ISTANBUL — UEFA has officially named Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers as the Player of the Season for the 2025/26 Europa League. The 23-year-old playmaker was the driving force behind Unai Emery’s side, capping off a commanding European campaign with a clinical goal in the final against Freiburg.
Rogers was central to Villa’s success, appearing in all 15 matches of their tournament run. His contribution went beyond just finishing; he acted as the team’s primary creative spark, tying with teammate Emi Buendía for the most assists in the squad. Beyond his goal contributions—which included crucial strikes against Salzburg and Bologna his physical impact set him apart from his peers.
A Campaign Defined by Work Rate
The midfielder’s ability to influence the game was underlined by his physical output. Over the course of the competition, Rogers covered a total distance of 121.6 kilometers, an internal team record that exceeded his closest teammate by 8.1 kilometers.
His durability was equally notable. Playing 1,088 minutes across the campaign, he recorded 67 more minutes of action than any other player in the Aston Villa squad. This consistency allowed the team to maintain their tactical shape throughout the grueling knockout stages.
Europa League Player of the Season: Recent Winners
Rogers now joins a notable list of elite talents who have secured this accolade over the past decade.
| Season | Player | Club |
| 2025/26 | Morgan Rogers | Aston Villa |
| 2024/25 | Cristian Romero | Tottenham |
| 2023/24 | Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang | Marseille |
| 2022/23 | Jesús Navas | Sevilla |
| 2021/22 | Filip Kostić | Frankfurt |
| 2020/21 | Gerard Moreno | Villarreal |
| 2019/20 | Romelu Lukaku | Inter |
The recognition follows a season where Aston Villa not only secured the title but demonstrated a level of tactical discipline that saw them dominate their domestic and continental opposition. For Rogers, the award serves as a formal acknowledgment of his growth under Emery, positioning him as one of the most promising midfielders in European football today.
The Aston Villa midfielder claims the top individual honor following a standout campaign that culminated in a 3-0 victory over Freiburg in the Istanbul final.