move from a career in football to being a reality star and influencer, Ashley’s built his Instagram up to an impressive 2 million followers. You can find him at @mrashleycain, where he shares loads of photos and videos of his life, his family, and his (often epic) experiences.
Relationships
As far as we know Ashley isn’t dating anyone at the moment. He was with his ex-girlfriend Safiyya Vorajee from 2017 until 2022 when they separated after the tragic loss of their daughter Azaylia. Their daughter was just 8 months old when she passed away following a battle with a rare form of leukaemia, and while the pair are still working together on the Azaylia Foundation they couldn’t make the relationship work.
In January 2024 Ashley announced the birth of his son, Aliyas, but he’s not revealed who the mother is yet. All he’s shared is the fact that she is an old friend of his who he’s known since he was 18 and who he’s dated on and off over the years. While they’re not in a relationship Ashley is planning on being a very hands-on dad and has already shared several pictures of his son on his Instagram.
Ashley Cain’s Beard
While he’s famous for his time as a footballer, stints on reality TV shows, and tireless work for the Azaylia Foundation raising money to fight childhood cancer, there’s no doubt that Ashley is also well known for his signature style when it comes to his facial hair.
There’s a heartbreaking reason he’s decided he’ll never shave off his beard though. Speaking on ITV’s Real Full Monty he revealed that he sees his beard as a connection to his daughter Azaylia who used to love holding on to it and playing with it.
Inspirational Author
Cain has talked a lot about the loss of his daughter and his experiences with grief and mental health, and in 2023 he released a book titled ‘Strong’ which really breaks down what the family went through and how he’s found the strength to keep going.
Described as ‘heartbreaking and powerful’, the book is a real insight into the type of man Ashley is and how he’s working to keep his daughter’s name and legacy alive by raising money for the foundation he set up with Safiyya to help fight childhood cancer.
Former Footballer
Before taking the reality TV world by storm with appearances on Ex On The Beach and The Challenge, Ashley played football for Championship side Coventry. The Winger also had loan spells at Luton, Oxford United, and Mansfield Town over the course of his career.
He left the sport after rupturing his Achilles tendon during his first game for CS Gaz Metan Medias.
Hint: You can learn about tons of other footballers on Goalissa, or read more about Tommy Fury Showing Off Immense Strength Training With Eddie Hall
Photo Credits: Ashely’s Instagram,
