Prince William enjoyed a lively night of celebration following Aston Villa’s historic triumph in the UEFA Europa League final on May 20, 2026. The Prince of Wales, a devoted supporter of the Birmingham club, made a trip to Istanbul to witness the team’s significant victory over SC Freiburg, which marked Aston Villa’s first European trophy win in 44 years.
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After the match, Prince William joined the team at a local nightclub, where he was spotted enjoying the festivities with fans and players alike. Swedish influencer Maja Nilsson Lindelöf, who is married to Villa defender Victor Lindelöf, shared images on Instagram capturing the prince in celebratory spirits, even using the Swedish phrase “Spåra ur direkt,” which translates to “Go off the rails right away,” to capture the excitement of the evening.
Having taken up the role of patron for the Football Association, Prince William has long been vocal about his support for Aston Villa. He was seen in the stands at Tupras Stadium, cheering passionately alongside friends and wiping away tears of joy as the team secured their victory. Together with familiar faces, including Ben Dawes and Edward van Cutsem, the heir to the throne displayed his emotional investment in the team’s journey throughout the match.
Villa captain John McGinn recounted how Prince William visited the dressing room prior to kick-off, underscoring the prince’s hands-on involvement with the team. Defender Matty Cash reflected on the post-match celebrations, affirming the prince’s genuine excitement and support for the players. “He was in there having a beer with us. He’s just delighted. He’s such a big supporter,” Cash remarked, noting William’s regular visits to both the training ground and Villa Park.
The Prince of Wales also posed with the Europa League Trophy alongside Aston Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, further highlighting the celebratory atmosphere of the evening. He took to social media to express his joy, congratulating the players, staff, and all associated with the club for their long-awaited success. “44 years since the last taste of European silverware!” he wrote, emphasizing the achievement’s significance for the club.
Moreover, in a rare on-camera moment, Prince William shared his personal reflections from the night, thanking Turkey for hosting the final and praising the sportsmanship of the SC Freiburg team. “Incredible atmosphere and great sportsmanship from Freiburg. Enjoy the parade, Birmingham,” he remarked, capturing the essence of the celebration that followed Villa’s success.
William’s longstanding loyalty to Villa dates back to his school days, where he aimed to align himself with a club that provided a unique emotional experience rather than the more conventional choices of Manchester United or Chelsea. “I wanted to have a team that was more mid-table that could give me more emotional rollercoaster moments,” he explained in a previous interview with the BBC.
His passion for Aston Villa has also been instilled in his children, with Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis all becoming ardent fans of the club. Earlier this month, during the critical match that secured Villa’s place in the Europa League final, Princess Kate let their children enjoy the excitement of staying up late to watch the game, reflecting the family’s enthusiasm for the sport.
The thrilling victory for Aston Villa represents not only a landmark moment for the team but also for Prince William, who has played an enthusiastic role in the club’s journey. As fans and players alike celebrate this momentous achievement, the Prince of Wales continues to stand as a passionate ambassador for English football, demonstrating that even in a royal family, the heart of fandom beats strong and true.