The Journey of Chris Wood: From New Zealand to Premier League Star

allfootballcenter Blog February 21, 2025 | 0

Early Life in New Zealand

Chris Wood was born on December 7, 1991, in Auckland, New Zealand. Growing up, he loved playing sports like cricket and rugby, but soccer was his favorite.

His dad played soccer too, which inspired Chris to follow in his footsteps. He started playing for a local team called Onehunga Sports, where he learned the basics of the game and developed a passion for scoring goals.

Moving to England

When Chris was a teenager, he got a chance to move to England to play soccer professionally. He joined a team called West Bromwich Albion in 2009.

Moving to a new country was challenging, but Chris was determined to succeed. He worked hard and made his debut in the Premier League, England’s top soccer league, becoming one of the few New Zealanders to play at that level.

Climbing the Soccer Ladder

Chris’s journey wasn’t always easy. He played for several teams on loan, including Barnsley, Brighton & Hove Albion, Birmingham City, Bristol City, and Millwall.

Each move taught him new skills and gave him valuable experience. In 2013, he signed with Leicester City, helping them win the Championship and earn promotion to the Premier League.

Later, Chris played for Leeds United, where he became the top scorer in the Championship with 26 goals in the 2016-2017 season.

His impressive performance caught the attention of Burnley, a Premier League team, and he joined them in 2017. At Burnley, Chris consistently scored goals, proving himself as a reliable striker.

Joining Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest

In January 2022, Chris transferred to Newcastle United. However, his time there was short-lived, and in January 2023, he moved to Nottingham Forest on loan.

His impact was immediate, and by June 2023, Nottingham Forest signed him permanently for a reported fee of £15 million.

Making History at Nottingham Forest

Chris’s time at Nottingham Forest has been remarkable. On December 26, 2023, he scored a hat-trick (three goals in one game) against his former team, Newcastle United, leading Forest to a 3-1 victory.

This achievement made him only the fourth player in Premier League history to score a hat-trick against a former club. In the 2023-2024 season, Chris was Nottingham Forest’s top scorer, netting 15 goals in 35 appearances.

His outstanding performance earned him the Premier League Player of the Month award in October 2024, making him the first player from Nottingham Forest and the first New Zealander to receive this honor.

On December 7, 2024, Chris became Nottingham Forest’s leading scorer in the Premier League, surpassing Bryan Roy, by scoring his 25th goal for the club in a 3-2 away win against Manchester United. This victory was significant, as it was Forest’s first win at Old Trafford since December 17, 1994.

Recent Achievements and Future Plans

In January 2025, Chris extended his contract with Nottingham Forest until 2027, showing his commitment to the club.

On February 1, 2025, he scored another hat-trick in a 7-0 victory over Brighton, becoming the first Nottingham Forest player to achieve this at the City Ground in the top flight since Nigel Clough in December 1987.

Beyond his club success, Chris is also the captain of New Zealand’s national team, the All Whites. He has played over 70 matches for his country, scoring many goals and inspiring young players back home.

Looking ahead, Chris has expressed interest in becoming a soccer commentator after retiring from playing. He believes his experience on the field will help him provide valuable insights to fans watching the game.

Conclusion

Chris Wood’s journey from a young boy in New Zealand to a Premier League star is a story of hard work, resilience, and passion for soccer.

His achievements with Nottingham Forest and the New Zealand national team have made him a role model for aspiring soccer players worldwide.

As he continues to make history on the field, fans eagerly await the next chapter in his remarkable career.Bottom of Form

The Journey of Chris Wood: From New Zealand to Premier League Star