rewrite this title McGinn hails ‘proudest night of my career’ as Aston Villa end 30-year wait

Aston Villa captain John McGinn labelled their Europa League final triumph as the proudest night of his career after they ended a 30-year wait for a major trophy with a 3-0 win over Freiburg.

Without silverware since their EFL Cup final win over Leeds United in 1996, Villa vindicated their status as favourites in Istanbul as they captured their first European trophy since 1982 in style.

The first half was cagey for long periods as Freiburg succeeded in frustrating Villa, until Youri Tielemans broke the deadlock with a stunning volley from a brilliantly crafted set-piece in the 41st minute.

Seven minutes later, Emi Buendia doubled the lead with the final kick of the first half, sensationally finding the top-left corner with an outstanding curling effort from long range.

Morgan Rogers essentially put the game beyond doubt with a far less spectacular effort from Buendia’s low near-post delivery, leaving McGinn, whose previous honours came in the Scottish League Cup with St Mirren in 2012-13 and the Scottish Cup with Hibernian in 2015-16, to bask in his greatest achievement in club football.

“I can’t believe it to be honest,” McGinn told TNT Sports. “What we’ve been through as a club, this club was close to being in a right bad way seven years ago [when Villa were promoted back to the Premier League via the play-offs].

“V Sports bought the club over. Their one remit was to get it back to the Premier League and back to the levels of before. 

“Tonight was everything we built coming together. The pride I felt with 10 minutes to go knowing we were about to be champions – I cant describe it.

“We started well. I’m biased, but we have a great set piece coach in Austin MacPhee. We tried to deceive a bit with the set piece. We did it against Liverpool at the weekend. Youri has great quality to find the goal. It’d have been over the bar if it were me!”

Asked what it means to win the trophy, McGinn replied: “It means a lot. As a kid growing up I remember Celtic in 2003 [UEFA Cup final]. It wasn’t a great night for them but it was special.

“I was lucky enough to go the final [between Espanyol and Sevilla] at Hampden in 2007. To be here, in 2026, as captain of Aston Villa is incredible. It’s the proudest night of my career. 

“I’ll try to enjoy it. I like to party but I’ll take it easy to try and soak it all in.

“Being 31, in my first European final, I’ve seen my mates [Jack] Grealish and [Andy] Robertson win. It’s my turn. It’s so special, I’ll cherish every minute.”