Chris Wood (footballer, born 1991)
New Zealand's most potent modern striker, a towering forward who carved out a long and respected career in England's demanding Premier League.
Born 1991 (age 35)·New Zealand footballer·Birthday: December 7·Millennials
Biography
Chris Wood stands as a testament to persistence and physical prowess. Hailing from Auckland, he left home as a teenager to join West Bromwich Albion's academy, beginning a long European odyssey. A classic, no-nonsense number nine, Wood used his formidable frame and sharp instincts in the box to score goals at every level. While he didn't become a regular star at top clubs early on, he honed his craft through productive loan spells and a transformative stint at Leeds United, where his goals fired the club into promotion contention. His move to Burnley in 2017 defined his prime; for over four seasons, he was the Clarets' reliable talisman, his aerial threat and work rate making him a perfect fit for Sean Dyche's system. As captain of the New Zealand national team, the 'All Whites,' he carries the goal-scoring hopes of an entire nation.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Chris was born in 1991, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Chris Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Chris's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became Burnley's record signing and served as their primary striker for four-and-a-half Premier League seasons, scoring crucial goals.
- Is the all-time leading scorer for the New Zealand national team (the All Whites).
- Won the Football League Championship Player of the Month award multiple times during his spell with Leeds United.
- Has scored over 50 Premier League goals, placing him among the most prolific scorers from Oceania in the league's history.
Did You Know?
He is one of only six New Zealanders to have played in the English Premier League.
He made his senior international debut for New Zealand at the age of 17.
He scored a hat-trick for Burnley in a 4-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2021.
His middle name, Grant, is also his father's first name.
“You have to be ready for your chance, and when it comes, you have to take it.”
