Popular Brobbey and Roefs make AZ night in Sunderland extra exciting

AZ begin their Europa League adventure on Wednesday with a trip to Sunderland, the English club that for many years was primarily known from the Netflix series Sunderland 'Til I Die. The Dutch striker Brian Brobbey, who moved from Ajax to Sunderland in 2025 for €20 million, is considered a cult hero by the Black Cats.

Sunderland: from Netflix series to European challenge

Sunderland, the English club in England that fell back to the Championship a few seasons ago, has for many years primarily become known through the Netflix series Sunderland 'Til I Die. The club has since made a rise and now competes in the Europa League. English fans still remember the series well, but recent performances now dominate the discussion.

By Rian Rosendaal. According to club watcher Philip Smith of the Sunderland Echo, the Dutchmen Robin Roefs and Brian Brobbey are especially popular with the Black Cats. Smith emphasizes that Roefs played excellently last season and recently signed a new contract, which made fans happy. He calls Brobbey a true cult hero, especially after his winning goal against Newcastle United.

Brobbey arrived in 2025 from Ajax to Sunderland for €20 million and has a contract until 30 June 2029. He scored the winning goal in injury time in the away match against arch‑rival Newcastle United, which strengthened his status among the supporters. Smith adds that the fans appreciate his traditional striker profile, a rarity in modern football.

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Sunderland's recent season and European prospects

Sunderland finished last season as a promoted side in an impressive seventh place in the Premier League, which secured qualification for the Europa League. Smith notes that the extra‑busy European schedule generates both excitement and concern, given that the priority lies with stability in the Premier League. He points to the financial advantage of English clubs in European competitions.

Régis Le Bris, the 50‑year‑old French manager who joined Sunderland in 2024, led the club last season to promotion and achieved 54 points, the highest total since 2001. Under his guidance, the Stadium of Light became an almost impregnable fortress and Sunderland secured two victories over rival Newcastle United. Smith calls Le Bris one of the best modern Sunderland managers.

AZ, co‑leader in the Vriendenloterij Eredivisie, now focuses on their first European match in 53 years, this time in England. Although the Dutch club is less known among Sunderland supporters, there is great respect for their season start and their extensive European experience. The match promises to be a special evening for both clubs.

The expectation is that the atmosphere at the Stadium of Light will be electric, with fans looking forward to the showdown between the two popular Dutch players and the home side. Smith, however, warns that big clubs are closely monitoring Brobbey's development, meaning a departure before 2029 is not ruled out. The outcome of this European clash could affect both Brobbey's future and AZ's ambitions.