Who is Chris Rigg? The Sunderland sensation wanted by Real Madrid, Man Utd, and Liverpool

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 25 Sept 2024 14:46 BST
• 3 min read

Chris Rigg is the latest gem to come out of the Championship.

His displays for Sunderland this season has drawn attention from clubs in the Premier League, as well as in La Liga.

Indeed, Rigg, 17, is one of the most highly-rated English youngsters, even drawing comparisons to Jude Bellingham, who began his professional career at Birmingham City.

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Rigg made his Black Cats' debut at 15 under then-coach Tony Mowbray.

He scored his first league goal for the club during the early stages of last season in a 5-0 hammering of Southampton last term but it wasn't until Regis Le Bris joined Sunderland that he has become a regular starter this season.

"Chris Rigg is a good symbol of what we want to create and what we want to build as a team and as a club," said Le Bris after Rigg scored a fabulous backheel goal in a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough.

But just who is Rigg and how good can he be?

What position does Chris Rigg play?

Rigg is a versatile midfielder, who can play from a No.6 to a No.10 when needed.

How good is Chris Rigg?

Rigg became Sunderland’s second-youngest player of all time against Shrewsbury Town, playing at just 15 years and 203 days old.

He then became Sunderland’s youngest-ever goalscorer with his goal against Crewe Alexandra in the Carabao Cup, becoming the youngest player to score in the competition’s history in the process.

It's early days for Rigg but Sunderland defender Chris Mepham spoke about the teenager's special talent to the Chronicle: “He is miles beyond his age,” he told the club. “If someone was to say that he is 17 then I would be amazed because of the way that he carries himself day in and day out. He defies his age.

“When you see him on the pitch. He is so composed and he always wants the ball. He’s also a really good kid. He’ll have an amazing career and I am looking forward to seeing how he progresses.”

What clubs are interested in Chris Rigg?

So far links have included Man Utd, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle.

How old is Chris Rigg?

Rigg was born on 18 June 2007, making him 17 years old at the time of writing.

When does Chris Rigg’s contract expire?

Rigg's current Sunderland contract runs until 30 June 2027.