RIGG HITS 100
Sunderland's 0-0 draw with Leeds marked Chris Rigg’s 100th appearance for the club, making him the youngest player ever to reach 100 first-team appearances at just 19 years of age.
It feels even more special given that he’s an academy graduate who has come such a long way since being given his debut at just 15. To see just how far he’s come and the importance he now holds within the team makes this milestone all more impressive.
Rigg’s journey began in the FA Cup third round against Shrewsbury Town, when manager Tony Mowbray handed the 15-year-old his senior debut. It was a big ask for someone so young, but the opportunity quickly made headlines as Rigg became one of the youngest players ever to feature in the FA Cup.
He later came agonisingly close to creating another piece of history when Sunderland faced Premier League side Fulham in the FA Cup, Rigg found the back of the net, only for the goal to be ruled out because Abdoullah Ba was caught offside, denying the young midfielder what could have been a magical moment and the chance to become the youngest goalscorer in FA Cup history. Still perhaps he has to leave a few records for others to chase.
The following season, attention continued to grow around Rigg, with some of the biggest clubs in the country reportedly keeping a close eye on the young midfielder. However, Riggy chose to remain loyal to Sunderland, a decision that has undoubtedly paid off as he has continued to develop at his boyhood club.
He opened his goalscoring account for the first-team in the Carabao Cup against Crewe Alexandra. Although Sunderland would eventually lose the match, Rigg still had a reason to celebrate. At just 16 years and 51 days old, he had scored his first senior goal for the club, setting yet another record as Sunderland's youngest-ever goalscorer and at the time the youngest ever Carabao Cup scorer.
As the season was building, The Mackems were eager to see more of Riggy, who, despite his young age, continued to make an impression when coming off the bench. In a sublime performance against Southampton, The Black Cats won 5-1 and Rigg's back post header, following a beautiful, skilful run from Jewison Bennette. It was the perfect way to round off the game and an ideal start to the season for Rigg. Becoming Sunderland's youngest ever league goalscorer was another milestone for the 16-year-old.
He went on to make 21 appearances that campaign, scoring twice and continuing to gain valuable first-team experience. However, with another season on the horizon, there was still plenty more to expect and he would prove his impact.
With the arrival of a new manager at the time Regis Le Bris, who remains in charge today, there was plenty of intrigue surrounding what he would bring to Sunderland and how he would shape the side. We saw Eliezer Mayenda leading the line off the back of a poor season before, Jobe Bellingham operating in the number eight role, while young Chris Rigg was trusted to play in the number 10 role at the time.
It was a huge responsibility for a 17-year-old, but he embraced the challenge and quickly became an important part of the team. He finished the campaign with four goals, one of the most memorable coming against Middlesbrough, when his audacious backheel secured a 1-0 win. It was a moment of real quality that perfectly demonstrated the confidence and ability he possessed despite his young age.
Although his goal contributions were not always plentiful, there was so much more to his game. Rigg works tirelessly, presses well and carries the ball into dangerous positions- qualities that remain evident in his game to this day. Watching one of our own academy graduates perform so well at such a young age was a real pleasure, especially alongside fellow products of the academy such as Anthony Patterson, Dan Neil, and Tommy Watson, who would go on to create his own historic moment at Wembley.
Making 46 appearances during a promotion winning Championship campaign was a significant step in Rigg’s development. Whether operating through the middle or out on the right, he continued to learn and adapt to different roles within the team. Le Bris placed his trust in the young midfielder, gave him the confidence to express himself and, in return, Rigg consistently showed his quality on the pitch. It was another important chapter in his early career, laying the foundations of what is still to come.
He had to fight for his place in the side during Sunderland’s first season back in the Premier League after a busy window for The Black Cats. Opportunities were sometimes limited, but AFCON and injuries gave him more chances to make his mark. He stepped up with some impressive performances, including in the derby at St James’ Park, but perhaps his biggest moment came when he scored his first Premier League goal at just 18-years-old. It was a perfect finish against Aston Villa, with Rigg operating further out wide on the right and showing exactly what he could offer in that role.
This season, opportunities have once again been limited, but he's shown his quality, particularly in the Europa League, despite Sunderland’s disappointing performances in the league. His ‘ghost goal’ in Poland couldn't get any closer to scoring, as he will have to wait for his first European goal.
He has been gradually working his way into the starting XI, starting the last two matches, including a 0-0 draw against Leeds that marked his 100th appearance for the club. Rigg was excellent in that game, showcasing his relentless work rate, positive attitude and willingness to take on his man. He caused Gabriel Gudmundsson plenty of problems, and it was particularly encouraging to see both wingers playing with such directness and intent.
Overall, watching him develop has been an absolute joy. A big congratulations to Chris Rigg on reaching 100 appearances for Sunderland. From that young lad making his first steps into senior football to the player we see today, it has been a brilliant journey to watch. Here's hoping there are many more appearances, goals and special moments to come in the red and white.
