Chris Rigg, the teenage sensation of Sunderland, has already started making waves in football, breaking age records and earning the attention of Europe’s top clubs. At just 17, Rigg is making his mark as a key player for Sunderland and hopes to emulate the career of his idol, former Sunderland and current Liverpool star Jordan Henderson.
A Schoolboy Sensation
Rigg’s journey to football stardom began early. As a schoolboy, he would sneak into Sunderland training sessions straight from school, still dressed in his uniform. Reflecting on those early days, he shared, “I would take my tie off quickly and get into my kit before anyone saw me. It was mad, but the team was so welcoming, which helped ease the nerves.” By 15, Rigg had already made his debut for Sunderland, becoming the club’s second youngest player in history.
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His early achievements didn’t stop there. At 16, he scored his first goal for Sunderland in the EFL Cup, setting the record as the club’s youngest ever scorer and the youngest in the competition’s history. His rise has been meteoric, and he has continued to shine, recently netting his first Championship goal against Southampton, earning the title of Sunderland’s youngest league scorer.
An Ambition to Reach the Top
Now with over 35 appearances for Sunderland, Rigg is a regular starter for the team, coached by Regis Le Bris, and has scored five goals. Despite interest from elite clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Newcastle, Rigg remains committed to his Sunderland journey. He signed a new three-year deal, citing his trust in the club’s management and the valuable experience he’s gaining playing in the Championship.
Rigg’s dedication to the sport is clear, and his desire to reach the highest level of football is evident. He looks to Jordan Henderson as his inspiration, admiring his leadership and success. “Jordan Henderson has done so much, from captaining Liverpool to winning trophies and playing for England. I’d love to follow his path and achieve the same, but I’m not putting pressure on myself. Everyone dreams, and right now, I’m living mine.”
Leadership and Learning
Rigg has already shown his leadership potential, captaining England’s U18 team. He embraces his role on the pitch, where his energetic, box-to-box playing style mirrors the qualities of his other idol, Steven Gerrard. “I love tackling and defending, but I also want to score goals. I’ve scored two this season and aim to add more goals and assists to my game.”
Rigg’s confidence and maturity set him apart as a future star. He acknowledges the challenges of starting his career so young but embraces the learning opportunities at Sunderland. “I see myself as a leader, and I don’t want to lose that quality. Sunderland’s fans have been amazing, and the positive atmosphere around the club helps me take risks on the pitch.”
Balancing Football and School
Despite his footballing success, Rigg remains grounded. He’s still working on completing his education, even juggling his studies with the demands of professional football. “I passed most of my GCSEs, but I’m still working on Maths,” he admits with a smile. And, like many teenagers, Rigg is also focused on passing his driving test, adding another challenge to his already full plate.
The Future Awaits
Chris Rigg is undoubtedly one of English football’s brightest young talents. With his eyes set on following in Jordan Henderson’s footsteps, his journey is just beginning. As he continues to develop his skills at Sunderland, football fans can look forward to watching his rise in the game. For Rigg, the dream is simple: to play at the highest level and achieve greatness—just like his heroes.
Sunderland’s strong start to the season under new coach Regis Le Bris, combined with Rigg’s determination and talent, promises an exciting future for both the player and the club. As Rigg says, “I’m doing my dream now, right here.” The sky is the limit for this teenage sensation.
