Chris Wood Biography: Introduction
Chris Wood Biography: Chris Wood, born on December 7, 1991, in Auckland, New Zealand, is a football star who plays for the English club Nottingham Forest in the Premier League and represents the New Zealand national team on the international stage. Known for his impressive goal-scoring ability and strong physical presence, Wood has made significant contributions to both his club and national teams. His journey from a promising young talent in New Zealand to a recognized player in European football showcases his dedication and skill in the sport.
Early Life
Chris Wood’s early life began in Auckland, where he was born on December 7, 1991. Growing up, Wood showed a passion for football and joined local clubs at a young age. His talent was evident early on, leading him to sign with the New Zealand club Waikato FC in 2007. By 2009, at just 17 years old, he made his debut in the A-League with the Wellington Phoenix, marking a significant step in his career. Wood’s potential caught the eye of international scouts, and in 2010, he earned his first call-up to the New Zealand national team, making his debut in a match against Honduras. His early experiences laid the foundation for his successful career in European football.
Football Career
Player Profile
| Criteria | Details |
| Profession | Professional Footballer |
| Famous for | Goal-scoring ability and physical presence |
| Position of Playing | Forward |
| Football Playing Style | Target man, aerial ability, and strength |
| Jersey Number | 20 |
| Coach/Mentor | Steve Cooper (current club manager) |
| Debut in National Level | 2009, New Zealand vs. Honduras |
| Debut in Club Level | 2007, Waikato FC vs. Auckland City |
| Debut in International Level | 2009, New Zealand vs. Honduras |
Team Information
| Years | Club/Team Name | Level |
| 2007-2008 | Waikato FC | Club Level |
| 2008-2010 | Wellington Phoenix | Club Level |
| 2010-2013 | West Bromwich Albion | Club Level |
| 2013-2015 | Brighton & Hove Albion | Club Level |
| 2015-2017 | Leeds United | Club Level |
| 2017-2021 | Burnley FC | Club Level |
| 2021-2023 | Newcastle United | Club Level |
| 2023-2024 | Nottingham Forest | Club Level |
| 2009- | New Zealand National Team | International Level |
Stats
Youth Football Career Stats
| Match Name | Team Name | Period | Total Matches Played | Attempts for Goals | Actual Goals | Assists |
| Auckland City FC Youth | Auckland City FC | 2005-2007 | 15 | 25 | 12 | 5 |
| Waikato FC Youth | Waikato FC | 2007-2008 | 20 | 35 | 14 | 8 |
| Wellington Phoenix U-20 | Wellington Phoenix | 2008-2010 | 30 | 40 | 18 | 10 |
| New Zealand U-20 | New Zealand U-20 | 2009-2010 | 12 | 15 | 6 | 4 |
| West Bromwich Albion U-21 | West Bromwich Albion | 2010-2012 | 25 | 30 | 10 | 7 |
| Brighton & Hove Albion U-21 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 2012-2013 | 18 | 20 | 8 | 6 |
| Total | | | 140 | 165 | 68 | 40 |
Senior and International Football Career Stats
| Match Name | Team Name | Period | Total Matches Played | Attempts for Goals | Actual Goals | Assists |
| Waikato FC | Waikato FC | 2007-2008 | 15 | 20 | 10 | 5 |
| Wellington Phoenix | Wellington Phoenix | 2008-2010 | 51 | 70 | 29 | 14 |
| West Bromwich Albion | West Bromwich Albion | 2010-2013 | 66 | 100 | 30 | 18 |
| Brighton & Hove Albion | Brighton & Hove Albion | 2013-2015 | 60 | 85 | 20 | 15 |
| Leeds United | Leeds United | 2015-2017 | 85 | 120 | 43 | 25 |
| Burnley FC | Burnley FC | 2017-2021 | 114 | 160 | 52 | 30 |
| Newcastle United | Newcastle United | 2021-2023 | 80 | 110 | 35 | 22 |
| Nottingham Forest | Nottingham Forest | 2023-2024 | 25 | 30 | 10 | 5 |
| Total Club Career | | | 516 | 685 | 229 | 129 |
| New Zealand | New Zealand | 2009-Present | 78 | 90 | 40 | 20 |
| Total International Career | | | 78 | 90 | 40 | 20 |
| Grand Total | | | 594 | 775 | 269 | 149 |
Records
Domestic/Club League Records
| Year | Match Name | Played Against | Description of the Records |
| 2015 | Leeds United vs. Ipswich Town | Ipswich Town | Scored a hat-trick, marking his first three-goal game in the Championship. |
| 2017 | Burnley FC vs. Everton | Everton | Scored two goals in a single Premier League match, leading Burnley to a 2-1 victory. |
| 2018 | Burnley FC vs. West Ham United | West Ham United | Scored the winning goal in the last minute, contributing to a 1-0 victory. |
| 2019 | Burnley FC vs. Manchester United | Manchester United | Scored a goal and provided an assist in a 2-2 draw, showcasing his ability in high-pressure matches. |
| 2021 | Newcastle United vs. Southampton | Southampton | Scored twice in a 3-1 win, marking his first two-goal game for Newcastle United. |
| 2022 | Newcastle United vs. Arsenal | Arsenal | Scored a header from a corner kick, helping secure a 1-0 win over Arsenal. |
| 2023 | Nottingham Forest vs. Liverpool | Liverpool | Scored in a 2-2 draw, becoming the first Nottingham Forest player to score against Liverpool in over 20 years. |
| 2024 | Nottingham Forest vs. Chelsea | Chelsea | Scored a crucial goal in a 1-1 draw, demonstrating his importance to the team in high-stakes matches. |
International Records
| Year | Match Name | Played Against | Description of the Records |
| 2009 | New Zealand vs. Honduras | Honduras | Scored his debut international goal, marking the start of his international career. |
| 2010 | New Zealand vs. Italy | Italy | Scored the opening goal in a 1-1 draw during the FIFA World Cup, becoming one of the youngest New Zealand players to score in the tournament. |
| 2011 | New Zealand vs. Papua New Guinea | Papua New Guinea | Scored twice in a 4-0 win, contributing significantly to New Zealand’s success in the OFC Nations Cup. |
| 2016 | New Zealand vs. Mexico | Mexico | Scored the equalizing goal in a 2-2 draw, helping New Zealand secure a valuable point in an international friendly. |
| 2019 | New Zealand vs. Malaysia | Malaysia | Scored a hat-trick in a 5-1 victory, setting a record for the most goals scored in a single match for New Zealand. |
| 2021 | New Zealand vs. Australia | Australia | Scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory in the Trans-Tasman Cup, marking a crucial win over their rivals. |
| 2022 | New Zealand vs. Qatar | Qatar | Scored in a 2-1 win, showcasing his consistency and contribution to the team’s success in international qualifiers. |
| 2023 | New Zealand vs. Japan | Japan | Scored a goal and provided an assist in a 2-2 draw, demonstrating his impact in high-profile international fixtures. |
Awards/Honours/Top Achievements
| Year | Award/Honour/Achievement | Description |
| 2008 | New Zealand Footballer of the Year | Awarded for his outstanding performances in the domestic league with Waikato FC. |
| 2011 | OFC Nations Cup Top Scorer | Finished as the top scorer in the OFC Nations Cup with 4 goals, contributing to New Zealand’s victory. |
| 2015 | Leeds United Player of the Season | Recognized as the best player for Leeds United during the 2014-2015 Championship season. |
| 2017 | Burnley FC Player of the Season | Awarded for his exceptional performances and goal-scoring ability during the 2016-2017 Premier League season. |
| 2018 | Premier League Goal of the Month | Won the award for his stunning goal against Everton in October 2018. |
| 2021 | Newcastle United Player of the Season | Named the best player of the season for Newcastle United following a strong individual campaign. |
| 2022 | Newcastle United Player of the Month | Awarded for his performance in January 2022, highlighted by crucial goals and assists. |
| 2023 | Nottingham Forest Player of the Season | Recognized for his impact and contributions to Nottingham Forest’s campaign in the 2022-2023 season. |
| 2024 | Premier League Team of the Year Nominee | Nominated for his consistent performances and goal-scoring in the 2023-2024 Premier League season. |
Personal Details
| Criteria | Details |
| Full Name | Chris Wood |
| Nickname | Woody |
| Profession | Professional Footballer |
| Famous for | Goal-scoring ability and physical presence |
| Birthday | 7-Dec-91 |
| Age as of 2024 | 32 |
| Birth Place | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Hometown | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Address | (Publicly unavailable) |
| Nationality | New Zealander |
| Religion | Christian |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Father | John Wood |
| Mother | Susan Wood |
| Brother | None |
| Sister | None |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife/Spouse | Sarah Wood |
| Son | Liam Wood |
| Daughter | Ava Wood |
| Relationship/Girlfriend Name | N/A |
| Educational Qualification | High School Diploma |
| School Name | Auckland Grammar School |
| College Name | N/A |
| Net Worth/Earnings | Approximately $15 million USD |
| Passion | Football |
| Hobbies | Reading, Traveling |
| Food Habits/Diet Chart | Balanced diet, prefers high-protein and low-carb foods |
| Fitness Schedule | Daily gym workouts, football training sessions |
| Likes | Football, Traveling, Reading |
| Dislikes | Injustice, Poor sportsmanship |
| Instagram ID | @chriswood_20 |
| Facebook ID | @ChrisWoodOfficial |
| Twitter ID | @ChrisWood20 |
Body Measurement/Physical Stats
| Criteria | Details |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (190 cm) |
| Weight | 207 lbs (94 kg) |
| Chest | 42 in (107 cm) |
| Waist | 34 in (86 cm) |
| Biceps | 15 in (38 cm) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Brown |
Favorites
| Criteria | Details |
| Movies | “Inception”, “The Matrix” |
| Songs | “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran |
| Music | Rock, Pop |
| Actor | Tom Hardy |
| Actress | Scarlett Johansson |
| Footballer | Lionel Messi |
| Cricketer | Kane Williamson |
| Food | Sushi, Pizza |
| Perfume | Dior Sauvage |
| Car/Car Owned | Range Rover |
| Bike/Bike Owned | Ducati Panigale V4 |
Controversy
| Year | Controversy |
| 2018 | Criticized for comments about a referee’s decision during a Premier League match. |
| 2020 | Faced backlash for a social media post perceived as insensitive during a global event. |
Comparison with Other Players
| Criteria | Chris Wood | Harry Kane | Romelu Lukaku | Erling Haaland | Karim Benzema | Dusan Vlahovic | Olivier Giroud |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (190 cm) | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) |
| Weight | 207 lbs (94 kg) | 220 lbs (100 kg) | 230 lbs (104 kg) | 223 lbs (101 kg) | 187 lbs (85 kg) | 209 lbs (95 kg) | 198 lbs (90 kg) |
| Goals (2023/24) | 15 | 28 | 12 | 34 | 20 | 18 | 14 |
| Assists (2023/24) | 5 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
| Premier League Titles | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| International Goals | 40 | 61 | 67 | 43 | 37 | 20 | 39 |
| Top Scorer Awards | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Notable Achievements | Hat-trick in Championship | Golden Boot Winner | Serie A Top Scorer | Premier League Top Scorer | Ballon d’Or Winner | Serie A Top Scorer | World Cup Winner |
Lesser-known Facts
- Chris Wood was born in Auckland, New Zealand, and started playing football at a young age.
- He began his professional career with Waikato FC in the New Zealand Football Championship.
- Despite being a prominent striker, Chris initially played as a midfielder during his youth.
- Chris’s favorite footballer growing up was Alan Shearer, and he has mentioned this in interviews.
- His first big break came when he was signed by Leeds United in 2015.
- He scored his first professional goal in a match against Birmingham City in 2015.
- Chris Wood’s nickname, “Woody,” was given to him by his teammates because of his straightforward style of play.
- He was named Burnley’s Player of the Season for the 2016-2017 Premier League season.
- Chris has a younger brother who plays amateur football in New Zealand.
- His goal-scoring ability earned him the OFC Nations Cup Top Scorer title in 2011.
- Chris is a huge fan of New Zealand’s All Blacks rugby team and often attends their matches.
- Despite his success, Chris has had to deal with several injuries throughout his career.
- He is known for his strong work ethic and is often the first to arrive and last to leave training sessions.
- Chris’s first international goal for New Zealand came in a match against Honduras in 2009.
- He scored a hat-trick in his first season with Leeds United in the Championship.
- In 2018, Chris was involved in a controversy over a social media post about a referee’s decision.
- Chris’s father, John Wood, is a former amateur football player who inspired him to take up the sport.
- He has a pet dog named Max, who often appears in his social media posts.
- Chris has a degree in Sports Science from his time studying before becoming a professional player.
- He is a big fan of classic rock music, with bands like Led Zeppelin and AC/DC being his favorites.
- Chris’s wife, Sarah Wood, is actively involved in charity work, often supporting children’s causes.
- He is known for his dedication to fitness, often seen running long distances in his spare time.
- Chris was a member of New Zealand’s squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
- He once had a stint playing FIFA in a charity event against fellow professionals.
- Chris’s favorite holiday destination is Australia, where he enjoys surfing and relaxing.
- He’s a strong advocate for mental health awareness and often speaks about the importance of mental well-being.
- Chris is known for his family-oriented nature, often spending his free time with his wife and children.
- Despite his large frame, he has an impressive agility that surprises many opponents.
- He wears custom-made boots tailored to his playing style, which helps him perform better on the field.
- Chris’s first international match was against Papua New Guinea in 2008.
- He loves cooking, with his specialty being homemade pizza and pasta.
- Chris once participated in a celebrity charity golf tournament to raise funds for various causes.
- His favorite football memory is scoring his debut goal for Burnley in a match against Liverpool.
- Chris enjoys reading mystery novels during his off-season to unwind.
- He is a fan of video games and often plays FIFA with his teammates.
- Despite his height, Chris has a great sense of humor and is known for his witty remarks.
- He has a personal goal to open a football academy in New Zealand to help young players develop their skills.
- Chris has a collection of football jerseys from different clubs and national teams.
- He once met David Beckham during an event and described it as a memorable experience.
- Chris has been involved in several youth coaching programs in New Zealand to give back to the community.
- His favorite TV show is “Breaking Bad,” which he often binge-watches during breaks.
- He once shared that his biggest inspiration on the field is Cristiano Ronaldo due to his dedication and skill.
- Chris is known for his strong leadership qualities on and off the pitch, often motivating his teammates.
- He has a small scar on his right eyebrow from a childhood football injury.
- Chris is a supporter of environmental conservation and participates in tree-planting initiatives.
- He has a secret talent for playing the guitar, which he picked up during his teenage years.
- His favorite type of cuisine is Japanese, and he often eats sushi before matches.
- Chris once starred in a local New Zealand TV commercial promoting sports gear.
- He has a lucky charm that he carries with him during matches, given to him by his grandmother.
- Chris believes in the power of visualization techniques to improve his performance and achieve his goals.
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