Full Breakdown
Morgan Rogers Named UEFA Europa League Player of the Season as Aston Villa End 30-Year Trophy Drought
5/22/2026, 10:46:26 PM
Historic Triumph: Rogers' Player of the Season Award
Morgan Rogers, the 23-year-old England international midfielder, was named the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League Player of the Season. UEFA announced the award on Thursday, citing his goal and assist in Aston Villa’s 3-0 victory over German side Freiburg in the final held in Istanbul. The win secured Villa’s first major trophy in three decades.
Road to Istanbul: Villa’s Tournament Journey
Aston Villa progressed through the tournament, playing teams such as Salzburg and Bologna, with Rogers scoring in both matches. He featured in all 15 of Villa’s matches, accumulating 1,088 minutes – the most of any Villa player in the tournament. The campaign culminated in a 3-0 final win that ended a 30-year wait for silverware.
Key Contributors and Recognitions
Rogers’ performances were complemented by teammates Emiliano Martínez (goalkeeper), John McGinn (midfielder) and Emi Buendía (midfielder), all of whom were selected for UEFA’s Team of the Season. Freiburg forward Johan Manzambi earned the Europa League Revelation of the Season award, while Nottingham Forest’s Igor Jesus and Ludogorets’ Petar Stanic shared the top-scorer accolade with seven goals each. Buendía also received the Hankook Player of the Match award for his goal and assist in the final.
Performance Metrics
- Appearances: 15 (all Villa matches)
- Goals: 3 (including the final’s third goal)
- Assists: 5 (including the final’s second-half set-piece)
- Minutes played: 1,088 (most for Villa)
These figures placed Rogers ahead of his teammates in total playing time and highlighted his dual contribution of scoring and creating goals. His 1,088 minutes were 67 more than any other Villa player in the tournament, underscoring his durability.
Official Statements & Responses
UEFA’s technical observer group confirmed Rogers’ selection, emphasizing his “cornerstone” role in Villa’s run. English national team manager Thomas Tuchel is expected to include Rogers in the forthcoming World Cup squad, according to reports. The award was announced ahead of the squad finalisation on Friday.
On-the-Ground Reports
Fans in Ghana organized a parade to celebrate Villa’s triumph, reflecting the club’s global supporter base and the significance of ending a three-decade trophy drought.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All three sources consistently report Rogers’ award, his statistical contributions, and Villa’s 3-0 final result. No discrepancies or missing information were identified. No source provided contradictory figures regarding his minutes, goals or assists.
What’s Next
Rogers is poised to join England’s World Cup squad, pending final selection. He is expected to be named by England manager Thomas Tuchel in the squad announced on Friday.
