Chris Wood earns national hero status in New Zealand

Chris Wood is enjoying a remarkable time in his life, both personally and professionally. The 33-year-old striker is having an impressive season with Nottingham Forest, where he is among the top scorers in the English Premier League. His club currently sits in third place, and they are hopeful for strong performances in the games ahead. Off the pitch, Wood’s life is also changing. He and his wife are expecting their first child—a girl—in about a month. Wood reflects on these exciting moments, saying it has been a great year for him both in football and at home. In the last 18 months, Wood’s reputation has surged. He has become a national sporting hero in New Zealand. He has scored 18 goals this season, with 29 goals since December 2023. Much of this success has come under the management of Nuno Espirito Santo at Nottingham Forest. As Wood prepares for important matches, including the All Whites' upcoming World Cup qualifier against Fiji, he feels that this may be the best time of his life. Fans across New Zealand are taking notice of his achievements, celebrating his rise in football.