Chris Rigg signed his first professional deal at Sunderland, putting an end to rumors about his future. The 17-year-old, a highly sought-after England youth international, signed a three-year contract at the Stadium of Light, meaning he will wear red and white until 2027.
“To be honest, I’m buzzing,” Rigg remarked. To be signing my first professional deal at a club like Sunderland is a proud occasion for my family and me. It has been over a year since I first wanted to sign it. This, in my opinion, is the greatest location for me to grow both as a player and a person.
“I have received amazing support from the Academy of Light staff the entire time, but there are still so many things I can do better. Though the hard work has just begun, I am eager to represent this club in many more memories.
“I’m delighted for Chris, who has always communicated to us that Sunderland is where he wants to be,” Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman continued.Everyone knows that in today’s environment, it can be challenging to retain outstanding talent, and this would not have been possible without amazing people. The job that Robin Nicholls and our Academy staff do is great, so I’m happy for them all that another Academy graduate has committed to the club going forward. Chris’s skill and, more recently, his first team performances, guaranteed attention and conjecture, and the fact that he has dedicated his future to our Club is proof of all the hard work that goes into the background.
Last season, Rigg had an incredible breakout season. He breezed through his incredible rookie campaign, setting records in his wake.
In August of 2023, Rigg scored his first senior goal in a Carabao Cup match against Crewe Alexandra, having made his debut as the club’s youngest outfield player at the age of 15.
A month later, he became the second-youngest goal scorer in EFL Championship history and the youngest goalscorer in Sunderland history. In the 2023–24 season, he made 22 senior appearances.
The captain of England’s under-17 team has always been there for the Three Lions in their youth, most recently competing at the UEFA European U17 Championship in 2024 and the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2023.
Prior to the team’s first preseason games on July 13 against South Shields and Gateshead, Rigg resumed practicing with his teammates earlier this week.
