The Prince of Wales hailed Aston Villa ending their 44-year wait for a European title as an 'amazing night', as Villa captain John McGinn called on the royal to get the drinks in to celebrate.
Goals from Youri Tielemans, Emi Buendia and Morgan Rogers saw Villa crush Freiburg in Istanbul to win the Europa League as Prince William, alongside friends, celebrated wildly in the stands of the Tupras Stadium.
Prince William shared some final words of support before kick-off in the dressing room and McGinn was left hoping His Royal Highness would put his hand in his pocket to get the party started.
'He's a classy guy,' McGinn said. 'He was in the dressing room before the game. He's a massive Villa fan so he was never going to miss it and it's obviously great to have his support. He's just a normal guy - hopefully tonight he can have a couple of drinks with us and get his credit card out at the end of the night!'
This was an unforgettable night for everyone associated with Villa, particularly boss Unai Emery who has now won this competition for a fifth time. Emery took over Villa in October 2022 from Steven Gerrard with the club 16th in the Premier League and one point above the relegation zone. In less than four years he has taken them into the top four, back into the Champions League and ended their European trophy drought to secure legendary status.
'It's really something fantastic,' a delighted Emery said. 'We played in a very serious way this year. So, so focused, and the players showed their wishes. I was telling them, "we need wishes, we need desire in this competition and to show on the pitch that you are the protagonist". And they did it. Some have won titles as well. Some it's the first title. This final is the confirmation of how we are progressing. It's very important for them and of course for the supporters because the supporters were travelling with us all the season, travelling away, doing a huge effort to be with us, transmitting to us their energy.'
For McGinn this was far and away the 'proudest night' of his career and a night where he found himself desperate for it not to end. McGinn, who became the first Scotsman to captain a side to a major European final win since Graeme Souness at Liverpool in 1984, said: 'This club was close to being in a bad way seven years ago - there was one remit, to get it back to the Premier League and to the levels it had been at before. Tonight was just everything we have built coming together. The pride I felt with 10 minutes to go at 3-0, thinking "We're European champions" was something I can't even describe. As a kid growing up I remember Celtic in 2003. It wasn't a great night for them but it was special. I was lucky enough to go the final at Hampden in 2007. To be here, in 2026, as captain of Aston Villa is incredible. It's the proudest night of my career. 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.'
When all was said and done Freiburg could have very few complaints having been dominated by a far superior Villa side. 'You have to honestly admit that Aston Villa were the better team,' Freiburg captain Vicenzo Grifo said. 'Unfortunately, we didn't manage to trouble them today. They were very clinical and very experienced in everything they did. We never really managed to put them under pressure and, because of that, I think it was a deserved win for Aston Villa.'
