AliousSunderland midfielder Chris Rigg has earned a spot alongside Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal in a newly released statistic that highlights the world’s most active teenage footballers—an achievement that further underscores the teenager’s rapid rise in the game.
Known for their youth-driven footballing model under owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman, Sunderland have built a reputation for nurturing top young talent in the EFL. From signing the now Borussia Dortmund-linked Jobe Bellingham, to producing Tommy Watson, who is set to join Brighton for £10 million, the Black Cats have been at the forefront of youth development.
Now, it’s Chris Rigg grabbing headlines after becoming a vital cog in Regis Le Bris’ promotion-chasing side—and it’s not just domestic fans taking notice.
Rigg Rivals Yamal in Senior Appearances for 2007-Born Players
Rigg, who burst onto the scene with Sunderland at just 15, now ranks amongst the most active under-18 players in the world. According to CIES Football Observatory, he’s placed in the top 10 globally for most senior games played by players born in or after 2007. At 17, Rigg has already featured in 65 senior matches, averaging 28.7 games per year since his debut.
That stat places him just five spots below Lamine Yamal, who tops the list. The Barcelona wonderkid has tallied a jaw-dropping 117 appearances, averaging nearly 60 per year since making his debut in April 2023. Yamal went on to star in Spain’s Euro 2024 win and is now a fixture under Hansi Flick.
Despite the gap in appearances, Rigg’s numbers remain remarkable—especially considering he plays in the physically demanding Championship. His contributions this season include five goals and assists across 39 matches, along with standout moments like his audacious backheel winner in the Tyne-Tees derby against Middlesbrough.
Europe’s Elite Take Notice of Sunderland’s Young Star
Rigg’s performances haven’t gone unnoticed. Manchester United, Arsenal, and Borussia Dortmund are all reportedly circling, with many seeing him as a future Premier League or Bundesliga regular. His deal at the Stadium of Light runs until summer 2027, but Sunderland may face a tough battle to keep hold of their generational talent if promotion isn’t secured this season.
Le Bris’ side has already booked a spot in the Championship play-offs, but the pressure is on. Without promotion, Sunderland’s negotiating position weakens significantly—and a summer bidding war could unfold.
According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey (via TBR Football), a number of top clubs from England and Germany are “confirmed admirers” of the teenager, with growing expectations that an offer could arrive as early as this summer.
Rigg’s Future Hinges on Promotion Push
Sunderland’s best hope of retaining Rigg may lie in reaching the Premier League. Yet, given the scale of interest and his meteoric development, even top-flight football might not be enough to stop the advances of Europe’s elite.
Either way, the comparison with Yamal—one of world football’s brightest stars—confirms what many have already come to believe: Chris Rigg isn’t just a top Championship talent. He’s one of the finest teenage footballers on the planet.
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