Sunderland 2026-27: Squad, Players, Stadium, and Kits Guide
Sunderland begin 2026-27 in a very different place from where they stood two years ago. Promotion through the Championship play-offs was followed by a remarkable seventh-place Premier League finish in 2025-26, worth 54 points and a return to European football for the first time in 53 years.
Régis Le Bris remains in charge of a squad built around a useful blend of experience and youth. Granit Xhaka leads the side, Thomas Meunier, Kevin Danso and Nordi Mukiele add high-level know-how at the back, while Chris Rigg, Habib Diarra, Enzo Le Fée and a quick group of forwards give Sunderland several ways to play.
Sunderland Club Profile Summary
Sunderland Squad and Players 2026-27
Sunderland’s official men’s page listed 24 first-team players when checked, with Simon Adingra and Jenson Seelt shown separately in the loaned-out section. Countries below refer to the nation each player represents in football.
Simon Moore
Country: England
Shirt number: 21
Robin Roefs
Country: Netherlands
Shirt number: 22
Melker Ellborg
Country: Sweden
Shirt number: 31
Kevin Danso
Country: Austria
Shirt number: 4
Dan Ballard
Country: Northern Ireland
Shirt number: 5
Dayann Méthalie
Country: France
Shirt number: 6
Thomas Meunier
Country: Belgium
Shirt number: 12
Luke O’Nien
Country: England
Shirt number: 13
Omar Alderete
Country: Paraguay
Shirt number: 15
Reinildo Mandava
Country: Mozambique
Shirt number: 17
Nordi Mukiele
Country: France
Shirt number: 20
Trai Hume
Country: Northern Ireland
Shirt number: 32
Alan Browne
Country: Republic of Ireland
Shirt number: 8
Chris Rigg
Country: England
Shirt number: 11
Habib Diarra
Country: Senegal
Shirt number: 19
Noah Sadiki
Country: DR Congo
Shirt number: 27
Enzo Le Fée
Country: France
Shirt number: 28
Granit Xhaka
Country: Switzerland
Shirt number: 34
Chemsdine Talbi
Country: Morocco
Shirt number: 7
Brian Brobbey
Country: Netherlands
Shirt number: 9
Nilson Angulo
Country: Ecuador
Shirt number: 10
Romaine Mundle
Country: England
Shirt number: 14
Wilson Isidor
Country: France
Shirt number: 18
Jocelin Ta Bi
Country: Ivory Coast
Shirt number: 37
Sunderland Manager
Régis Le Bris
Role: Head coach
Nationality: France
Le Bris has taken Sunderland from the Championship play-offs to a seventh-place Premier League finish and qualification for the Europa League.
Recent League Record
| Season | Competition | Finish | Points | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Championship | 16th | 56 | Mid-table finish |
| 2024-25 | Championship | 4th | 76 | Promoted through the play-offs |
| 2025-26 | Premier League | 7th | 54 | Qualified for the Europa League |
How Sunderland Play
Le Bris can build the side around a strong central spine. Xhaka offers control and leadership, Le Fée can move the ball through tight areas, and Diarra, Sadiki and Rigg bring energy around them. Danso, Ballard, Alderete and Mukiele give the defence physical strength, while Hume and Meunier offer different options on the right.
There is variety in attack too. Brobbey and Isidor can work through the middle, Angulo and Mundle can carry the ball from wide positions, and Talbi and Ta Bi add direct running. That mix gives Sunderland flexibility to press high, defend in a compact shape or attack space in transition.
Stadium of Light
Sunderland have played at the Stadium of Light since 1997, when the club left Roker Park. Built on the site of the former Monkwearmouth Colliery, the ground’s name and setting keep a clear connection with the area’s industrial history.
The stadium holds about 49,000 supporters, making it one of the largest club grounds in England. Its scale suits a fanbase that travels in big numbers and turns home matches into major city occasions, particularly now that Premier League and European football are both back on Wearside.
Sunderland Kits 2026-27
Home Kit
Hummel keeps Sunderland’s red-and-white identity at the centre of the home shirt. The design takes inspiration from the club’s 1937 FA Cup triumph, giving a familiar striped look a historical reference that feels natural rather than forced.
Away Kit
The Elvis Presley collaboration uses the pink-and-black colours associated with his breakthrough years. An embossed pattern draws on 1950s design, while the inside neck carries words from Sunderland’s long-standing matchday anthem, “Can’t Help Falling in Love”.
Third Kit
The blue third shirt is rooted in Sunderland’s glassmaking history. Its repeating stained-glass pattern uses the football from the club’s ship crest, with copper details on the crest and Hummel chevrons adding warmth to the blue tones.
Sunderland 2026-27 FAQs
Who is Sunderland's head coach in 2026-27?
Régis Le Bris is Sunderland's head coach for the 2026-27 season.
Who is the Sunderland captain?
Granit Xhaka is Sunderland's captain.
Which league do Sunderland play in?
Sunderland play in the English Premier League.
Which European competition are Sunderland in?
Sunderland qualified for the 2026-27 UEFA Europa League after finishing seventh in the Premier League.
What is Sunderland's stadium?
Sunderland play their home matches at the Stadium of Light.
What is the Stadium of Light capacity?
The Stadium of Light holds about 49,000 supporters.
Who supplies Sunderland's 2026-27 kits?
Hummel supplies Sunderland's 2026-27 kits.
