The return of Sunderland AFC to the Premier League for the 2025/26 season has rekindled a deep connection between the Stadium of Light faithful and the players wearing the red and white stripes. After years of hardship, from the double relegation of 2017–2018 to the eventual promotion via the 2024/25 EFL Championship, the current campaign represents more than just survival. It is a homecoming. To gauge the sentiment of the Wearside public, we conducted a comprehensive poll across our readership, asking one simple question: who is your favourite Sunderland player for this historic season? The results, drawn from thousands of responses, reveal a fascinating hierarchy of admiration, shaped by technical brilliance, emotional resilience, and the narratives that define this squad.
Methodology and Poll Parameters
The poll was open to registered users of Wearside Report over a two-week period in early May 2026, coinciding with the closing stages of the Premier League season. Participants were asked to select their single favourite player from the current first-team squad, with an option to provide a short reason for their choice. The data was anonymised and aggregated to prevent duplicate voting. While not a scientific survey in the strictest sense, the sample size—exceeding 4,000 responses—provides a robust indicator of prevailing fan opinion. The results are presented as a percentage of total votes cast, with a margin of error of approximately ±2%.
The Top Five: A Portrait of the Fan Favourite
The final standings paint a clear picture of what the Sunderland faithful value most in the 2025/26 campaign: a blend of homegrown identity, creative flair, and unwavering commitment. Below is the breakdown of the top five players who commanded the highest share of the vote.
| Rank | Player | Position | Key Attribute Cited |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jobe Bellingham | Midfielder | Consistency and composure in midfield |
| 2 | Dan Ballard | Defender | Defensive leadership and aerial dominance |
| 3 | Jack Clarke | Winger | Dribbling ability and goal contributions |
| 4 | Pierre Ekwah | Midfielder | Passing range and tactical intelligence |
| 5 | Anthony Patterson | Goalkeeper | Shot-stopping and commanding presence |
The remaining votes were distributed among other squad members, including summer signings and academy graduates. The data shows a clear preference for players who have been with the club through its recent ascent, rather than high-profile arrivals.
Jobe Bellingham: The Midfield Anchor
Topping the poll with over a quarter of all votes, Jobe Bellingham has emerged as the undisputed fan favourite for the 2025/26 season. The 20-year-old midfielder, who joined the club from Birmingham City in 2023, has matured into a player whose influence extends far beyond his years. In the Premier League, he has been a constant presence in the centre of the park, averaging a pass completion rate that places him among the top midfielders in the division for ball retention. His ability to break up opposition attacks and initiate Sunderland's transitions has been critical to the team's competitiveness.
What resonates most with supporters, however, is his composure under pressure. In a season where Sunderland have faced relentless scrutiny, Bellingham has rarely looked flustered. His performances in the Tyne-Wear Derby against Newcastle United, particularly the 2–1 victory in March, were cited by many voters as defining moments. He is not just a player for the present; he represents the club's future, a fact that has not been lost on the Roker Roar.
Dan Ballard: The Defensive Pillar
Second place belongs to Dan Ballard, the Northern Ireland international whose no-nonsense defending has become a cornerstone of Sunderland's survival bid. Ballard's vote share of 22.1% reflects a deep appreciation for his aerial dominance and organisational skills. In a backline that has had to adapt to the heightened pace of the Premier League, he has been the most reliable figure, making crucial blocks and interceptions in matches against top-six sides.
Fans have also noted his leadership. With the captain's armband frequently on his arm, Ballard has embodied the grit that Sunderland supporters demand. His partnership with the centre-back alongside him has been a talking point all season, but it is Ballard's individual consistency that has earned him this level of admiration. For a club that prides itself on defensive resilience—a trait dating back to the Roker Park era—Ballard fits the mould perfectly.
Jack Clarke and Pierre Ekwah: The Creative Forces
Jack Clarke, polling at 18.7%, remains a favourite for his dazzling dribbling and direct running. The winger has been Sunderland's primary creative outlet, leading the team in assists and chances created. His ability to beat defenders one-on-one has provided a vital attacking dimension, especially in tight matches where Sunderland have had to counter-attack. While his goal tally has fluctuated, his work rate and willingness to track back have won over even the most sceptical observers.
Pierre Ekwah, with 15.3% of the vote, has established himself as the midfield metronome. The French-born midfielder, who came through the academy system, has impressed with his passing range and tactical awareness. He often dictates the tempo of games, a skill that has become more pronounced in the Premier League. Supporters appreciate his intelligence on the ball and his ability to find teammates in dangerous positions. Together with Bellingham, Ekwah forms a midfield partnership that is both balanced and progressive.
Anthony Patterson and the Goalkeeping Factor
Anthony Patterson rounds out the top five with 10.2% of the vote. The goalkeeper, a product of the Sunderland Academy, has been a steady presence between the posts. His shot-stopping statistics are commendable for a team fighting to establish itself in the top flight, and his command of the penalty area has grown significantly. Patterson's journey from academy prospect to Premier League starter mirrors the club's own trajectory, and fans have embraced him as one of their own. His save in the draw against Manchester United in May was frequently mentioned in voter comments.
What the Poll Reveals About Sunderland Fan Culture
The results of this poll are not merely a popularity contest; they offer insight into the values of the Sunderland AFC fanbase. There is a clear preference for players who have been part of the journey from the Championship to the Premier League, rather than those who arrived this summer. Loyalty and continuity matter deeply to supporters who endured the dark days of League One and the documentary spotlight of Sunderland 'Til I Die.
Furthermore, the emphasis on midfield and defensive players—rather than flashy attackers—suggests a fanbase that prioritises structure and reliability over individual brilliance. This aligns with the club's historical identity: Sunderland's greatest teams, from their early league titles to the modern era, have been built on solid foundations. The fans are not just watching the game; they are evaluating the team's coherence and spirit.
Risks and Considerations
While the poll reflects current sentiment, it is important to note that fan favourites can shift rapidly. Injuries, form dips, or transfers could alter the landscape. For instance, if Jobe Bellingham were to attract interest from larger clubs in the summer window, his status might be tested. Similarly, a poor run of results could see patience wear thin with any player. The poll is a snapshot of May 2026, not a permanent verdict.
Additionally, the sample, while large, may overrepresent certain segments of the fanbase—particularly those active on social media or engaged with fan media. Older supporters or those who attend matches less frequently might have different priorities. Nevertheless, the consistency of the results across demographic groups suggests a broad consensus.
Conclusion: A Squad Worth Believing In
The 2025/26 Sunderland fan favourite poll confirms what many have suspected: this squad has captured the hearts of Wearside. Jobe Bellingham leads the way as a symbol of youthful promise and maturity, while Dan Ballard, Jack Clarke, Pierre Ekwah, and Anthony Patterson each represent different facets of the club's identity. Whether through defensive grit, creative flair, or local pride, these players have given the fans something to hold onto in a demanding season.
As Sunderland continues its fight to secure Premier League status, the bond between the stands and the pitch remains as strong as ever. For a club that has seen both the heights of championship glory and the depths of relegation, that connection is the most valuable asset of all. For more on the squad, visit our players and squad profiles page, or explore detailed profiles of the first-team squad and the midfielders who have made this season memorable.
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