Sam Surridge, a name unfamiliar to many Premier League followers, has become one of the most talked-about forwards in Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2025. The English striker, now 26, has made a significant impact with Nashville SC, displaying goal-scoring abilities that have him outpacing legendary forward Lionel Messi this season. This remarkable turnaround highlights Surridge’s newfound success away from English football.
Though his time in England was marked by limited opportunities, Surridge’s move to the United States has allowed him to showcase his talent on a broader stage. His proficiency in front of goal, combined with consistency, has helped Nashville maintain an unbeaten streak and put him at the top of the MLS Golden Boot race.
The Early Years: Development and Challenges in England
Surridge’s football career began in the South of England where he joined Bournemouth’s academy at 14 years old. He gained valuable experience on loan with Weymouth and Poole Town, then further enhanced his reputation at Yeovil Town by scoring 10 goals in League Two. These performances earned him a loan spell at Oldham Athletic, where he netted 12 times in 20 appearances, which paved the way for his Premier League debut with Bournemouth against Arsenal in 2019.
During the 2019/20 season, Surridge was recognized as Bournemouth’s Under-21 Player of the Year, signaling his potential. His career continued with a loan to Swansea City, adding seven goals in 23 Championship matches. Eventually, he broke into Bournemouth’s senior squad and scored his first senior goal in an FA Cup fourth-round match, despite a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal.
Despite these achievements, regular first-team chances were limited. In 2021, Stoke City signed Surridge, where he spent just one season before moving to Nottingham Forest. There, he was instrumental in helping Forest secure promotion to the Premier League, contributing seven goals in 20 Championship games. However, back in England’s top tier, playing time remained scarce, prompting his transfer to Nashville in July 2023 for a fee of $6.5 million (£5 million).
Outshining Lionel Messi in 2025
Since joining Nashville, Surridge has steadily improved, but the 2025 season has marked a dramatic elevation in his performance. After scoring a hat-trick in a 3-2 victory over the New England Revolution—his second of the season—he propelled Nashville to extend their unbeaten run to 12 matches and climbed to the top of the Golden Boot leaderboard.
Teammate Daniel Lovitz commended Surridge’s ability to make a difference in critical moments, stating,
“Obviously, once the goals start coming, he’s a really dangerous guy to play against. It’s something that we’ve found out; throughout his time here, and having him be so prolific is so important to free up space for other guys, but he’s such a killer in the most important moments.”
—Daniel Lovitz, Nashville SC
“That’s what [you would] want for your No. 9. He’s a pleasure to play with.”
—Daniel Lovitz, Nashville SC
Surridge’s impressive statistics speak volumes. As of June 26, 2025, he has scored 15 goals in the MLS season, surpassing Messi’s 12 goals, and has contributed 17 overall goal involvements compared to Messi’s 15. Additionally, his expected goals (xG) stand at 13.4, significantly higher than Messi’s 7.7. Remarkably, Surridge scores approximately every 109 minutes, edging out Messi, who takes around 112 minutes per goal. These stats underline the stark contrast between Surridge’s recent form and his earlier struggles in English football, where he managed just one goal across 26 Premier League appearances.
What This Means for Surridge and MLS
Sam Surridge’s transformation from a Premier League fringe player to a leading figure in MLS represents a compelling narrative of resilience and adaptation. His ability to thrive in a different environment highlights the opportunities for players who might not find their footing in traditional European leagues.
For Nashville, having a striker capable of consistently delivering goals at crucial moments boosts the club’s prospects as they compete in the MLS. Surridge’s progress also adds excitement and credibility to the league, drawing attention from international football fans and scouts alike.
Looking ahead, Surridge’s performances in 2025 could pave the way for further recognition at both domestic and international levels, and his success story may inspire other players to reconsider their career paths beyond Europe’s top leagues. With his momentum growing, the coming months will be vital to see if he can maintain or even improve upon this momentous form.