Sunderland’s rising star Eliezer Mayenda has officially penned a new long-term contract that binds him to the Stadium of Light until June 2030. The news, announced by Sunderland AFC on August 7, 2025 and corroborated via a retained‑list entry confirming the deal until 30 June 2030, marks a vote of confidence in the 20‑year‑old forward’s immense potential.
Mayenda’s rise has been meteoric. The Spanish youth international, born in Zaragoza and of Congolese and Togolese descent, emerged from FC Sochaux’s academy before joining Sunderland in July 2023. After a developmental stint on loan at Hibernian in early 2024, he returned to Wearside with renewed vigor under the guidance of head coach Régis Le Bris.
During the 2024–25 Championship season, Mayenda became indispensable to Sunderland’s promotion push, registering 10 goals and 5 assists across all competitions—including a vital equaliser in the playoff final at Wembley to spark a dramatic victory that sealed promotion to the Premier League for the first time in eight years.
Renowned transfer insider Fabrizio Romano disclosed that despite widespread interest from other clubs, Mayenda was determined to stay at Sunderland, stating: “Despite interest from several clubs, Mayenda only wanted to stay at #SAFC.”
The club’s official communications echoed this sentiment, with Mayenda himself affirming: “I’m very happy to sign a new contract. I think everybody knows that for me, this is my team, my club, my city – so it’s a special moment. Sunderland fans are very, very special. … Playing at the Stadium of Light is always incredible.”
The context of the signing underscores its significance. Sunderland, fresh from promotion, has actively reinforced its squad ahead of the 2025–26 season, securing names like Granit Xhaka, Habib Diarra and others. Securing homegrown talent like Mayenda, who is now firmly entrenched as a central figure, elevates the club’s ambitions in England’s top flight.
Beyond the headlines, Mayenda’s journey is a testament to patient development and resilience. He famously made history at Sochaux when he debuted at just 16 years, 7 months and 10 days—becoming the club’s youngest ever player.
Upon signing for Sunderland in 2023, he struggled initially, suffering a hamstring injury and later a goalless loan at Hibernian. But his hard work paid off. He earned his first Spain Under‑21 call‑up in March 2025, remarking, “It was an amazing feeling… very happy and very proud… I want to become a better player.”
His performative leap in 2024–25 was not only quantified in goals and assists but also mirrored in impactful moments. He produced a stunning solo goal against Bristol City and delivered a clutch equaliser in the Championship play-off final—a strike that many already regard as the most important of his young career.