John McGinn says Aston Villa's Europa League triumph is the "proudest night of my career".

Villa ran out 3-0 winners over Freiburg in Wednesday’s showpiece in Istanbul, with first-half stunners from Youri Tielemans and Emiliano Buendia putting them in control.

Morgan Rogers then rounded off the scoring in the 58th minute to ensure Villa ended their 44-year wait for a major European trophy (beat Bayern Munich in the 1982 UEFA Cup).

McGinn became the first Scotsman to captain a side in a major European final since Barry Ferguson for Rangers in the 2008 UEFA Cup, and the first for an English side since Graeme Souness for Liverpool in the 1984 European Cup.

"I can't believe it, to be honest," McGinn told TNT Sports. "What we've been through as a club, this club was close to being in a right bad way seven years ago.

"V Sports bought the club over. Their one remit was to get it back to the Premier League and back to the levels of before.

"[This win] was everything we built coming together. The pride I felt with 10 minutes to go, knowing we were about to be champions – I can't describe it.

"It means a lot. To be here, in 2026, as captain of Aston Villa is incredible. It's the proudest night of my career. I'll try to enjoy it. I like to party, but I'll take it easy to try and soak it all in.

"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."

44 YEARS IN THE MAKING. pic.twitter.com/gNfEOSOtSI

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 20, 2026

And it was a particularly special night for Unai Emery, who has clinched his fifth Europa League crown, becoming the first manager to win the competition with three different teams (also Sevilla and Villarreal).

He took charge of his sixth major European final – all of which have come in this competition – with only Giovanni Trapattoni overseeing more (seven).

No manager has won more major European finals than Emery (five), as he levelled Carlo Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho and Trapattoni.

In fact, the Spaniard is just the second manager to win a major European competition five times after Ancelotti (Champions League).

"I'm always very grateful for Europe," Emery told TNT Sports. "For every competition, but especially the Europa League.

"As well, the clubs I work at because they show the way, as well, the support I had with Valencia, with Sevilla, with Villareal and here at Villa. We tried to get our best. We played it in a very serious way this year – so, so focused.

"And of course, the players they show their wishes. I was telling them in there, we need wishes, we need seriousness in this competition. To show on the field that you are the protagonist – and they did it!

"I am myself ambitious, and, of course, I need support. The owners, everyone that works in the club. The players and they are following us. We are doing it together. But we must try to set this ambition, being clear and realistic. Every step forward we are doing makes sense."

"Next year we will play in Champions League, and this is the challenge. The Premier League is the most difficult league in the world. To be fighting top seven, top five, top four is something very difficult. Hopefully, we can be close with teams like [Manchester] City and Arsenal.

"We are improving. We are playing finals. We are winning trophies. I think the brand as well is increasing. This we need as well."