Chris Wood
| Rating | 69 |
| Team | Nottingham Forest , New Zealand |
| Position | Attacker |
| Nationality | New Zealand |
| Date of birth | 7th December 1991 |
| Age | 34 |
| Height | 191cm |
| Weight | 81kg |
Christopher Grant Wood, born on 7 December 1991 in Auckland, New Zealand, has established himself as one of the country's most revered footballers. Renowned for his prowess as a forward, Wood currently plays for Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, where he continues to showcase his goal-scoring abilities. His journey from local clubs in New Zealand to the heights of English football is a testament to his talent and determination.
Wood began his senior career with Cambridge, Waikato, and Hamilton Wanderers, where he honed his skills before making the pivotal move to England in 2009 with West Bromwich Albion. His early years in the Premier League were formative, but it was his subsequent tenure at Leeds United that truly saw him flourish. Joining Leeds in 2015, Wood became the club's top scorer during the 2016–17 season, netting an impressive 27 goals. This remarkable performance caught the attention of Burnley, where he made a significant impact after joining for a club record fee. Over four and a half seasons, Wood scored 49 goals in 144 appearances, solidifying his reputation as a reliable striker in the top tier of English football.
In January 2022, Wood made headlines once again when he transferred to Newcastle United for £25 million, marking him as the most expensive Oceania player of all time. His career took another turn in 2023 as he signed for Nottingham Forest, where he aims to continue contributing to the team with his extensive experience and goal-scoring pedigree.
On the international stage, Wood has been a stalwart for the New Zealand national team, earning 84 caps and scoring 44 goals, making him the all-time leading goalscorer for his country. He played a pivotal role in New Zealand's campaign at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and was part of the squad that triumphed in the 2016 OFC Nations Cup. With his combination of physicality, aerial ability, and finishing skills, Wood has left an indelible mark on both club and international football, embodying the spirit and passion of New Zealand football.