Aston Villa captain McGinn, lifting the Europa League trophy: This is the proudest day of my career.

Aston Villa defeated Freiburg 3-0 in the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League final, with goals from Tielemans, Buendia, and Morgan Rodgers. After lifting the trophy, McGinn stated that the team had worked hard for many years to reach this point and called it the proudest moment of his career.

Aston Villa took a corner in the 41st minute, Morgan Rodgers chipped the ball into the box, and Tielemans volleyed it into the net, giving Aston Villa a 1-0 lead. In first-half stoppage time, McGinn passed the ball across the box, and Buendia, positioned at the edge of the penalty area, fired a long-range shot into the net, extending Aston Villa's lead over Freiburg to 2-0.

In the 58th minute of the second half, Buendia crossed the ball from the penalty area while dealing with the defense, and Morgan Rodgers slid in to score, helping Aston Villa extend their lead to 3-0.

Aston Villa ultimately triumphed over Freiburg 3-0 at Besiktas Stadium, securing the championship title.

Aston Villa captain McGinn said in an interview, "To be honest, I really can't believe it. Think about everything this club has been through, just like seven years ago, when the club was almost in a very bad situation. When Nasef Saviris and Wes Edens took over the club, they had only one goal: to get the team back to the Premier League and back to the competitive position they used to be."

"This match was the moment when everything we had worked so hard to build over the years finally came together. When there were 10 minutes left in the game and we were leading 3-0, I felt in my heart that we were about to become European champions, and the pride I felt was indescribable."

McGinn continued, "This means a lot to me. Growing up, I remember Celtic playing the Europa League final in Sevilla in 2003. Although it wasn't a great night for Celtic, it felt so special to me. Later, I was fortunate enough to watch the Europa League final at Hampton Park in 2007, so to be able to stand here as the captain of Aston Villa in 2026 is incredible."

"This is the proudest day of my career, and I will try my best to enjoy it all. I sometimes like to celebrate, but I will try to calm myself down and savor it all."

In addition, McGinn said, "I'm 31 years old, and this is my first European final in my career. I've watched my friends win all sorts of championships, like Robertson and Grealish, and now it's finally my turn. Maybe it's not the kind of top-level championship they won, but it's really special to me, and I will cherish every minute."

Image source: Internet