Shy and Nervous Villa Match-Winner Jimoh-Aloba Announces Himself on European Stage

The 19-year-old's late goal sealed Aston Villa's comeback victory against Red Bull Salzburg in the Europa League.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:39pm

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Aston Villa match-winner Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba, described as "shy and nervous" by team-mate Morgan Rogers, announced himself on the European stage with a late goal to help Villa come from behind and defeat Red Bull Salzburg 3-2 in the Europa League. The 19-year-old, who made his Premier League debut last month, came off the bench in the 66th minute and netted the winning goal with just three minutes remaining, after Villa had fallen 2-0 behind early in the second half.

Why it matters

Jimoh-Aloba's match-winning performance on the European stage is a significant milestone in the young player's career, showcasing his talent and potential despite being described as "shy and nervous" by his teammate. The victory also helped Aston Villa finish second in their Europa League group, advancing to the knockout rounds.

The details

With Ollie Watkins coming off with a first-half hamstring injury and Villa trailing 2-0 early in the second half, Unai Emery's side needed a hero. Jimoh-Aloba, who was making his European debut, came off the bench in the 66th minute and scored the winning goal in the 87th minute to complete Villa's comeback. The teenager's match-winning contribution came after teammates Morgan Rogers and Tyrone Mings had already got Villa back into the game.

  • Jimoh-Aloba made his Premier League debut last month.
  • Jimoh-Aloba scored the winning goal in the 87th minute of the Europa League match against Red Bull Salzburg on January 30, 2026.

The players

Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba

A 19-year-old attacking midfielder who joined Aston Villa from West Brom in 2023 and has been described as "shy and nervous" by teammate Morgan Rogers.

Morgan Rogers

An England playmaker who was in West Bromwich Albion's academy at the same time as Jimoh-Aloba and believes the teenager will come out of his shell.

Unai Emery

The manager of Aston Villa who handed 18-year-old midfielder George Hemmings his full Villa debut and brought on academy graduate Kadan Young as a substitute in the Europa League match.

Ollie Watkins

The Aston Villa striker who came off with a first-half hamstring injury in the Europa League match.

Boubacar Kamara

The Aston Villa midfielder who was out injured for the Europa League match.

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What they’re saying

“It's a proud moment for me on my European debut. Really nice to make my family proud. I've had a lot of lows this season and a lot of highs but this is top. My mum is in the stand somewhere.”

— Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba

“It's a really nice moment for him, he works hard in training and gives his all. He is probably a bit shy and nervous more than I'd like but he shows his quality in training.”

— Morgan Rogers, England playmaker

“It's very important to have chances to play the young players, the opportunity for them to show their progress. I think they did a very good job. We have a plan with them. We need to protect them when they are playing. We need as well to get a plan in their development as a player - every day training with us and then in official matches like today. It was fantastic how we did everything.”

— Unai Emery, Aston Villa manager

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.