Chris Wood has been named in the 2024-25 PFA Premier League Team of the Year, the first time ever for a player from Aotearoa New Zealand.

Wood’s selection reflects an outstanding 2024-25 English Premier League season, with the All Whites captain scoring 20 goals for Nottingham Forest, as well as being named EPL Player of the Month in October.

The PFA Premier League Team of the Year is voted on by players, with four selected from champions Liverpool, three from Arsenal, two from Nottingham Forest, and one each from Bournemouth and Newcastle.

The full PFA Premier League Team of the Year is:

Goalkeeper – Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest)
Defender – Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Defender – William Saliba (Arsenal)
Defender – Milos Kerkez (Bournemouth)
Defender – Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal)
Midfielder – Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Midfielder – Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool)
Midfielder – Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)
Forward – Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Forward – Alexander Isak (Newcastle United)
Forward – Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest)

“This is an outstanding achievement, but no less than what Woodsy deserves after a brilliant season for Nottingham Forest” said All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley.

“To perform at the highest level of the game, season after season, is incredibly difficult, but Woodsy has shown what is possible for Kiwi players and is the perfect role model for others to follow.

“The whole All Whites squad are proud of his achievements, and we look forward to seeing him have another great season ahead of the FIFA World Cup next year.”

Chris Wood was also named this week in the All Whites squad to face the Socceroos for the Soccer Ashes this September.

The two-leg home-and-away series starts at Canberra’s GIO Stadium on Friday 5 September (KO 9:45pm NZT / 7:45pm local), followed by a homecoming match at Go Media Stadium in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on Tuesday 9 September (KO 7:00pm NZT).

Tickets for the All Whites v Socceroos at Go Media Stadium are available now from Ticketek.

Article added: Wednesday 20 August 2025