PREMIER LEAGUE CLUB GUIDE
Aston Villa
NICKNAME
The Villans / Villa
FOUNDED
1874
STADIUM
Villa Park (capacity: 42,785)
CITY
Aston, Birmingham
COLOURS
Claret and blue
CURRENT MANAGER
Club History
Aston Villa are one of the founding members of the Football League in 1888 and one of England’s most historic clubs. They won the First Division seven times before the Premier League era and were champions of Europe in 1982 — beating Bayern Munich 1-0 in the European Cup final in Rotterdam. After decades in the middle of the pack, Villa were taken over by billionaires Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens in 2018 and the investment began to show. Promotion from The Championship in 2019 was followed by gradual improvement, and the appointment of Unai Emery in 2022 transformed them into genuine title and European contenders.
Known For
1982 European Cup winners — one of only five English clubs to win Europe’s top prize
Villa Park — a truly iconic, atmospheric stadium in Birmingham city
The Holte End — one of the most famous ends in English football
Claret and blue colours shared with West Ham (the two clubs have the same kit colours by coincidence)
One of the seven founding members of the Football League, created in 1888
Unai Emery‘s transformation — from mid-table to European champions in three years
Key Players to Watch
Ollie Watkins — Striker
England’s striker at the World Cup and Villa’s top scorer. Athletic, clever movement, works incredibly hard. Took time to become a top-level striker but is now one of the best in England.
Morgan Rogers — Attacking midfielder
Young English talent who has blossomed under Emery. Creative, energetic and improving every season.
Emiliano Martínez — Goalkeeper
World Cup winner with Argentina in 2022. One of the best goalkeepers in the world — particularly dominant in the penalty area and a wall at set pieces.
Stadium Guide
Villa Park has been Aston Villa‘s home since 1897. Capacity of 42,785 in the heart of Birmingham. The Holte End — the huge terrace behind one goal — creates one of the best atmospheres in English football. The ground has hosted FA Cup semi-finals and international matches.
Major Honours
First Division: 7. FA Cup: 7. League Cup: 5. European Cup/Champions League: 1 (1982). Europa League: 1 (2025/26). Conference League: 0.
Rivals
Birmingham City (Second City Derby — the fiercest local rivalry in the Midlands), Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Bromwich Albion.
2025/26 Season
Final position: 4th — Champions League qualified 🏆 Europa League winners
Aston Villa‘s greatest season in four decades. They finished fourth in the Premier League to qualify for The Champions League, and won the UEFA Europa League with a 3-0 final victory over Freiburg in Istanbul. Their first continental trophy since the 1982 European Cup.