Morgan Rogers has been named the UEFA Europa League Player of the Season, capping a remarkable personal campaign that saw the Aston Villa midfielder play a central role in ending his club's 30-year wait for a major trophy.
The 23-year-old was recognised by UEFA's technical observer group after a tournament in which he scored three goals and registered five assists across 15 appearances, totalling 1,088 minutes — 67 more than any other Villa player. In the final itself, a 3-0 victory over Freiburg on Wednesday, Rogers contributed both a goal and an assist to help seal the club's historic night.
A season that demanded recognition
The award reflects just how influential Rogers has been throughout Villa's European run. His energy in midfield, willingness to arrive late into dangerous areas and consistent involvement in key moments set him apart from a strong field of contenders. Those numbers — eight direct goal contributions across the competition — tell only part of the story; his pressing and link-up play were equally important to Unai Emery's system.
Rogers was not alone in earning individual recognition. Three of his Villa team-mates were also included in the UEFA Europa League Team of the Season, selected by the technical observer panel:
- Emiliano Martinez — named as the side's goalkeeper in the XI
- John McGinn — recognised in midfield alongside Rogers
- Emi Buendia — included as a forward, with one of his strikes in the final also voted the fifth-best goal of the entire competition
Youri Tielemans also received a goal-of-the-tournament nod, with his effort in the final ranked seventh. The top prize for the competition's best goal went to Jones El-Abdellaoui of Celta Vigo for a volley against Ludogorets.
Nottingham Forest earn their own recognition
Despite falling at the semi-final stage — beaten 4-1 on aggregate by Villa — Nottingham Forest contributed two players to the Team of the Season. Defender Morato and forward Igor Jesus both impressed enough during their run to earn places in the XI, a welcome reminder of how far Forest travelled in the competition before meeting their match against the eventual winners.
England call-up expected to follow
The individual accolade arrives at a significant moment for Rogers personally. He is widely expected to be included in England manager Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad when it is announced on Friday. A breakout Europa League campaign, culminating in a trophy and the tournament's top individual award, would make it difficult to overlook him.
At 23, Rogers now heads into the summer with a winner's medal, UEFA recognition and, potentially, a first major international tournament on the horizon. For a player who has steadily developed since arriving at Villa Park, this feels less like a peak and more like a launchpad.
Aston Villa's European triumph is a landmark moment for the club, and Rogers has emerged from it as one of English football's most exciting midfielders. The rest of the continent has been put on notice.
Frequently asked
- What did Morgan Rogers win in the Europa League?
- Morgan Rogers was named the UEFA Europa League Player of the Season after helping Aston Villa win the tournament. He scored three goals and made five assists across 15 appearances in the competition.
- Who was in the UEFA Europa League Team of the Season?
- The team included four Aston Villa players — Emiliano Martinez, John McGinn, Morgan Rogers and Emi Buendia — as well as Nottingham Forest pair Morato and Igor Jesus, among others selected by UEFA's technical observer group.
- Will Morgan Rogers be in England's World Cup squad?
- Rogers is widely expected to be named in Thomas Tuchel's England World Cup squad, with the announcement due on Friday. His Europa League Player of the Season award strengthens his case significantly.