PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Christopher Grant Wood |
| Date of Birth | 07/12/1991 (Age: 34) |
| Place of Birth | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Nationality | New Zealander |
| Height | 1.91 m / 6 ft 3 in |
| Weight | 93 kg |
| Position | Centre-Forward |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #9 |
| Current Club | Nottingham Forest |
| Previous Clubs | West Bromwich Albion, Leicester City, Burnley, Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion, Leeds United |
| International Caps | 89+ |
| International Goals | 45 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2010, 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2027 |
The Frozen Moment
The Los Angeles Stadium was a cauldron of tension. June 15, 2026. New Zealand and Iran were locked in their World Cup opener, and the All Whites were back on the biggest stage for the first time in 16 years.
Chris Wood had waited 16 years for this moment. He had been just 18 years old at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, a teenager watching from the bench as his country earned three draws but failed to win a match. Now, at 34, he was the captain, the record goalscorer, the record appearance holder, and the man carrying a nation’s hopes.
He did not score against Iran. But his impact was unmistakable. In the 7th minute, he chested down a 30-yard goal kick, shielding the defender with his 1.91-meter frame, and laid it off perfectly for Elijah Just to volley home. In the 54th minute, he did it again—another layoff, another goal. Wood became the first New Zealand player in history to provide two assists in a World Cup match.
New Zealand drew 2-2, earning their first World Cup point since 2010. The captain had not scored, but he had proven why he is the All Whites’ most important player. The boy from Auckland, who had left New Zealand as a teenager to chase his dream in England, had returned to the world stage as a leader.
Origins
Chris Wood was born on December 7, 1991, in Auckland, New Zealand. He began his football career in his home country, playing for local clubs before being scouted by English clubs at a young age. His talent was evident early, and he made the move to England as a teenager, joining West Bromwich Albion’s academy.
He made his Premier League debut for West Brom under Tony Mowbray in 2009—though he did not score in the top flight for the club. Over the next decade, he would play for Leicester City, Leeds United, Burnley, Newcastle United, and Brighton & Hove Albion, gradually establishing himself as one of the most consistent strikers in English football.
The European Forge
Burnley (2017-2022):
Wood’s time at Burnley was the most prolific period of his career. He scored 49 Premier League goals for the Clarets, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer in the Premier League era. His physical presence, aerial dominance, and clinical finishing made him a nightmare for Premier League defenders.
Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest (2022-Present):
After a brief spell at Newcastle, Wood signed for Nottingham Forest in 2023. His time at Forest has been defined by extraordinary success. In the 2024-25 season, he scored 14 Premier League goals, helping Forest avoid relegation. The following season, he surpassed that tally, reaching 18 strikes by February and propelling Forest to third in the Premier League table. He became just the second player to score 20 Premier League goals for Forest in a single season, following in the footsteps of Stan Collymore.
By the time of the 2026 World Cup, Wood had scored 92 Premier League goals and was closing in on the exclusive 100-goal club. He is also Nottingham Forest’s all-time top scorer in the Premier League.
International Career:
Wood made his senior debut for New Zealand in 2009. By the time of the 2026 World Cup, he had earned 89 caps and scored 45 goals, making him the All Whites’ all-time leading goalscorer and record appearance holder. He represented New Zealand at the 2010 World Cup at just 18 years old and became the first All White, alongside Tommy Smith, to appear in two World Cups. He is one of only three men, alongside Steve Sumner and Ryan Nelsen, to captain New Zealand at a World Cup.
The Anatomy of His Game
Wood is a classic centre-forward defined by his physical presence, aerial dominance, and clinical finishing. Standing at 1.91 meters and weighing 93 kg, he is a nightmare for defenders.
In Possession:
Wood is a composed finisher with an exceptional ability to hold up play and bring teammates into the attack. At the 2026 World Cup, he provided two assists against Iran, becoming the first New Zealander to achieve that feat in a World Cup match. His 92 Premier League goals are proof that he can be a match for any defense. His partnership with Anthony Elanga at Nottingham Forest has been particularly fruitful—Elanga provided Wood with 10 assists in the 2024-25 season.
Out of Possession:
Wood is a relentless worker who presses defenders and contributes to his team’s defensive structure. His physicality and work rate set the tone for the All Whites’ attack.
Psychological Edge:
Wood’s leadership is his defining characteristic. He is the captain of his country, the record goalscorer, and the record appearance holder. His fitness was the main talking point around the New Zealand camp after a knee injury in December required surgery, but he returned to fitness in time to lead his country at the World Cup. His pre-tournament goal was simple: to help New Zealand reach the knockout stage for the first time in their history.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 15 | 3 | 0 | 901 |
| UEFA Europa League | 5 | 2 | 0 | 236 |
| World Cup | 3 | 0 | 2 | — |
| TOTAL | 23 | 5 | 2 | 1,137+ |
TABLE B: Career (Premier League)
| Period | Club | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2017-2022 | Burnley | 49 |
| 2023-Present | Nottingham Forest | 38+ |
| Other Clubs | Leicester, Newcastle | 5 |
| TOTAL | — | 92+ |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 3 | 0 | Group Stage |
| FIFA World Cup 2010 | 0 | 0 | Group Stage |
| World Cup Qualifying | 5 | 9 | — |
| New Zealand Senior Career | 89+ | 45 | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Premier League Debut | For West Brom |
| 2010 | World Cup Debut | Represented New Zealand at 18 |
| 2017 | Burnley Move | Scored 49 Premier League goals |
| 2023 | Nottingham Forest Signing | Became Forest’s all-time top scorer |
| 2025 | 100 Premier League Involvements | 89 goals, 11 assists |
| 2025 | 20 Premier League Goals in a Season | First since Stan Collymore |
| 2026 | World Cup Captain | Led All Whites as captain |
| 2026 | Record Appearance Holder | 89 caps, surpassing Ivan Vicelich |
| 2026 | World Cup Assist Record | First Kiwi with 2 assists in a match |
TABLE E: 2026 World Cup Performance
| Stage | Opponent | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | Iran | 90 | 0 | 2 | Provided both assists for Just’s brace |
| Group Stage | Egypt | — | 0 | 0 | — |
| Group Stage | Belgium | — | 0 | 0 | — |
| TOTAL | — | — | 0 | 2 | First Kiwi with 2 assists in a World Cup match |
What these figures reveal
is a player of extraordinary consistency and longevity. Wood has scored 92 Premier League goals, made 89 appearances for New Zealand, and become his country’s all-time leading scorer. His two assists against Iran at the 2026 World Cup demonstrate his ability to deliver on the biggest stage, even when he is not scoring himself.
The Present Tense
Chris Wood is 34 years old and at the twilight of his career. He is a Nottingham Forest player, the captain of the New Zealand national team, and a World Cup veteran.
The Nottingham Forest Story:
Wood has become a legend at Nottingham Forest. He scored 20 Premier League goals in a single season—only the second Forest player to achieve that feat. He is closing in on 100 Premier League goals and is the club’s all-time top scorer in the Premier League. His contract runs until 2027. He has formed a devastating partnership with Anthony Elanga, who provided Wood with 10 assists in the 2024-25 season.
The Injury Setback:
Wood underwent knee surgery in December 2025, raising concerns about his fitness for the World Cup. However, he returned to action in April 2026, scoring two goals for Forest in the final weeks of the Premier League season. He was fully fit to lead New Zealand at the tournament.
The World Cup Campaign:
Wood was named in Darren Bazeley’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup and captained the All Whites. He made history by becoming one of the first New Zealand players to appear in two World Cups, alongside Tommy Smith. In the opening match against Iran, he provided two assists—the first New Zealander to record multiple assists in a World Cup match. New Zealand drew 2-2, earning their first World Cup point since 2010.
International Record:
Wood has 89 caps and 45 goals for New Zealand, making him the country’s all-time leading scorer and record appearance holder. He is one of only three men to captain New Zealand at a World Cup.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Wood is defined by his leadership and his deep connection to New Zealand. He is the captain of his country, the record goalscorer, and the record appearance holder. His pre-tournament goal was simple: to help New Zealand reach the knockout stage for the first time in their history.
“I will be leading the side out as captain at this year’s World Cup. It’s been a long time, 16 years, since we’ve been at a World Cup and I can’t wait to share this moment with everyone and hopefully create some history and show the world what we’re capable of,” he said before the tournament.
His journey from Auckland to the Premier League is a story of perseverance and hard work. He left New Zealand as a teenager to chase his dream in England and has become one of the most successful New Zealand footballers of all time.
The Verdict from the Camp
Darren Bazeley, New Zealand Head Coach:
“The All Whites’ record scorer found the net nine times in five matches in qualifying and his 92 Premier League goals are proof that he can be a match for any defence.”
FIFA:
“Captain Chris Wood headlines 26-strong All Whites selection for their third FIFA World Cup tilt.”
Opta:
“Chris Wood became the first New Zealand player in history to provide 2 assists in a single World Cup match.”
Statistic:
Wood has 89 caps and 45 goals for New Zealand, making him the country’s all-time leader in both categories.
Statistic:
Wood scored 92 Premier League goals and is closing in on the exclusive 100-goal club.
Where Next?
Chris Wood is 34 years old and under contract with Nottingham Forest until 2027. He has established himself as one of the most consistent strikers in the Premier League and a legend of New Zealand football. His legacy is already secure.
For New Zealand, he is a talismanic figure. His 89 caps, his 45 goals, and his status as the All Whites’ captain have cemented his place in history. The 2026 World Cup is likely his last major tournament, and he will be determined to lead his country to their first-ever knockout stage appearance.
From Auckland to West Brom, from Burnley to Nottingham Forest, Chris Wood’s journey is a story of perseverance, resilience, and extraordinary achievement. The boy who left New Zealand as a teenager has become his country’s greatest ever footballer. And his story is far from over.
