Brian Brobbey Is Far More Than Just A Sunderland Cult Hero!

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 20: Brian Brobbey #19 of the Netherlands celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F match between Netherlands and Sweden at Houston Stadium on June 20, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images) | Getty Images Brian Brobbey’s first season in the Premier League had Sunderland fans and Premier League defenders taking notice.

class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">It was the first time in a long time that I felt like our club had that talismanic, ‘cult hero’ striker. Of course, I loved the likes of Rosco in recent times, but it just feels different in the Premier League, right?

class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">It doesn’t bear thinking about that we could’ve been sat with Marc Guiu — and in my opinion looking at relegation rather than Europe — had Liam Delap not gotten injured. Thanks for that by the way, mate.

class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">For a bit of context, I was six when Niall Quinn and Kevin Phillips left the Lads, so for me growing up, our strikers weren’t always critically acclaimed — Golden Boot winners, more ‘cult heroes’, whether that was based on ability or character.

class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">The four that always spring to mind for me are Djibril Cissé, Asamoah Gyan, Ji Dong-won (for one moment only!), and Jermain Defoe.

class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">As a kid, of course I loved goalscorers and the excitement they brought, but my reason for adoring them was much simpler. I could say it was Cissé‘s goal in the derby that made me love him when really it was his dyed green mohawk. Gyan came in as a record signing not long afterwards and reached double digits in goals, but it’s the celebrations I remember.

Ji, like I say, was purely for that one moment against City. I was falling about in the stand with my brother and grandpa — and to think he almost had us leave a minute before! I’m still not sure if the reaction to that goal was beaten until the 121st minute on 13 May.

class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">Defoe just felt a class above at times, with unbelievable goals, but his personal involvement with the fans is a big part of why I remember him so fondly.

class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">Sometimes I know I’m viewing these players through red and white-tinted specs — no doubt they were great, but in those moments I wouldn’t have swapped them for another striker.

class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">In the last year, I’ve felt almost child-like in the way I’ve celebrated Brobbey. His goals were some of the most important of the season, for sure, but it’s the bullying of defenders, decking James Tarkowski, Ruben Dias, Gabriel and at least one half of every centre back pairing in the league.

class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">On this occasion, I’d be confident that I’m not alone in saying I wouldn’t swap Brobbey for another striker in our league or any other, for that matter, and the Netherlands vs Sweden on Saturday only confirmed that.

A brace inside seventeen minutes on the biggest stage.

class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">Pundits gushing about his hold-up play, strength and finishing after the match, and fans from every country talking on social media, genuinely shocked at his ability. I’m not ashamed to say it was less than an hour after the full-time whistle that I went online to order a Netherlands home shirt with ‘Brobbey 19’ on the back.

class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">Seven goals in his first Premier League season and part of a Europa League-qualifying squad — I’m still not over that one, either. He’s truly a unique player and it’s not hyperbole when I say he’s the best in the world at his game.

class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">What I’m trying to say is that Brobbey has transcended the Sunderland ‘cult hero’ tag very quickly.

class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">He’s now getting global recognition for his ability and I hope he keeps doing his thing with the national side, but are anybody else’s nerves going to be rattling until the transfer window closes?