Chris Rigg Biography: Christopher John Rigg born 18 June 2007 is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Sunderland, currently competing in the EFL Championship. Honoured with the EFL Championship Apprentice of the Year award, Rigg is considered one of the most promising young midfield talents in English football, drawing attention from top Premier League and European clubs.
Chris Rigg Biography
Christopher John Rigg (born 18 June 2007) is an English professional footballer renowned for his energetic midfield presence and historic early debut with Championship club Sunderland. Making headlines at just 15 years old, he became the youngest goalscorer in the club’s history and has represented England across the U15 to U19 levels.
Chris Rigg Biography 2025 Details
| Full name | Christopher John Rigg | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 18 June 2007 | ||
| Place of birth | Hebburn, England | ||
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.77 m) | ||
| Position(s) | Attacking midfielder | ||
|
Current team
|
Sunderland | ||
| Number | 11 | ||
| Category | Football Biographies | ||
See More:
About Chris Rigg
Christopher John Rigg is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Premier League club Sunderland.
Chris Rigg Wiki
- Born: 18 June 2007 (age 18 years), Hebburn, United Kingdom
- Current teams: Sunderland A.F.C. (#11 / Midfielder), England national under-19 football team (Midfielder)
- Date joined: 2023 (Sunderland A.F.C.)
- Height: 1.78 m
Club Career
Rigg was born in Hebburn, England, and joined Sunderland’s academy while still in primary school. Amid an injury crisis within the Sunderland squad, Rigg was named as a substitute for the Championship fixture against Blackpool on 1 January 2023. Less than a week later, he was again included on the bench for an FA Cup third round match against Shrewsbury Town, alongside fellow youth player Tom Watson. Manager Tony Mowbray praised Rigg’s performances in training, calling him “really impressive.”
Rigg made his professional debut on 7 January 2023 in the FA Cup tie against Shrewsbury Town, coming on as a substitute for Édouard Michut in a 2–1 victory. At just 15 years old, he became the second youngest player to make a senior appearance for Sunderland, behind Derek Forster. Following his debut, he was officially promoted to the first team, although he continued to train only once or twice a week due to still being in school.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Christopher John Rigg |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 18 June 2007 |
| Place of Birth | Hebburn, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Height | ~1.77 m (5′10″) |
| Position | Attacking / Central Midfielder |
| Current Club | Sunderland AFC (since 2017) |
| Club Number | 11 |
| Relationship Status | Private / Unpublicized |
| Children | None |
| Net Worth Estimate | £150,000 – £300,000* |
Early Life & Family Background
Born in Hebburn, Tyne & Wear, Chris Rigg was raised in a football-centric household deeply rooted in the North East’s sporting culture. He joined Sunderland’s academy while still in primary school, around the age of 10, where he quickly stood out for his technical skill and mature game sense. Despite his family having Newcastle United (Magpies) ties, Rigg charted his own path with Sunderland, adding a unique twist to his footballing journey. His early environment—marked by local pride, family support, and a love for the game—helped shape his strong work ethic and passion for football.
Career Beginnings & Key Milestones
Rigg made his senior debut on 7 January 2023, coming off the bench in an FA Cup win over Shrewsbury Town. At just 15, he became Sunderland’s second-youngest player in history. He caught national attention soon after with a near-goal against Fulham in the following round.
- First Competitive Goal: 8 August 2023 vs Crewe Alexandra (EFL Cup) – Became Sunderland’s youngest-ever goalscorer and the youngest in EFL Cup history.
- First League Goal: 2 September 2023 vs Southampton – Set a new club record as the youngest league scorer for Sunderland.
Notable Works & Achievements
Chris Rigg earned the EFL Championship Goal of the Month for a spectacular back-heeled finish against Middlesbrough. His impressive performances throughout the season also saw him honored with the EFL Championship Apprentice of the Year award for 2024–25. By May 2025, Rigg had made 63 league appearances, scoring 6 goals, and featured in 72 matches across all competitions, netting 7 goals. On the international stage, he has represented England from U15 to U19 level, captained the U16s, participated in the 2023 FIFA U17 World Cup, and made his debut for the U19s in March 2025.
Current Relevance & Recent Updates
As of the 2024–25 season, Chris Rigg continues to be a vital starter for Sunderland in their push for Premier League promotion. His consistent performances have caught the attention of several top-tier clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, and Liverpool, as well as European sides like Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig. Despite mounting interest, Sunderland are firm on their valuation—reportedly holding out for offers above £35 million. The club has also secured Rigg’s future by extending his contract through 2027, underlining their intent to build around the young midfielder.
Personal Life & Relationships
Rigg maintains a low-key personal life, keeping details about relationships and family out of the public eye. At just 17 years old, he remains unmarried and without children, choosing instead to focus on his footballing career. He has publicly expressed his loyalty to Sunderland, calling it “the best place” for his development, and often highlights the club’s role in his growth as a player.
Facts & Trivia
- Captained England U16s before turning 16
- Featured in The Guardian’s prestigious Next Generation 2007 list (October 2024)
- Valued at €18–20 million on Transfermarkt (as of May 2025)
- Often compared to a young Pablo Gavi in playing style, according to a popular YouTube tactical breakdown
- Known for his composure, maturity, and leadership beyond his years
Charitable Work & Legacy
Though early in his professional journey, Rigg is already recognized for his grounded nature and community-minded attitude. While he has not yet launched formal philanthropic initiatives, his local loyalty and clean public image have earned him the respect of fans and media alike. He is viewed as a positive role model, free from controversy or off-field incidents.
Future Plans & Cultural Impact
With a long-term contract and consistent first-team exposure, Rigg is positioned for either a future Premier League role with Sunderland or a high-profile transfer abroad. Interest from clubs like Tottenham, West Ham, Liverpool, RB Leipzig, and Bayer Leverkusen signals the scale of his rising reputation.
Whether leading Sunderland to promotion or taking the next step in his career overseas, Rigg’s technical ability, football intelligence, and maturity suggest he will leave a lasting impact on the English football landscape. Date of Birth, Net Worth, Relationships, Wiki, Life Story, Family Background, Early Career, Achievements, Career Highlights, Personal Life, Future Plans, Facts.
Chris Rigg Net Worth 2025
Rigg currently earns a gross annual salary of approximately £78,000 for the 2024–25 season, equating to about £1,500 per week. With three years remaining on his current deal, his projected gross earnings total roughly £234,000. Including minor sponsorship deals and performance bonuses, his estimated net worth ranges between £150,000 and £300,000. Known for a modest and disciplined lifestyle, no luxury purchases or high-profile endorsements have been made public to date.
FAQs
How much does Chris Rigg earn?
2024-2026. Chris Rigg signed a 3 year, $234,000 contract with the Sunderland A.F.C., including an average annual salary of $78,000. In 2025, Rigg will earn a base salary of $78,000, while carrying a cap hit of $78,000. Source: EPL contract specifics generally collected from verified reports.
Who does Chris Rigg support?
Chris Rigg confirming he was brought up in a family that all support Newcastle United BUT he is (currently…)
What type of player is Chris Rigg?
A fearless but creative midfield player, Rigg was handed his first-team debut in January 2023 aged just 15, becoming Sunderland AFC’s youngest-ever outfielder.
What is Chris Riggs style of play?
A dynamic central midfielder, Rigg possesses exceptional technical ability, vision, and composure beyond his years. His versatility allows him to play both as a deep-lying playmaker and an advanced attacking midfielder, making him a key asset for his team.