England-born Nigerian midfielder Kamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba has spoken of his joy at making his family proud after scoring the decisive goal in Aston Villa’s thrilling Europa League victory over Red Bull Salzburg on Thursday night.
The 19-year-old struck late to complete a dramatic 3-2 comeback for Villa, a result that ensured they finished second in the Europa League league phase.
At full-time, teammate Amadou Onana ushered Jimoh-Aloba towards the Holte End, where he exchanged celebratory fist bumps with supporters amid loud cheers.
Villa had struggled early, falling 2-0 behind shortly after the break, and were already without Ollie Watkins, who was forced off in the first half with a hamstring injury. With the team under pressure, Unai Emery’s side needed inspiration.
Jimoh-Aloba, who made his Premier League debut only last month, was introduced in the 66th minute and delivered the winning goal three minutes from time, following earlier strikes from Morgan Rogers and Tyrone Mings that brought Villa level.
“It’s a proud moment for me on my European debut,” Jimoh-Aloba told TNT Sports (via BBC Sport) after the match.
“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.”
The teenager joined Aston Villa from West Bromwich Albion in 2023 at the age of 16, having already represented England at Under-16 and Under-17 levels.
He made his senior debut as a substitute in Villa’s Carabao Cup win over Wycombe in September 2024 and was named in the Premier League matchday squad against Leicester last season.
Jimoh-Aloba signed a long-term contract with the club in October 2024 and played a key role in Villa’s FA Youth Cup triumph last season, scoring in the final against Manchester City.
His league debut came last month in a 4-1 loss to Arsenal, and he also featured in the Carabao Cup defeat to Brentford in September.
