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Chris Wood Propels Nottingham Forest Toward Champions League

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael Molter | Last updated May 15, 2025 11:26 AM ET

The most remarkable storyline at Nottingham Forest isn’t just the club’s surge toward Champions League qualification, it’s that Chris Wood is the one leading it.

At 33, the New Zealand striker has defied every expectation, scoring 20 Premier League goals and becoming the face of Forest’s rise from mid-table anonymity to a top contender. With two matches to play, a win against West Ham and/or Chelsea would guarantee Forest a place in Europe’s elite competition for the first time in three decades.

Signed permanently in 2023 after a quiet loan spell, the move was largely written off at the time. Early struggles in this year’s soccer season – no goals in the first three matches – seemed to confirm critics’ suspicions that his best years were behind him.

Helping Forest When It Matters

Then came the breakthrough. A hat-trick against Tottenham in November kicked off a blistering run of form that’s seen Wood average 0.8 goals per game, with a 20% shot conversion rate and aerial dominance unmatched by many Premier League peers. His goals haven’t been stat-padding but decisive. Winners against Arsenal, Manchester United, and a towering header in a 3–1 upset over Manchester City have become defining moments in Forest’s dream season.

Happy Chris Wood Wednesdays (it’s back!)

- 20 Premier League goals this season for Nottingham Forest
- 100 Premier League goal involvements (89 goals, 11 assists) in his career

#NFFC pic.twitter.com/oHnm1kisfK
— (@CapitalR) May 14, 2025

Beyond the numbers, Wood has emerged as a cult hero. Nicknamed “King Wood” on social media, the striker has become a national icon back home, where New Zealand fans have dubbed him “our Messi.”

Yet even as Forest surges toward history, internal tensions threaten to spoil the party. Despite the off-field noise, Wood remains locked in.

Forest fans are hoping that focus is enough to carry them over the line. A loss, coupled with a Newcastle win, could drop Forest in the standings – still an achievement, but a blow after months of holding a Champions League position.

Few would have predicted this scenario back in August. Just three years ago, Forest were clawing their way out of the Championship. Now, they’re 180 minutes away from the most prestigious soccer tournament in the world.

Off the pitch, Wood’s humility only deepens his legend. He’s a regular at Nottingham schools, brings his kids to training, and is quick to deflect credit to teammates. Now, belief must carry Forest one last time.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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