There was a time when Sunderland AFC stood as a symbol of English footballing heritage.
A time when the proud Black Cats held their ground in the topflight with pride and passion.
But as any fan knows, Sunderland’s league history hasn’t been without heartbreak.
The question, “When did Sunderland get relegated?” is etched painfully into supporters’ memories.
2017 marked their drop from the Premier League, a year that felt like the beginning of the end.
Worse was to follow.
In 2018, the club suffered the unthinkable: a second consecutive relegation, sending them down to League One.
For a club of their stature, it was a gut punch, and fans began to ask: “Are Sunderland in the Premier League?” Sadly, for years, the answer was no.
The Stadium of Light, once echoing with Premier League roars, had become quieter, frustrated sighs replacing celebratory chants.
Mismanagement, poor recruitment, and uncertainty cast long shadows across Wearside.
The days when Sunderland competed among England’s elite felt distant. After all, when were Sunderland last in the Premier League?
The answer was 2017, which haunted fans for seasons to come.
Yet, if football teaches us anything, it’s that resilience often follows ruin.
With the arrival of Kyril Louis-Dreyfus in 2021, and the appointment of Alex Neil, a spark ignited.
Neil’s no-nonsense philosophy brought discipline, drive, and a sense of unity back to the club.
Sunderland’s league history may be filled with highs and lows, but this was the start of a new chapter, and one fuelled by hunger and hope.
That spark turned into wildfire at Wembley in May 2022, where Sunderland defeated Wycombe Wanderers 2-0 in the League One play-off final in front of 72,000 fans.
After four long years, they had clawed their way back to the Championship.
But they weren’t done yet.
No.
In their first season back, rather than merely survive, they flourished.
A fearless young squad featuring breakout stars like Jack Clarke and Dan Neil surprised everyone with so powerful a comeback.
Even when Neil left unexpectedly, Tony Mowbray took the reins and led Sunderland to a shock playoff finish in 2023.
The road back hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been inspiring.
Sunderland’s return is a true footballing success story that demonstrates what passion, grit, and unwavering community support looks like.
Now, in 2025, the question on everyone’s mind is shifting once more: Are Sunderland in the Premier League?
Not yet, but they're knocking loudly at the door.
As they push toward promotion once again, the Black Cats are no longer seen as a team on the decline. They are the underdog everyone is rooting for.
And on 16 August 2025, they’ll be taking on West Ham at 16:00.
This is Sunderland.
This is what it means to be an underdog.
And this might just be one of the sport’s greatest comebacks.
Don’t miss it.
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