Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor has captured the hearts of fans and club officials alike after his dramatic 96th-minute winner against Brentford — a goal that not only sealed three vital points but also showcased the Frenchman’s deepening connection to the club and city. Non-executive director Leo Pearlman took to LinkedIn to share a glowing tribute to Isidor, praising his passion, resilience, and embodiment of Sunderland’s spirit.
⚽ A Moment to Remember
Isidor’s late strike at the Stadium of Light capped off a thrilling comeback for Régis Le Bris’ side, who had trailed earlier in the match. Remarkably, the 23-year-old played the game on zero sleep, having welcomed the birth of his daughter just hours before kickoff.
“You know what, people underestimate us, but we are Sunderland – and we are not afraid of anyone. And yes, my daughter is a Mackem,” Isidor said post-match — words that Pearlman quoted with pride.
🗣️ Pearlman’s Tribute: “He’s Captured Who We Are”
Pearlman praised Isidor’s commitment and emotional connection to the club, noting how quickly he’s embraced the identity of Sunderland.
“For someone who’s only been part of our club and our city for just over a year, he’s captured exactly who we are and what matters to us,” Pearlman wrote. “We are proud. We are unafraid. We are too often forgotten. And we always pass on who we are to the next generation.”
Isidor, who joined Sunderland in 2024 and helped the club win promotion from the Championship, has now scored twice off the bench this season. His work rate, impact, and off-pitch dedication have made him a fan favourite.
🔄 Le Bris Reflects on Sunderland’s Premier League Journey
Head coach Régis Le Bris also shared his optimism about Sunderland’s Premier League survival prospects, following an ambitious summer that saw the club spend over £150 million on new signings — including the high-profile arrival of Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen.
“I’m really positive,” Le Bris said. “One of the main challenges when you get promoted is to strengthen the squad… and I think so far we are really good.”
With wins over West Ham and Brentford in front of more than 45,000 fans, Sunderland have made a strong start to the season. Their only setback came in a 2–0 defeat away to Burnley, and they now face a tough test against Crystal Palace.
🔮 A Club on the Rise
Le Bris praised the club’s structure and ambition, saying the energy and desire to seize the opportunity of Premier League football has been palpable.
“We know that to grow as a club in this league, it’s a tough challenge. It’s not linear… but right now, we can feel that we are well-organised and ambitious.”
With players like Isidor leading by example and a squad brimming with new talent, Sunderland are not just surviving — they’re building something special. And as Pearlman’s tribute shows, the connection between club, city, and supporters is stronger than ever.