Wilson Isidor has been praised by manager Regis Le Bris after his wholesome video emerged of his connection with Sunderland fans.
The 25 year old French forward, who signed for the Black Cats on loan from Zenit St Petersburg in summer 2024 before signing permanently in February, has gone on to become Sunderland’s top Premier League scorer this season with four goals in 17 appearances.
Le Bris spoke of Isidor’s emotional personality, his pride in wearing the Sunderland badge, and his interest in the club’s identity and region, noting that this open bond has positively influenced supporters.
The impressive season so far sees Sunderland currently sit sixth in the Premier League after 17 games, just two points off the top four.
Three minutes of Wilson being Wilson 🥰 pic.twitter.com/S55vrCa3p6
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) December 23, 2025
Le Bris spoke to the media before Sunday’s Premier League game against Leeds at the Stadium of Light.
Interviewer: “There was a lovely video of a club boss who once asked me to be meeting the fans, etc.
“Is he one of those players that you’ve seen in your career that is just simply connected with a fan base and a club, better than most people, would you say?”
Le Bris: “I don’t know if it’s [the way he has connected with the club and the fans] better than most people, but I think he is really well connected.
“That’s fair, and he likes understanding the region and the identity of the club.
“And he is emotional, so probably he shows this connection more than other players.
“And I think it is very positive for our fans.”
Reflecting on what has been a successful 2025: “The full year was really positive, we had consistency and good moments. We have been consistent as a club and as a group. This is how you get results.”
On being 6th in the table at Christmas: “It’s really positive. To get 27 points at this stage shows the quality of the group because if you are not at the level in this league – you can’t win points.”
On expecting a “tough challenge” from Sunday’s opponents: “Leeds are in good form at the moment, especially over the last four games. They switch into a back five, going maybe a little direct now in key moments. They are strong from set-pieces – good takers, good delivery with a strong physical presence in the box. They are doing well.”
He added: “If you think about it, every phase is important for the outcome of the game. Confidence can be built through this defensive shape,
“Our forwards, our wingers are really important in this part of the game even if they can often use their energy. They are doing really well so far.
“Obviously you need good centre-backs and a strong goalkeeper and so on but it is a great team effort.
“I think it is a progressive process. If you think about foundations, often you start with the defensive shape and then you work on your build-up and the progressive phase and then you finish in your final third.
“Now, we have better control of the ball and we are more confident to build-up under pressure against a strong press. We have to fine-tune this last part. Sometimes that is a question of collective behaviours but also confidence as well.
“It’s not the easiest part but I never worry about it.”
On Dan Neil and Dennis Cirkin, who have struggled for opportunities this season: “We have five games in two weeks with a small group so they are involved. They are training really well, which shows me their standards and their ability to stay connected. Football is like that – sometimes you don’t feel the opportunity is close but just one moment can find these opportunities. So maybe they will play.”
There was a huge reaction on social media, before Wilson Isidor was praised by Regis Le Bris after his wholesome video of his connection with fans…
@RyanEvans29: @IsidorWilson is a first class person, an outstanding footballer, & probably the face of the football club off the pitch on how he represents himself and the club. Love this guy. Just such a nice guy! #SAFC
@safcfootienutJo: Wilson is made for this stuff. He’s a people person clearly. The little ones will remember this forever. Happy Christmas to Wilson and his family.
@_mattpiper: Not all Footballers will have his type of personality, confidence, charisma and top class social skills but they could learn a lot from Wilson 🙌🏾 Humbleness, engagement, warmth and a genuine passion to interact with the most important people of the club! He gets it 👏🏾 🔴⚪️
@Terry_Twatter: Seems like a top fella. 99% of footballers today have the personality of a dead jellyfish so refreshing to see the odd one who can hold a conversation.
@OldGilles: What a lad. Properly understands what it means to represent a club.
@_Bartell_: You can’t help but fucking love @IsidorWilson. What a guy. He is so invested and connected with the club and fans ❤️ never met him, one of favourite players tho for sure 🔴⚪🔴⚪ #SAFC
@tenchylad: We all love @IsidorWilson, amazing on the pitch and amazing off the pitch. Joyeux Noël 🔴⚪️🎅
@juliesund: How lovely is Wilson. Such a gem ❤️
@safcking: What an absolute awesome superstar & instant legend
@HuntaThePunta2: Love Wilson. He’s such a genuine lovely bloke. Merry Christmas my marra 🎄❤️#SAFC
@FeTench: Awww Wilson 🥹 what is there not love about this fella ❤️🤍
@StaceyA_91: You can’t not love this bloke, proper took to the club & understands what it means to the area 🔴⚪️
@leannefisher980: Omg this is the best thing I’ve seen for a long time. What a guy 🥰 @IsidorWilson #safc
@safcfansreact: Love the stuff our social media team are doing… and ❤️ Wilson, too.
@MichaelPotts_: I know he drifts in and out of form, frustrating at times, but the reason I’m always so reluctant to drop Isidor is that you know he cares deeply about doing well. Bought into this place 100% – treats the club/fans with immense respect. What a breath of fresh air, man. #SAFC
