Cian Jude Hayes (born 21 June 2003) is a professional footballer who plays as a winger for EFL League Two club Rochdale. Born in England, he is a youth international for Ireland.
Club career Fleetwood Town On 13 November 2019, Hayes made his debut for Fleetwood Town in a 5–2 EFL Trophy win against Oldham Athletic, becoming Fleetwood's youngest ever player in the process. He signed his first professional contract in January 2021 with a deal lasting until the end of the 2022–23 season. Cian Hayes scored a 45 yard screamer, the winning goal, against Shrewbury in a youth alliance league game to win the league for Fleetwood Town u18s, they celebrated the win of the league against Salford the week after were Hayes scored 4 goals when they won 4-1 and went on to lift the trophy in front of 2000 fans.
FC United of Manchester (loan) On 22 October 2021, Fleetwood Town announced that Hayes had joined Northern Premier League side FC United of Manchester on a one month loan. His league debut in senior football came a day later as he scored to make it 2–0 in an eventual 3–2 win over Witton Albion at Wincham Park. Hayes scored on his final appearance for FC United on 27 November 2021 in a 2–0 win over Mickleover. He made a total of 4 appearances during his time with the club, scoring twice.
Rochdale (loan) On 5 October 2023, Fleetwood sent Hayes on a one-month loan to National League side Rochdale Having had his loan spell extended by a further month, he was recalled by his parent club on 28 November 2023. On 1 February 2024 he returned to the club on loan until the end of the season.
Peterborough United On 3 July 2024, Hayes signed for EFL League One side Peterborough United on a three-year deal.
Following the conclusion of the 2025–26 season, the club announced that Hayes had been transfer listed.
Rochdale On 2 July 2026, Hayes signed for EFL League Two side Rochdale on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
International career On 4 October 2021, Hayes was called up to the Republic of Ireland U19 squad for the first time, for their double header of friendlies against Sweden U19 in Marbella, Spain. He made his underage international debut on 11 October 2021 in a 1–1 draw with Sweden. He scored his first international goal on 29 March 2022, scoring in a 4–0 win over Armenia U19 in a 2022 UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifying Elite round game, on what was his 5th cap for the side.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsFleetwood Town2019–20League One00000010102020–21League One00000010102021–22League One2410000302712022–23League One3416020304512023–24League One100—1100111Total682603180853FC United of Manchester (loan)2021–22NPL Premier Division42———42Rochdale (loan)2023–24National League8210—0092Rochdale (loan)2023–24National League16500—00165Peterborough United2024–25League One3432010614342025–26League One193001010213Total536202071647Career total14917905115117819
Honours Peterborough United EFL Trophy: 2024–25
References