But a glance outside the Premier League shows a host of players who spent their formative years at the Academy of Light - showing how the Black Cats’ impact stretches throughout the footballing pyramid.
We cast an eye over 17 highly-rated players who progressed through the Sunderland youth system and now play elsewhere. How many can you remember?
13. Dan Pybus
A more recent academy product, Pybus left Sunderland in 2017 for Bradford City. He later spent time in Norway playing for Tonsberg but is now closer to home - having signed for Scottish side Queen of the South. Photo: Other
14. Luke Molyneux
The attacking midfielder was released at the end of the 2018/19 season and subsequently joined Hartlepool United, where he remains today. He’s had an impressive season despite some injury concerns. Photo: Jordan Mansfield
15. Michael Ledger
Ledger left the Academy of Light in 2018 and headed to Norway, before teaming-up with former teammate Pybus at Queen of the South - who are managed by former Black Cats Allan ‘Magic’ Johnston. Photo: Ian Horrocks
16. Andrew Nelson
After impressing on a number of loan spells, Nelson was allowed to leave the Stadium of Light on a permanent basis in January of 2019 and headed to Dundee - where he remains today. Photo: Dan Mullan