PREMIER LEAGUE CLUB GUIDE
Sunderland AFC
NICKNAME
The Black Cats
FOUNDED
1879
STADIUM
Stadium of Light (capacity: 49,000)
CITY
Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
COLOURS
Red and white stripes
CURRENT MANAGER
Club History
Sunderland are one of English football’s most storied clubs — six First Division titles, two FA Cups, and an enormous passionate fanbase in the north-east. The documentary “Sunderland ‘Til I Die” on Netflix brought their struggles to a global audience. After relegation from the Premier League in 2017, they dropped to the third tier of English football before a remarkable rise back to the top flight under a succession of managers including Tony Mowbray and Mike Beale.
Known For
“Sunderland ‘Til I Die” — the Netflix documentary that made their story famous worldwide
The Stadium of Light — one of England’s largest grounds, 49,000 capacity
The Tyne-Wear derby with Newcastle — one of football’s most passionate and historically important local rivalries
Their loyal, passionate fanbase who stuck with the club through years of decline
Six First Division titles — a distinguished history often forgotten in the years of struggle
Key Players to Watch
Romaine Mundle — Winger
One of Sunderland‘s most exciting attacking players. Young English talent who was a key part of their promotion campaign.
Stadium Guide
The Stadium of Light is one of England’s largest football grounds with a capacity approaching 49,000. Opened in 1997 on the banks of the River Wear. A modern, imposing stadium. On Tyne-Wear derby days, the atmosphere inside is extraordinary.
Major Honours
First Division: 6 (last: 1936). FA Cup: 2 (last: 1973).
Rivals
Newcastle United (Tyne-Wear derby — one of English football’s most historically intense rivalries), Middlesbrough.
2025/26 Season
Final position: Around 11th-15th — their first Premier League season in years
Sunderland returned to the Premier League after years in The Championship. Their rivalry with Newcastle — the Tyne-Wear derby — returned to the top flight for the first time since 2015/16. Survival was the primary target.