NafisaJordan Henderson celebrated Sunderland’s return to the Premier League at Wembley alongside Jobe Bellingham.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Henderson, one of Sunderland’s most renowned academy products, was among the ecstatic crowd at Wembley Stadium as the Black Cats secured a thrilling comeback to the Premier League.
Now 34 and representing Dutch heavyweights Ajax, Henderson observed from the stands with over 30,000 travelling fans as Regis Le Bris’ men completed a remarkable turnaround to defeat Sheffield United 2-1.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
For large parts of the match, it looked like Sheffield United would prevail. They broke the deadlock and retained their advantage during a lacklustre first half.
However, an inspired second-half revival saw Sunderland fight their way back into contention, capped off with a 95th-minute strike from Tom Watson that confirmed their long-awaited promotion after eight years in the Championship.
WHAT HENDERSON SAID
Posting a picture alongside rising star Bellingham, who played a key role in Sunderland’s promotion campaign, Henderson wrote on Instagram: “MOM and taking Sunderland back to the Prem! Not a bad day.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Having progressed through Sunderland’s youth system, Henderson made his senior bow in 2008 and swiftly established himself as a pivotal presence in midfield.
Over three seasons, he amassed 79 outings for the side before completing a headline £20 million switch to Liverpool just before his 21st birthday.
Now continuing his career in the Eredivisie with Ajax, Henderson experienced a bittersweet conclusion to the 2024–25 campaign. Despite Ajax’s impressive season, they narrowly missed out on the Dutch league crown on the final day, edged out by PSV Eindhoven by a solitary point.
WHAT NEXT FOR HENDERSON?
Henderson has been named in the England squad for two upcoming matches. Under new manager Thomas Tuchel, the Three Lions will take on Andorra in a World Cup qualifier on June 7, followed by a friendly versus Senegal at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground on June 10.
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