Born in Caerphilly, south Wales, Lawlor joined Cardiff City’s academy at the age of seven.

He has been a regular in Wales youth squads throughout the age grades and played a part as his side were crowned joint-champions with Scotland in the 2021 Victory Shield.

Lawlor has enjoyed a meteoric rise in 2025, which saw him earn his debut for Cardiff’s first team in the fifth round of the FA Cup against Aston Villa on 28 February. It might well not have happened – he had been attracting National League interest in January but a minor injury scuppered any potential exit.

The centre-back would feature from the bench in the Bluebirds’ final Championship fixture of their ill-fated 2024-25 season at Norwich City where Cardiff lost 4-2 to confirm a 24th place finish.

But, like with many other of Cardiff’s young guns, relegation has afforded Lawlor the chance to impress under new boss Brian Barry-Murphy – with the Irishman swiftly implementing a new style upon his arrival in the Welsh capital.

Prior to Barry-Murphy joining, Lawlor made his Wales U21s debut against Norway and was then drafted into the senior squad as cover for the injured Neco Williams for the trip to Belgium.

Back at club level, it quickly became apparent that Lawlor suited the ex-Manchester City Elite Development Squad coach’s methods to a tee and has subsequently established himself as a key cog in a side that are the early favourites to taste League One glory this term.

He has started all six of his side’s league matches this season – helping the Bluebirds keep clean sheets in five of those outings to ensure Cardiff sit top.

Again, this may not have been the case, with Lawlor’s representatives stating he had transfer interest from clubs across England, Scotland, Denmark, Austria and Spain. The Bluebirds are said to have turned down two “firm offers” for the youngster in the summer.

Just six days after signing a new three-year deal with his home club, Lawlor got the nod from Bellamy to make the trip to Astana.