Chris Wood is a New Zealand professional footballer, born in 1991, currently playing as a forward for Premier League club Nottingham Forest. Renowned for his physical presence, clinical finishing, and consistency, his journey from the Championship to becoming Forest’s top Premier League scorer is a compelling story. This article offers an in-depth, factual player profile and explores why Wood’s 2023–25 rise matters — from his scoring feats to his national team impact.
What shaped Chris Wood’s club career before Nottingham Forest?
Christopher Grant Wood began in New Zealand before signing with West Bromwich Albion’s academy in 2008. His senior career began through a series of loan spells: Barnsley, Brighton & Hove Albion, Birmingham City, Bristol City and Millwall. His first professional breakthrough really came at Leicester City (2013–15), where he netted seven goals in 26 league games in 2013–14. In 2015, Wood signed a permanent transfer to Leeds United, scoring 41 goals in 77 appearances. A £15 million move in August 2017 sent him to Burnley, where across five seasons he scored 49 Premier League goals in 127 starts. That established him as a veteran footballer in England’s top flight before his eventual move to Forest.
How did his loan to and permanent move for Nottingham Forest come about?
In January 2023, Premier League club Nottingham Forest brought Wood in on a loan spell from Newcastle United. Although his time at Newcastle featured only four goals across 35 combined league appearances, his loan to Forest was a turning point. He scored his first goal for the club in February—a decisive 84th‑minute finish in a draw against Manchester City. Despite a thigh injury in March ending the rest of his loan, Forest had secured promotion safety and triggered an obligation to complete the move. In June 2023, Forest signed Wood permanently for a club record fee of £15 million on a contract until 2027.
What are Chris Wood’s standout career statistics at Forest?
From his debut until May 2025, Wood has delivered impressive numbers:
- 2023–24 season: 31 league games with 14 goals, plus one FA Cup goal.
- 2024–25 season: 35 starts, 20 league goals, 3 assists, and 67 shots (24 on target).
- Across all competitions in 2024–25, he recorded 40 appearances with 20 goals and 3 assists in roughly 3 135 minutes.
- His Premier League career totals now stand at 263 appearances, 89 goals (0.34 goals/match), 418 shots, 203 on target; 31 headed goals; 8 penalties.
- Wood also features 11 career assists, 66 tackles, 157 clearances, and only six yellow cards—never sent off.
These stats highlight his consistency, aerial presence and poacher’s instinct contributing to Forest’s mid‑table push.
How did Wood perform in the 2023–24 and 2024–25 Premier League seasons?
In 2023–24, Wood scored 14 league goals in 31 games for Forest, supporting their push for survival. The 2024–25 season saw a step‑up:
- He netted 20 Premier League goals in 35 starts, tallying three assists.
- That tally included four goals in October 2024—earning him Premier League Player of the Month, a first for any Nottingham Forest player and any New Zealander.
- He recorded two hat‑tricks: one against Newcastle in December 2023 (Forest’s first PL treble against a former club since 1995), and another in February 2025 against Brighton, featuring a penalty and marking the first top‑flight hat‑trick at the City Ground since 1987.
- His 20th league goal came on 11 May 2025 versus Leicester, sealing European qualification.
- On 7 December 2024, his 25th goal for Forest in the Premier League made him their top scorer in top‑flight history, surpassing Bryan Roy and inspiring a rare win at Old Trafford.
What hat‑tricks and records has Chris Wood set at Forest?
Two landmark hat‑tricks define his Forest legacy:
- 26 December 2023: A treble at Newcastle — only the fourth player in PL history to score a hat‑trick against a former club.
- 1 February 2025: A 7–0 thrashing of Brighton at the City Ground saw Wood net three, including a spot‑kick.
Records and firsts:
- First Nottingham Forest player and first New Zealander to win Premier League Player of the Month (October 2024).
- First top‑flight hat‑trick at City Ground since Nigel Clough (1987).
- Forest’s all‑time top goalscorer in the Premier League—25 goals as of December 2024.
- Key scorer in Forest’s first qualification for European competition in 30 years.
What awards and recognitions has Wood earned?
Wood’s honours include:
- Premier League Player of the Month, October 2024.
- Club records at Forest: top‑scorer statuses and hat‑trick firsts.
- Multiple man‑of‑the‑match awards—for game‑winning performances like at City and Old Trafford.
- Recognised consistently in media and fan polls as Forest’s standout performer across both seasons.
How has his international career with New Zealand progressed?
A stalwart of the New Zealand national team, Wood made his senior international debut in 2010. His international career highlights:
- Played in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, aged 18.
- Starred in the 2016 OFC Nations Cup, helping New Zealand qualify for major tournaments.
- To date, he has 74 caps and 34 goals in international football.
- Continues to score in qualification ties and friendlies, providing leadership and goals even as he manages club commitments.
What are his strengths in playing style and key attributes?
Wood’s game is built on core attributes:
- Target‑man presence: 191 cm and strong aerial ability—31 headed PL goals.
- Finishing: Over 0.34 goals per match in Premier League career; sharp in the box.
- Physicality safeguards: Disciplined tackling and positional work—66 tackles, 157 clearances, just six yellows.
- Link‑play: 11 career assists, able to hold up play and brew chances.
- Mental resilience: Consistent scoring, recovering from injury, and adapting to new roles (e.g., under coach Nuno Espírito Santo mid‑January 2024 changes).
What challenges and injuries has Wood overcome?
Wood’s toughest period came in March 2023 when a thigh injury ended his loan season. Since then he has remained remarkably fit through Spring 2025, missing only sporadic matches due to muscular niggles. At age 33, his conditioning and durability have enabled peak performance over consecutive campaigns—a blessing for Forest.
What does the future hold for this forward?
Under a contract until 2027, Wood is central to Forest’s ambitions. He’s a cornerstone for:
- Continued European qualification after May 2025.
- Aiming for double‑digit scoring seasons beyond 2025.
- Serving as mentor and leader for younger forwards.
- Continuing to balance club targets with international duties for New Zealand.
Absolutely. Here’s a revised and stronger conclusion to replace the bullet point summary:
Conclusion
Chris Wood’s career is a testament to persistence, adaptability, and excellence across different tiers of football. From his early days at Hamilton Wanderers and Onehunga Sports in New Zealand to carving out a prolific path through the Football League and Premier League, Wood has evolved into one of the most reliable forwards of his generation. Now in the red of Nottingham Forest, he has not only cemented his place as a vital cog in their attacking setup but also rewritten the club’s modern Premier League history.
His impact at Forest goes beyond the numbers. Whether it’s delivering under pressure, scoring landmark hat-tricks, or guiding the team to European qualification for the first time in three decades, Wood has played a pivotal role in reshaping Forest’s identity in top-flight football. With more than 250 Premier League appearances and nearly 90 goals to his name, his consistency and ability to rise to big occasions set him apart.
At 33, the New Zealand professional footballer continues to defy expectations. His leadership for the national team and enduring influence in domestic football highlight a career that still has more to offer. With a contract running through to 2027 and momentum behind him, Chris Wood is not just a seasoned goalscorer — he’s a forward rewriting his legacy with every matchday, and Nottingham Forest are reaping the rewards.
