Who is Sam Surridge? The English forward battling Lionel Messi for the MLS Golden Boot 

In a season filled with unexpected twists, one name has emerged alongside Lionel Messi in Major League Soccer’s Golden Boot race — Sam Surridge. The 27-year-old Englishman, now a fan favorite in Tennessee, has taken the American league by storm, scoring 23 league goals and 29 across all competitions for Nashville SC.

While Messi’s name dominates global headlines, Surridge’s relentless form and decisive goals have made him a genuine contender for the league’s top-scorer honor. His rise from England’s lower divisions to one of MLS’s most prolific forwards is a story of persistence, maturity, and reinvention.

From Bournemouth to Nashville: A Career Reborn

Born in Slough, England, Sam Surridge began his professional journey with AFC Bournemouth, earning his stripes through a series of loan spells at clubs like Yeovil Town, Oldham Athletic, and Swansea City. His early years were marked by determination and a willingness to adapt, even as he moved between England’s lower tiers.

Surridge’s breakthrough came in the 2020–21 season with Bournemouth in the Championship, followed by a solid stint at Stoke City and later Nottingham Forest, where he helped the club gain promotion to the Premier League. However, limited playtime in England’s top flight led him to seek a new challenge abroad, and Nashville came calling in 2023.

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Nashville’s New Hero

Since joining Nashville SC, Surridge has flourished under the pressure of being the club’s designated striker. With his sharp finishing, physical presence, and calmness in front of goal, he quickly became a symbol of hope for the Tennessee-based team.

His goal in the US Open Cup Final delivered Nashville’s first-ever major trophy, etching his name into club history. The feat also cemented his reputation as one of MLS’s most lethal finishers, a player capable of matching global superstars stride for stride.

Going Toe-to-Toe with Messi

Surridge’s biggest storyline this season has been his race against Lionel Messi and Denis Bouanga for the MLS Golden Boot. The Englishman currently trails Messi by just three goals heading into the final weekend.

“Midway into the season, I was leading it and Messi caught up,” Surridge told BBC Sport. “It’s nice to go toe-to-toe with him, he’s one of the greatest, so to even be in that conversation means a lot.”

For Surridge, competing with Messi isn’t just a race for numbers, it’s validation of years of hard work and perseverance. His humility, professionalism, and consistency have earned admiration across the league.

Adapting to the American Game

Transitioning from the Premier League to MLS can be daunting, but Surridge has embraced the challenge. He revealed that his time in America has taught him new things about his body and his approach to the game.

“I’ve learned a lot about myself here, the styles, the travel, the conditions, it’s all different. You can’t compare it to England,” he said. “But I’ve enjoyed every minute. Nashville feels like home.”

Now with 29 goals this season, Surridge’s form is not only propelling Nashville’s playoff hopes but also putting him firmly in the spotlight as one of MLS’s breakout stars of 2025.

The Englishman Inspiring a Soccer City

Nashville, once known primarily for country music and American football, is fast becoming a soccer hub, and Sam Surridge is at the center of it. The English forward’s performances have turned heads, packed stadiums, and given local fans a new hero to rally behind.

As the MLS season reaches its climax, all eyes will be on Surridge vs. Messi, the ultimate battle of stardom and persistence.

Whether or not he lifts the Golden Boot, Super Sam has already made history.

FAQ

1. Who is Sam Surridge?

Sam Surridge is a 27-year-old English striker who plays for Nashville SC in Major League Soccer (MLS). Known for his composure and finishing, he is competing with Lionel Messi for the 2025 MLS Golden Boot.

2. How many goals does Sam Surridge have in 2025?

As of October 2025, Surridge has scored 23 league goals and 29 in all competitions, making it the most prolific season of his career.

3. What team does Sam Surridge play for?

Surridge plays for Nashville SC, an MLS club based in Tennessee, USA. He joined the team in July 2023 after leaving Nottingham Forest.

4. What is Sam Surridge’s background in England?

Before moving to the United States, Surridge played for AFC Bournemouth, Stoke City, and Nottingham Forest, helping Forest earn promotion to the Premier League in 2022.

5. How did Sam Surridge end up in MLS?

After limited playing time in England, Nashville SC signed Surridge in 2023 for around £5 million, making him one of the club’s designated players.

6. How does Sam Surridge compare to Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race?

Surridge trails Messi by only a few goals. The two are locked in a thrilling race for the 2025 MLS Golden Boot, alongside LAFC’s Denis Bouanga.

7. What makes Sam Surridge stand out in MLS?

Surridge’s mix of English grit, technical finishing, and consistency has made him one of the league’s most effective forwards. His leadership has also helped Nashville win their first US Open Cup.

8. How old is Sam Surridge and where is he from?

Surridge was born on July 28, 1998, in Slough, England.

9. What’s next for Sam Surridge?

Surridge has expressed his desire to continue improving and possibly compete for the MLS Cup with Nashville SC, aiming to cement his place among the league’s elite strikers.

10. Can Sam Surridge win the MLS Golden Boot over Lionel Messi?

It’s possible. With only a few goals separating them heading into the final weekend, Surridge remains a strong contender in what’s shaping up to be one of the tightest Golden Boot races in MLS history.