European football governing body UEFA has officially announced the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League Team of the Season, rewarding the competition’s most exceptional performers after a thrilling campaign that ended with Aston Villa lifting the famous trophy in Istanbul.
The selection, compiled by UEFA’s Technical Observer Group, reflects the outstanding consistency, leadership, creativity and influence displayed by players throughout the tournament. English Premier League club Aston Villa dominated the final lineup after their remarkable European run under Spanish manager Unai Emery, who guided the club to its first major continental trophy in decades.
Villa defeated German side Freiburg 3-0 in the Europa League final, producing one of the most commanding performances in recent Europa League history. The victory crowned an unforgettable season for the Birmingham club, whose return to the top level of European football has captured global attention.
UEFA’s Team of the Season features players from six different clubs, highlighting the depth and competitiveness that defined this year’s tournament. Aston Villa contributed the highest number of players with four representatives, while Freiburg and Nottingham Forest also secured multiple inclusions after impressive campaigns.
Among the biggest names on the list is Morgan Rogers, who enjoyed a breakthrough season and emerged as one of Europe’s brightest attacking talents. The England international was named UEFA Europa League Player of the Season after delivering decisive performances across the knockout stages and final.
Rogers’ creativity, dribbling ability and eye for goal proved instrumental in Aston Villa’s success. The midfielder consistently troubled opposition defenses with his pace and intelligent movement, while also contributing important goals and assists during the competition.
Another standout figure in Villa’s victorious squad was captain John McGinn, whose leadership and relentless energy in midfield earned him a deserved place in the Team of the Season. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was also recognized after producing several crucial saves throughout the tournament, especially during Villa’s tense knockout encounters.
Attacking midfielder Emiliano Buendía completed Aston Villa’s quartet of selected stars following a season in which he rediscovered top form and became a major creative force for the Premier League side.
German club Freiburg, despite losing the final, also received recognition for an impressive European campaign. Defender Robin Koch and Japanese winger Ritsu Doan both earned places in the elite XI after consistently delivering high-level performances throughout the tournament.
Nottingham Forest, another Premier League representative that exceeded expectations in Europe this season, saw defender Murillo and forward Igor Jesus included in the final selection. Their inclusion reflects Forest’s growing reputation as one of England’s emerging forces under their ambitious long-term project.
Portuguese side Braga was represented by experienced defender Nélson Semedo, while Spanish club Real Betis had left back Sergi Cardona selected following a series of strong defensive displays.
Celta Vigo midfielder Arsen Zakharyan also secured a place in the prestigious lineup after an outstanding campaign that showcased his technical brilliance and attacking versatility.
UEFA Europa League Team of the Season 2025/26
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez – Aston Villa
Defenders Nélson Semedo – Braga
Robin Koch – Freiburg
Murillo – Nottingham Forest
Sergi Cardona – Real Betis
Midfielders Morgan Rogers – Aston Villa
John McGinn – Aston Villa
Arsen Zakharyan – Celta Vigo
Forwards Emiliano Buendía – Aston Villa
Igor Jesus – Nottingham Forest
Ritsu Doan – Freiburg
UEFA explained that the selections were based on tactical impact, consistency, individual brilliance and influence in decisive moments throughout the competition. The Technical Observer Group monitored matches across the season before finalizing the squad after the conclusion of the final in Istanbul.
Aston Villa’s Europa League triumph has already been described as one of the club’s greatest modern achievements. The victory ended a long wait for major silverware and secured automatic qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Manager Unai Emery, widely regarded as one of Europe’s greatest knockout competition specialists, further strengthened his legendary reputation in continental football with another European title. The Spaniard has now guided multiple clubs to success in UEFA competitions and continues to prove his tactical mastery on the European stage.
Football analysts across Europe have praised Villa’s transformation under Emery, noting the club’s rapid rise from mid-table Premier League contenders to European champions within a short period. The club’s disciplined structure, attacking fluidity and mental resilience became defining features of their successful campaign.
The Europa League Team of the Season announcement has generated widespread discussion among football supporters, with many praising UEFA’s recognition of emerging talents alongside established stars. Morgan Rogers’ inclusion and Player of the Season award in particular has been celebrated as confirmation of his arrival among Europe’s elite young footballers.
The 2025/26 Europa League season delivered memorable moments, dramatic comebacks and outstanding individual performances, reinforcing the competition’s reputation as one of Europe’s most entertaining football tournaments.
With Aston Villa now preparing for Champions League football next season, expectations will continue to rise around the club as supporters dream of sustained success both domestically and in Europe.
