Sunderland Football Club is pleased to announce that Chris Rigg has signed a long-term contract to play at the Light Stadium until 2030.
After completing her Premier League debut last week, the 18-year-old decided to stay in Sunderland in the future. Rigg played an important role in the club's 2024-25 season, making 45 appearances in the Champions League, including the playoff final at Wembley Stadium. Subsequently, Rigg was named the Young Player of the Year in the Championship and won the 2024 Sports Journalists Association Young Player of the Year Award and the Best Goal of the Month in the Championship in September 2024. A graduate of the Light Academy, Rigg is the youngest starter and goal scorer in Sunderland history, and has played 74 official games for the team.
Rigg said: "It feels great to sign this new contract. I have only one goal, and it is to sign a long-term contract here. It has been an incredible journey since I debuted at 15. I love playing here and I love life here every day, so I am very excited. The past few years have gone by so fast and it feels like I made my debut in the Championship yesterday and I made my Premier League debut a few weeks ago. It's all so unreal and I feel extremely grateful. I want to thank everyone who has helped me, and I feel like I'm part of this team and club. Proud." Chris Jayan Spikeman added: "We are delighted that Chris has decided to keep the future in Sunderland. He was a key figure in our success last season and we are very satisfied with his growth from youth to first team. His achievements are impressive for a young player, but Chris is looking forward to the future like the club and we consider him an important part of our future. It is another brilliant moment for our youth camp and staff who have cultivated, developed and retained top talent, which is the heart of our strategy and culture."