Congratulations to HRH Prince of Wales & Aston Villa Winners of the UEFA Europa Final
Aston Villa: Champions of Europe A sleeping giant awakens — Aston Villa’s glorious return to the summit of European football.
There are moments in sport that transcend the final whistle, that reach far beyond the roar of a crowd and settle deep into the soul of a nation. The night of 20 May 2026, beneath the shimmering lights of Beşiktaş Park in Istanbul, was precisely such a moment. Aston Villa Football Club, one of the most storied names in the history of the English game, lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy with a commanding, breathtaking 3–0 victory over SC Freiburg — ending thirty years of waiting with a performance of such power and elegance that it will be spoken of with reverence for generations to come.
The congratulations of an entire footballing world flow first and foremost to Chairman Nassef Sawiris, the visionary architect of Villa’s renaissance. His unwavering belief in the club, his ambition, his investment, and his relentless drive to restore Aston Villa to the very pinnacle of the European game have been nothing short of transformational. This trophy is as much a tribute to his extraordinary leadership as it is to the brilliance displayed on the pitch in Istanbul. Alongside him, co-owner Wes Edens deserves equal recognition for sharing and sustaining that magnificent vision through every chapter of this extraordinary journey.
Then there is the incomparable Unai Emery — a man who has now done what no manager in history has ever achieved, claiming a record-extending fifth UEFA Europa League title, and doing so with a Premier League club for the very first time. His tactical genius, his unshakeable calm, his ability to inspire and to organise, to demand excellence while nurturing belief — these qualities have elevated Aston Villa from hopeful contenders into European champions. He is, without question, the greatest manager this competition has ever produced, and on this golden night in Istanbul, he stood alone at the summit of the managerial world.
In a moment that touches the heart of England itself, sincere and joyful congratulations are extended to HRH The Prince of Wales on this magnificent European success. Aston Villa Football Club holds a very special place in the Royal household, and on this night of triumph in Istanbul, the claret and blue of Villa burns brighter than ever. To see their beloved club crowned champions of Europe is a moment of pure, unbridled joy — one that will be cherished not only by every Villa supporter around the world, but by all who believe in the enduring, uplifting power of the beautiful game. Villa, champions of Europe. 
The goals that secured this historic triumph were worthy of the occasion in every measure. Youri Tielemans opened the scoring with a sensational volley, perfectly timed and flawlessly struck, after Morgan Rogers floated a sublime cross from a short corner routine. Then, in the dying moments of the first half, Emiliano Buendía curled an absolute masterpiece into the top corner — a goal of devastating beauty that silenced any remaining doubt. Morgan Rogers completed the rout in the second half, tapping home a low Buendía cross with the composure of a champion. Buendía was rightly crowned Player of the Match, a recognition well deserved for a performance of irresistible quality and creativity. Ollie Watkins, John McGinn, Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Jadon Sancho, Emiliano Martínez, Marco Bizot, Tyrone Mings and every member of this extraordinary squad deserve the warmest and most heartfelt congratulations — for it was the collective spirit, the unity, and the relentless determination of the entire group that carried this club from the first matchday in September all the way to glory in Istanbul. The wait is over. Congratulations Aston Villa Football Club you are the UEFA Europa Champions of Europe – The dream is real.
