It has a legacy that stretches back to the 19th century and includes one of the sport’s biggest international achievements. It became one of England’s early soccer powerhouses after winning multiple First Division championships.

Their greatest moment arrived in 1982, when the club defeated Bayern Munich 1-0 to win the European Cup. Although the club later endured difficult periods, it has reemerged as a major force under Unai Emery.

How many Premier League/First Division titles have Aston Villa won?

Aston Villa have won seven English top-flight titles in their history. All seven championships came before the creation of the Premier League in 1992, during the old Football League First Division era. Their league titles came in:

• 1893-94
• 1895-96
• 1896-97
• 1898-99
• 1899-1900
• 1909-10
• 1980-81

They were one of England’s dominant clubs during the late 19th century, winning five league titles in just seven seasons. That early success helped establish the Birmingham side as one of the foundational powers of English soccer.

The club’s most recent top-flight championship came in 1980-81 under manager Ron Saunders. That title set the stage for Aston Villa’s historic European Cup triumph the following season.

Although they have never won the Premier League era title, they have remained one of the most decorated traditional clubs in England thanks to their historic success before 1992.

How many FA Cups have Aston Villa won?

Aston Villa have won the FA Cup seven times. That total places them among the most successful clubs in the history of England’s oldest domestic cup competition. Their FA Cup victories came in:

• 1887
• 1895
• 1897
• 1905
• 1913
• 1920
• 1957

Their first-ever major trophy was the 1887 FA Cup, when the club defeated West Bromwich Albion in the final. The victory helped launch Aston Villa into the elite level of English soccer during the sport’s early professional era.

Their most recent FA Cup title dates back to 1957 after beating Manchester United 2-1 at Wembley Stadium. That United team became famously known as the “Busby Babes”, making the victory one of the most significant finals.

When did Aston Villa win the European Cup?

Aston Villa won the European Cup in 1982. The club secured the title on May 26, 1982, by defeating Bayern Munich in the final at De Kuip Stadium in Rotterdam.

Peter Withe scored the only goal of the match in the second half, while backup goalkeeper Nigel Spink became a club legend after replacing the injured Jimmy Rimmer early in the game and producing several crucial saves.

They qualified for the tournament after winning the 1980-81 First Division title under Ron Saunders. Although Saunders resigned late in the European campaign, assistant manager Tony Barton guided the club through the final stages.

What was Aston Villa’s last major trophy?

Aston Villa’s last major trophy came in 2026, when they beat Freiburg in the UEFA Europa League final and lifted the trophy thanks to a 3-0 win, with goals scored by Youri Tielemans, Emiliano Buendia and Morgan Rogers.

Under Unai Emery, Aston Villa reemerged as a serious contender in both England and Europe. Their run to the 2026 Europa League title saw them return to glory after years of wait.

How many League Cups have Aston Villa won?

Aston Villa have won the League Cup six times. They remain one of the competition’s most successful clubs historically. Their League Cup victories came in: 1961, 1975, 1977, 1994, 1996 and 2026.

The 1975 triumph was particularly memorable because they won the competition while still outside England’s top division. The club defeated Norwich City in the final shortly before returning to the First Division.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s 1994 League Cup victory over Manchester United was one of the biggest surprises of the early Premier League era. The team defeated Sir Alex Ferguson’s heavily favored side 3-1 at Wembley.

Which managers won the most trophies with Aston Villa?

George Ramsay won the most trophies in Aston Villa history. The legendary Scottish manager, known as the club secretary during that era, helped transform Villa into one of the dominant teams in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

During Ramsay’s tenure, they won 6 First Division titles and 6 FA Cups. His influence on Aston Villa is so significant that many historians still consider him one of the most important figures in the development of English soccer itself.

Other iconic Aston Villa managers include:

• Ron Saunders — led Villa to the 1980-81 league title
• Tony Barton — guided Villa to the 1982 European Cup
• Brian Little — won the 1996 League Cup
• Unai Emery — led Villa back into Europe and to the 2026 Europa League title

What is Aston Villa’s most successful era?

Aston Villa’s most successful era came between the late 1890s and early 1900s. During that stretch, they won multiple league titles and FA Cups while becoming one of the sport’s first powerhouse clubs.

Between 1894 and 1900 alone, they captured five First Division titles and two FA Cups. Their dominance during soccer’s formative years helped establish the club as one of England’s traditional giants.

Another iconic era arrived in the early 1980s. Under Ron Saunders and Tony Barton, they won the First Division title in 1981 before conquering Europe with the 1982 European Cup victory over Bayern Munich.

The Spanish coach built his legendary reputation in Europe through an extraordinary run with Sevilla before adding another continental crown years later with Villarreal. His relationship with the league has become almost mythical.

Now managing Aston Villa, he arrived at yet another Europa League final with the chance to extend not only Aston Villa’s trophy cabinet, but also his own record even further. In 2026, the Villa boss prepared himself for his sixth final as a manager and led the club to victory.

Which teams did Unai Emery win the Europa League with?

Unai Emery has won the UEFA Europa League with Sevilla, Villarreal and Aston Villa. The Spanish coach first built his legacy with Sevilla FC before later guiding Villarreal CF to the biggest European title in club history.

Emery’s dominance with Sevilla became one of the defining eras of the modern Europa League. Between 2014 and 2016, the club won three consecutive titles under his leadership, a feat no manager had previously achieved in the competition’s modern format.

He later returned to the top of the tournament with Villarreal in 2021, defeating Manchester United in a legendary penalty shootout final. That victory gave him his fourth Europa League title overall and officially established him as the competition’s most successful manager.

In 2026, he extended that legacy even further by winning the Europa League with Aston Villa in a match against Freiburg, completing a rare achievement of lifting the trophy with multiple clubs across different leagues and eras.

When did Unai Emery win each Europa League title?

• 2014 — Sevilla defeated Benfica
• 2015 — Sevilla defeated Dnipro
• 2016 — Sevilla defeated Liverpool
• 2021 — Villarreal defeated Manchester United
• 2026 — Aston Villa defeated Freiburg

The 2016 victory against Liverpool remains especially memorable because Sevilla came from behind to win 3-1 and complete an unprecedented Europa League three-peat. The 2021 final became one of the most dramatic in European history.

Villarreal defeated Manchester United 11-10 in penalties after every outfield player converted their spot kick before goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli scored and then made the decisive save.

Has any manager won more Europa League titles than Unai Emery?

No manager has won more Europa League titles than Unai Emery. With five Europa League trophies, he holds the all-time managerial record in the competition.

Before his rise, legendary coaches such as Giovanni Trapattoni were considered the gold standard in the UEFA Cup and Europa League era. Trapattoni won the competition three times, but Emery surpassed that mark through his success.

How many Europa League finals has Unai Emery coached in?

Unai Emery has coached in six Europa League finals, including the 2026 final with Aston Villa. UEFA confirmed ahead of the Freiburg matchup that the Spanish manager is preparing for his sixth Europa League final appearance as a coach.

His Europa League finals are:

• 2014 — Sevilla vs Benfica
• 2015 — Sevilla vs Dnipro
• 2016 — Sevilla vs Liverpool
• 2019 — Arsenal vs Chelsea
• 2021 — Villarreal vs Manchester United
• 2026 — Aston Villa vs Freiburg

Very few managers in European history have reached six finals in the same continental competition. His repeated success in knockout soccer has made him synonymous with the Europa League itself.

What is Unai Emery’s record in Europa League finals?

Unai Emery has a 5-1 record in Europa League finals entering the 2026 final with Aston Villa. The only Europa League final he lost came in 2019 while managing Arsenal against Chelsea.

His four victories came with Sevilla and Villarreal, giving him the best finals record of any modern Europa League manager. His ability to prepare teams for high-pressure knockout matches has become one of his defining characteristics.

The 2019 defeat against Chelsea remains the lone blemish on an otherwise extraordinary European résumé. Chelsea defeated Arsenal 4-1 in Baku, denying Emery a fourth consecutive Europa League final victory.

Why is Unai Emery called “Mr. Europa”?

Unai Emery is called “Mr. Europa” because of his unmatched success in the UEFA Europa League. The nickname emerged after his dominant run with Sevilla and has followed him throughout his managerial career.

Between 2014 and 2016, he transformed Sevilla into the defining club of the competition, winning consecutive Europa League titles. Later, he added another trophy with Villarreal and guided Aston Villa to the 2026 final.

The nickname has become so widespread that fans across social media frequently joke that the tournament should be renamed after him. One viral thread ahead of the 2026 final featured fans calling the competition the “Unai Emery League”.

Even so, Emery himself has repeatedly rejected the “king of the Europa League” label, insisting that every final is a completely different challenge.

Did Unai Emery ever win the UEFA Champions League?

No, Unai Emery has never won the UEFA Champions League as a manager. Despite his Europa League dominance, Europe’s biggest club trophy has remained out of reach throughout his coaching career.

He came closest during his time with Villarreal in 2022, when the Spanish club reached the Champions League semifinals after eliminating Juventus and Bayern Munich. Villarreal were eventually knocked out by Liverpool.

His spell with PSG also carried enormous Champions League expectations because of the club’s superstar roster. However, PSG suffered painful knockout exits during his tenure, including the famous collapse against Barcelona in 2017.

What was Unai Emery’s most famous Europa League victory?

Unai Emery’s most famous Europa League victory is widely considered Villarreal’s 2021 triumph over Manchester United. The final instantly became one of the most memorable matches in modern soccer because of its penalty shootout.

After a 1-1 draw, the match went to penalties, where all 20 outfield players converted their attempts before Villarreal goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli scored and then saved David de Gea’s shot to secure an 11-10 victory.

That title delivered Villarreal’s first major European trophy and gave Emery his record-breaking fourth Europa League crown. The victory also cemented his reputation as the greatest manager in the history of the competition.

How has Unai Emery performed with Aston Villa in Europe?

Unai Emery has transformed Aston Villa into one of Europe’s biggest surprise stories since taking charge of the club in 2022. Under Emery, the club returned to continental relevance and reached its first major European final since 1982.

When he arrived at Villa Park, Aston Villa were struggling near the bottom of the Premier League table. UEFA highlighted this week that the club sat 17th in England when he took over in November 2022.

Since then, he has completely changed the trajectory of the club. Aston Villa qualified for European competitions again, reached the Conference League semifinals in 2024 and advanced to the Champions League quarterfinals in 2025.

Villa’s run to the 2026 Europa League final included victories over Lille, Bologna and Nottingham Forest, further strengthening the coach’s reputation as one of soccer’s elite knockout managers as Aston Villa claimed the Europa League’s prize money.

Under UEFA’s current financial distribution model, clubs collect money at every stage of the competition, from league-phase participation to knockout-round progression and the final itself.

For Aston Villa and Freiburg, the final was about far more than lifting a trophy. Winning the Europa League also secures a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League, unlocking another massive stream of revenue.

What is the total prize pool for the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League?

The total prize pool for the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League is approximately €565 million, according to official reports. The Europa League receives roughly 17% of UEFA’s overall €3.3 billion club competition revenue fund.

The money is divided across several financial categories rather than paid out through one fixed championship prize. Around €155 million is allocated to participation fees for clubs reaching the league phase, while performance-related bonuses account for more than €212 million of the total distribution.

Another major portion comes from UEFA’s “value pillar”, which includes TV revenue and historical club coefficient payments. The expanded 36-team format has also increased the number of matches and commercial inventory available to UEFA broadcasters and sponsors.

How much money does the Europa League runner-up get in 2026?

The Europa League runner-up in 2026—Freiburg—receives a €7 million final participation payment from UEFA, even without winning the trophy. UEFA’s official competition distribution model awards fixed bonuses for each knockout round, including a substantial payout simply for reaching the final.

That figure, however, represents only part of the total earnings. By the time a club reaches the final, it has already accumulated revenue through league-phase participation fees, wins and draws bonuses, ranking payments and knockout-stage rewards.

The difference between winning and losing the final is still massive financially. UEFA awards an additional €6 million winner’s bonus to the champion, meaning the title-winning side receives both the finalist payment and the victory bonus combined.

How is UEFA Europa League prize money distributed?

UEFA distributes Europa League prize money through a three-pillar system based on participation, sporting performance and commercial value. The structure was redesigned alongside UEFA’s new competition format and heavily rewards clubs that advance deep into the tournament.

Every club reaching the league phase receives a guaranteed starting payment of approximately €4.31 million. Teams then earn additional money for results during the league stage, with each victory worth around €450,000 and each draw generating roughly €150,000.

UEFA also pays clubs according to final league-phase positioning. Teams finishing higher in the standings receive progressively larger ranking bonuses, while top-eight clubs gain extra rewards for directly qualifying to the Round of 16.

Knockout-stage bonuses increase significantly with every round:

• Round of 16 qualification: about €1.75 million
• Quarterfinals: about €2.5 million
• Semifinals: about €4.2 million
• Final appearance: €7 million
• Tournament winner bonus: €6 million

Which club has earned more European prize money: Aston Villa or Freiburg?

Aston Villa have earned more total UEFA-related revenue than Freiburg during the 2025-26 Europa League season. While both clubs benefited enormously from reaching the final, UEFA’s value-pillar system strongly favors teams from the Premier League, where financial rewards are also much higher.

Both clubs received the same base competition bonuses for advancing through the tournament. However, Aston Villa are expected to earn larger market-pool and coefficient-related payments thanks to the Premier League’s commercial strength and their growing European profile under Unai Emery.

By winning the title, Aston Villa will also unlock an even larger financial leap through automatic qualification to the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League.

How to watch Freiburg vs Aston Villa in the USA

Fans in the United States will be able to follow the action live on traditional television through CBS Sports Network, UniMás, and TUDN, ensuring broad national coverage of the matchup.

For streaming viewers, the game will also be available on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, DAZN, and ViX, providing multiple platforms to watch every moment as it unfolds.

Can I watch Freiburg vs Aston Villa for free?

Fans in the United States can stream the match live through Fubo and DirecTV Stream, both of which offer a 5-day free trial for new eligible subscribers. Hulu + Live TV also provides streaming access, with a shorter 3-day free trial available for first-time users.

After the trial periods end, viewers can decide whether to continue with a paid subscription or cancel the service based on their experience.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

A demanding Europa League that has tested every team from start to finish now reaches its final, featuring two sides widely viewed as contenders from Europe’s top leagues.

Aston Villa enter after a strong season, already securing Champions League qualification and now looking to add a trophy to cap the 2025/26 campaign.

Freiburg, meanwhile, have thrived in high-pressure moments throughout the cup run and now shift full focus to this final after exiting domestic competition, with both silverware and a potential Champions League place next season on the line in a tightly poised showdown.

Freiburg vs Aston Villa: Predicted Lineups

Freiburg (4-2-3-1): Atubolu; Kübler, Ginter, Lienhart, Treu; Eggestein, Manzambi; Beste, Höler, Grifo; Matanović.

Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Pau Torres, Digne; Lindelöf, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Buendía; Watkins.

What time is the Freiburg vs Aston Villa match?

The match kicks off today, May 20, at 3:00 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 3:00 PM
Central Time: 2:00 PM
Mountain Time: 1:00 PM
Pacific Time: 12:00 PM

The winner not only lifts the Europa League but also secures a place in the following season’s Champions League, adding an extra layer of pressure to an already decisive night in European soccer, according to UEFA’s rules.

For Aston Villa, the stakes are tied to legacy and confirmation of their resurgence on the continental stage, while Freiburg arrive as underdogs but with the opportunity to complete one of the most remarkable runs in their history.

What happens if Aston Villa beat Freiburg today?

Aston Villa will be crowned 2026 UEFA Europa League champions if they beat Freiburg today in the final. The winner of the final is immediately awarded the trophy, with no aggregate or second-leg system involved in the decision.

A victory would also secure them a place in the UEFA Super Cup, where they would face the Champions League winners, and—most importantly—guarantee qualification for the league phase of the 2026–27 UEFA Champions League.

In their case, they are already strongly positioned in England’s European qualification spots, meaning the win would mainly confirm elite European status and add a major trophy to their recent resurgence under Unai Emery, who already won the UEFA Europa League four times.

Beating Freiburg would also mark a historic moment: Villa would lift their first major European trophy since their 1982 European Cup triumph, reinforcing their return to the top level of continental soccer.

What happens if Aston Villa and Freiburg tie today?

If Aston Villa and Freiburg are level after 90 minutes, the match goes straight into extra time and, if needed, a penalty shootout to decide the winner. UEFA regulations for the Europa League final are clear: draws are not allowed.

Extra time consists of two 15-minute halves. If the score remains tied after 120 minutes, the final is decided by penalties, with no replay or second chance. The structure is identical to other UEFA finals.

Nothing changes in terms of rewards during this phase: the winner—whether in 90 minutes, extra time, or penalties—still lifts the Europa League trophy and earns the financial rewards, while the loser finishes as runner-up.

What happens if Aston Villa lose to Freiburg today?

Aston Villa will finish as runners-up in the 2026 UEFA Europa League if they lose to Freiburg. That means the club would miss out on lifting the trophy and end their European campaign one step short of becoming champions.

Even with a defeat, their broader season context remains significant. Reports ahead of the final highlight that they have already secured a strong position in English soccer’s European qualification structure.

For Freiburg, a Villa defeat would instead open the door to a historic first European trophy in club history, turning the night into a defining moment for both clubs—but with only one able to complete the story.

[Watch Aston Villa vs Tottenham online in the US on DirecTV Stream]

It’s a high-stakes showdown with major implications at both ends of the table as Aston Villa meet Tottenham Hotspur in a rivalry clash. Villa hold an edge over Brighton but still need points to lock in their UEFA Champions League spot.

Facing the Unai Emery side will be Tottenham, who still sit in the relegation zone with 34 points, but have a golden chance to jump West Ham and move out of danger, making this a must-win for both sides.

When will the Aston Villa vs Tottenham match be played?

Aston Villa play against Tottenham this Sunday, May 3, for the 2025/2026 Premier League Matchday 35. Kickoff is set for 2:00 PM (ET).

Aston Villa vs Tottenham: Time by State in the USA

ET: 2:00 PM
CT: 1:00 PM
MT: 12:00 PM
PT: 11:00 AM

How to watch Aston Villa vs Tottenham in the USA

Catch all the action of the 2025/2026 Premier League clash between Aston Villa and Tottenham the USA on DirecTV Stream. Other options: Sling Blue, USA Network, Telemundo and Hulu + Live TV.

A victory against Aston Villa would provide a massive boost for Tottenham, allowing them to leapfrog West Ham and escape the relegation zone after the Hammers dropped their recent result against Brentford.

If the Spurs draw or lose against Aston Villa, they will remain in 18th place, and the threat of relegation will be looms large with only three matchups remaining in this 2025-26 campaign.

The Premier League relegation scrap

Currently, three teams are battling to avoid the final trapdoor, as Burnley and Wolves have already seen their fates sealed. Tottenham, West Ham, and Nottingham Forest are the only clubs left in danger of finishing in that final relegation spot. Here are the updated standings at the bottom of the table:

Tottenham’s road to safety

To secure their top-flight status for next season, Tottenham likely need to run the table and win their final four games. However, they face a difficult gauntlet of opponents to close out the year.

Here is the remaining fixture list for Tottenham:

• Aston Villa vs. Tottenham | Sunday, May 3 | 2:00 PM (ET) | Villa Park
• Tottenham vs. Leeds United | Monday, May 11 | 3:00 PM (ET) | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
• Chelsea vs. Tottenham | Tuesday, May 19 | 3:15 PM (ET) | Stamford Bridge
• Tottenham vs. Everton | Sunday, May 24 | 11:00 AM (ET) | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

If Spurs win out, they will successfully avoid the drop, especially since West Ham failed to extend their two-point advantage. However, the situation becomes catastrophic if they drop points in any of these remaining matches.

[Watch Manchester United vs Aston Villa online in the US on DirecTV Stream]

A high-stakes showdown in the race for a UEFA Champions League spot is set as Manchester United and Aston Villa, currently third and fourth in the table, meet with major implications on the line.

United sit third with 51 points and a superior goal difference but arrive after a loss to Newcastle United, while Villa—level on points—know a victory would push them above the Red Devils in the standings.

When will the Manchester United vs Aston Villa match be played?

Manchester United play against Aston Villa this Sunday, March 15, for the 2025/2026 Premier League Matchday 30. Kickoff is set for 10:00 AM (ET).

Manchester United vs Aston Villa: Time by State in the USA

ET: 10:00 AM
CT: 9:00 AM
MT: 8:00 AM
PT: 7:00 AM

How to watch Manchester United vs Aston Villa in the USA

Catch all the action of the 2025/2026 Premier League clash between Manchester United and Aston Villa in the USA on DirecTV Stream. Other options: Sling Blue, USA Network, Telemundo and Hulu + Live TV.

[Watch Tottenham vs Aston Villa online in the US on Fubo]

This FA Cup third-round clash stands out as the top matchup of the round, pitting two Premier League rivals with major stakes on the line. Aston Villa arrive in strong league form, level on points with Manchester City and entering as slight favorites.

However, in the other hand will be Tottenham, who see this competition as their best shot at a trophy and are built for knockout soccer. With advancement and silverware in mind, this all-Premier League meeting promises high-level drama.

When will the Tottenham vs Aston Villa match be played?

The game for the 2025/2026 FA Cup third round between Tottenham and Aston Villa will be played this Saturday, January 10 at 12:45 PM (ET).

Tottenham vs Aston Villa: Time by State in the USA

ET: 12:45 PM
CT: 11:45 AM
MT: 10:45 AM
PT: 9:45 AM

How to watch Tottenham vs Aston Villa in the USA

This FA Cup game between Tottenham and Aston Villa will be broadcast in the United States on Fubo. Other options: DirecTV Stream, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes.

[Watch Arsenal vs Aston Villa online in the US on Peacock]

Matchday 19 puts the spotlight on a heavyweight battle with major title implications, as table-topping Arsenal welcome a red-hot Aston Villa squad in what stands out as the weekend’s premier matchup.

The Gunners know there’s no room for complacency with the race tightening behind them, while Villa arrive full of confidence, eyeing a statement result that could shake up the standings and intensify the chase for first place.

When will the Arsenal vs Aston Villa match be played?

Arsenal play against Aston Villa this Tuesday, December 30, for the 2025/2026 Premier League Matchday 19. Kickoff is set for 3:15 PM (ET).

Arsenal vs Aston Villa: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:15 PM
CT: 2:15 PM
MT: 1:15 PM
PT: 12:15 PM

How to watch Arsenal vs Aston Villa in the USA

Catch all the action of the 2025/2026 Premier League clash between Arsenal and Aston Villa in the USA on Peacock. Other options: NBCSN.

[Watch Chelsea vs Aston Villa online in the US on DirecTV Stream]

Matchday 18 features one of the weekend’s must-watch clashes, with two top-four contenders meeting in a pivotal showdown. Aston Villa enter on a seven-match winning streak that has lifted them into third place.

On the other hand, Chelsea sit close behind in fourth with 29 points, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle between direct rivals chasing momentum near the top of the table.

When will the Chelsea vs Aston Villa match be played?

Chelsea play against Aston Villa this Saturday, December 27, for the 2025/2026 Premier League Matchday 18. Kickoff is set for 12:30 PM (ET).

Chelsea vs Aston Villa: Time by State in the USA

ET: 12:30 PM
CT: 11:30 AM
MT: 10:30 AM
PT: 9:30 AM

How to watch Chelsea vs Aston Villa in the USA

Catch all the action of the 2025/2026 Premier League clash between Chelsea and Aston Villa in the USA on DirecTV Stream. Other options: NBC, Sling Blue, Peacock Premium and Universo.