It’s easy to underestimate Chris Wood as just another forward, but his consistent ability to score goals, even past the age of 32, proves otherwise. Despite his age, he continues to make headlines and adapt seamlessly to different Premier League clubs. Wood’s talent and resilience make him one of the most underrated forwards in football. Beyond his goal-scoring prowess and adaptability, many football fans are still unfamiliar with Chris Wood’s full story.
Chris Wood’s Path: Learning Football from His Sister and Rising from Military Roots
It is rare to find New Zealand footballers, not even a Goalkeeper, let alone a New Zealand Forward, like Chris Wood, dominating the biggest League in the world. Yes, the Forward hails from the island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Chris Wood was born in a Christian home with military roots and a he was raised by parents who belonged to the middle-class family background.
While many footballers learn the game from their dads, Chris Wood’s inspiration came from his older sister. She played football and made it a point to practice with her younger brother, setting up makeshift goalposts in their family garden. Because of this close bond and his sister’s influence, Chris’s parents encouraged him to join her at Onehunga Sports Centre, where he began to hone his skills. This article delves into Chris Wood’s journey, exploring his early influences, the challenges he faced, and his rise to prominence in the English Premier League.
Preamble:
Our biography of Chris Wood delves into the lesser-known aspects of his life, from his childhood in New Zealand to his rise as a football star. We explore his early years, family life with parents Julie and Grant Wood, and his love for the game, which he developed with the help of his older sister.
Known affectionately as “Woody,” Chris’s story is one of passion, determination, and success. This article provides a detailed look at his journey, offering insights into his personality, lifestyle, and the key moments that led him to prominence in the English Premier League. For a glimpse into the captivating tale of Chris Wood’s life, dive into our comprehensive biography.
The Biography of Chris Wood – From His Early Years to the moment he became famous.
Yes, it’s true that Chris Wood often goes underappreciated by football fans and overlooked by Premier League media. Despite consistently scoring goals and making an impact at various Premier League clubs, he hasn’t received the recognition or high wages of the league’s top stars. This makes his story all the more intriguing. Today, we’re focusing on Chris Wood’s biography to shed light on the journey of this underrated striker. So, let’s dive in and explore the compelling narrative of Chris Wood’s career and life.
Chris Wood Childhood Story – Early Life and Family Background:
To kick off his biography, Chris Wood’s full name is Christopher Grant Wood. Born on December 7, 1991, in Auckland, New Zealand, he is the second child and first son of Julie and Grant Wood. This introduction highlights his early beginnings before exploring the rest of his journey.
Meet Chris Wood’s Mum and his granddad.
The Football genius was born in a Christian home with military roots and a middle-class family background status. Chris Wood’s granddad, pictured above, was a retired military officer before his death. He grew up alongside his older sister Chelsey Wood, who, just like him, also became an accomplished footballer.
Chris Wood Education and Career Buildup:
Both brother and big sister, while at home, would always play against each other. Chris was encouraged by his parents to join his sister at Onehunga Sports, where he learned to enjoy team sport.
Keen to learn more, both Chris and his sister moved on to receive football education at Wynrs, the Auckland–based academy established by former All-White Wynton Rufer. It was at Wyners that Chris Wood developed his technique and was ready to attend football trials.
Chris Wood’s Early Career Life:
By the age of 11, the Wood family left Auckland, New Zealand, and moved to the Waikato rural town of Cambridge, situated 24 kilometres southeast of Hamilton. The town his family moved to “Cambridge“, is known as “The Town of Trees & Champions“. While there, Chris and his sister attended St. Paul’s Collegiate School.
Chris became very enthusiastic about continuing his career from where he had left it. His passion for football saw him pass trials and register to play junior football with the local club, Cambridge FC. Below is a photo of little Chris and his teammates.
Chris Wood (pictured on the extreme left of the middle row)- His Early Years with Cambridge FC Academy.
At just 14 years old, Chris Wood was already a standout talent, known for his impressive size and strength. According to the Cambridge FC website, he was so physically developed that he was ready to take on senior football challenges.
Road to Fame:
Back then, Cambridge FC member Ken Hobern, a friend of the Wood family, was delighted to know the youngster would have his first senior team appearance.
Did you know?… Ken promised Chris Wood $100 if he could score a goal, not knowing the goal was just minutes away from his pledge.
Chris Wood made a memorable debut when he came on as a substitute and scored a goal. His celebration, a joyful rubbing of his fingertips, thrilled the fans and brought pride to his family.
After a stint with local rivals Hamilton Wanderers the following season, Wood caught the eye of ASB Premiership club Waikato FC, who signed him in 2007.
Even as he joined the club, Wood was monitored by a number of notable clubs in Europe who begged for his signature. Just after playing five games with the club, Chris Wood got snatched by the English club West Brom.
Chris Wood Bio – Rise to Fame:
Chris Wood was recommended to West Bromwich Albion’s Academy by coach Roger Wilkinson, who organized a trial for him. Wood excelled in the trial, catching the attention of the academy.
During his time at West Brom’s youth academy, Chris Wood demonstrated impressive goalscoring ability, which led his coach to consider him for the senior team. In April 2009, due to injuries affecting several first-team players, Wood received a surprise call-up. He made his Premier League debut, becoming the fifth New Zealander to play in the top flight.
While in England, he humbly served his apprenticeship by going on loan moves, getting stronger by season, and absorbing as much as he possibly could from each coach.
Fast forward to the time of writing, Wood is currently recognized as a veteran striker for the English club football, having registered more than 100 goals in all clubs he’d played for.
The 6 ft 3 striker, who is the vice-captain of Burnley FC at the time of writing, currently enjoys a formidable partnership with the club’s spiritual leader, Ashley Barnes, and with Dwight McNeil. As of the time this biography was written, Chris Wood thrives at Nuno Espirito Santo‘s Nottingham Forest. He plays alongside popular teammates, including Ibrahim Sangare and Taiwo Awoniyi.
Chris Wood Rise to Fame.
The rest, as they say, is now history.
About Kirsty Linnett, Chris Wood’s Wife:
With his rise to fame, it is certain that most Burnley and New Zealand football fans must have pondered who Chris Wood’s girlfriend or wife might be.
Truth be told! There is no denying the fact that his cute looks wouldn’t make him a darling to some of his female fans.
However, behind the successful Newzealander, there exists a glamorous girlfriend in the beautiful person of Kirsty Linnett.
Chris Wood’s beautiful girlfriend is pictured below with her man in a coffee shop in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. Both lovers began dating on the 14th day of July 2015.
This is Chris Wood’s Wife – Kirsty Linnett.
Did you know that Chris Wood’s partner is also a professional footballer? His girlfriend, Kirsty Linnett, plays for Liverpool and represents the England under-23 international team. Here’s a photo of Kirsty in action with Liverpool as she competes against an opponent.
Kirsty Linnett is pictured in action for Liverpool.
Both Boyfriend and girlfriend are proud of each other’s career paths. According to Kirsty… ‘It will be great to look back when we are older and say that we both got to live our dreams,’
What is Like for both couples dating as professional Footballers: For both Linnett and Wood, “Football always comes first”.
She admits that, as a couple, they are sometimes harsh on each other’s performance after their games.
Both Linnett and Chris never argue over the remote control as football is always on standby with their television at home.
It is still surprising to some fans that both Wood and Linnett are yet to be married at the time of writing.
However, judging by the way both enjoy their lives, it is certain that their wedding could be the next formal step.
Chris Wood and Kirsty Linnett- Football’s Best Professional Football Couple
Personal Life:
Getting to know Chris Wood’s Personal Life facts would help you get a better picture of his personality off the pitch of play.
Aside from football, Wood also follows other sports such as horse racing, rugby union, cricket, etc. Also, baseball and Netball. He loves to participate in shooting and mixed doubles tennis.
Here are some of the Forward’s activities off the pitch. He is a Multi-Sports Enthusiast with a Love for Adventure and Friendly Competition.
In addition to Chris Wood’s personal life, he is someone who is sociable, communicative, and always ready for fun. There is little tendency to suddenly get serious, thoughtful, and restless as there are so many things to do.
Chris Wood Family Life:
Wood, who appears to be one of the breadwinners of his family, is glad for one thing. He has forged his family’s own path toward financial independence thanks to football. Now, here’s some extra info about his family members.
About Chris Wood Dad:
Grant Wood, whom very little is known about, is Chris’s father. He is appreciated for encouraging his son and daughter to participate together in Onehunga, which happens to be their first club. Unlike his wife, there is little media coverage on him.
About Chris Wood Mum:
Beautiful Julie Wood is Chris’ Mum. Unlike her husband, she has not made any conscious effort to avoid the media.
Below is a photo of beautiful Julie with her son Chris as they both attended the ANZAC day, where they celebrated Chris’ granddad.
Meet Julie Wood – Chris Wood’s Mother.
About Chris Wood Sister:
Now let’s tell you more about Chelsey, who is Chris Wood’s sister who plays football just like him. Chelsey represented her country, New Zealand, in the 20s during the 2008 U20 Women’s World Cup in Chile.
Chelsey was also part of the 2010 U20 Women’s World Cup in Germany. Playing Under-20 in the year 2008, by implication, means she is older than her brother.
Did you know?… Chelsey, at the age of 4, began to play football with her brother. This was a time when both had not begun playing at their academies.
From the age of 4 to 12, Chris Wood played in the same teams as his beautiful older sister, pictured below.
Chris Wood’s Sister with her brother.
Chris Wood Grandparents:
Among his grandparents, Chris Wood was closer to one of his granddads. Although this grandad of his is now late, but never forgotten by the Wood family. Below is a photo of his Granddad, who he was very fond of. Remember: Wood’s grandad was a retired soldier before he passed on.
Meet Wood’s Granddad, who was an Ex-military man before he passed on.
Lifestyle:
“It’s been quality having this beast!! Dream car, love it!”
Those were the words of Chris Wood as he admired his newly purchased car. This feat provides a better insight into his lifestyle.
The dream car of the New Zealand Soccer Forward.
For Wood, deciding between practicality on the pitch and pleasure off the pitch isn’t a difficult choice. He loves to spend his football money on the things he cherishes.
Untold Facts:
In the final phase of Chris Wood’s Bio, we’ll unveil truths you might not know about him. Without further ado, let’s begin.
Did you know?… Chris Wood is one of the most respected names in New Zealand football. The forward is so respected that he was appointed a board member of the New Zealand Professional Footballers’ Association.
An Activist for Women’s Football:
What else do you expect? Chris Wood’s sister and wife-to-be are all professional footballers.
The sacrifices his sister made, especially during his childhood, shaped his life. The struggles his girlfriend Linnett had faced made him a committed advocate of better conditions in the women’s game.
“It isn’t about having a girlfriend who plays football or a sister who plays football; it’s about doing what is right.” Chris Wood once told the Guardian.
Fact Check:
Thanks for diving into the story of Chris Wood, a footballer known for his remarkable knack for scoring against his former club, Burnley, after they let him go.
We aim to bring you accurate and insightful football stories, uncovering hidden narratives from the world of soccer. We hope you’ll find the life histories of Tim Ream and Miguel Almirón equally captivating. If you notice anything that doesn’t seem right, please let us know by commenting below. Your feedback is always appreciated and valued.
