Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba celebrating after scoring for Aston Villa against Red Bull Salzburg
From nerves to the spotlight, Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba has officially arrived on the European stage.
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder was Aston Villa’s unlikely hero on Thursday night, scoring a dramatic late winner to seal a 3-2 comeback victory over Red Bull Salzburg and secure second place in the Europa League league phase for Unai Emery’s side.
It was a night that began in frustration for Villa and ended with the Holte End bouncing — and a teenager being pushed forward to soak in his moment.
With Ollie Watkins forced off early through a hamstring injury and Villa trailing 2-0 early in the second half, the hosts looked flat and vulnerable. Goals from Morgan Rogers and Tyrone Mings dragged them back into the contest, but the winning moment still hadn’t arrived.
That changed in the 87th minute.
Introduced in the 66th minute, Jimoh-Aloba produced a composed, clinical finish to complete the turnaround — his first goal on his European debut.
At the final whistle, Amadou Onana physically pushed the teenager towards the Holte End, where he was greeted by roaring applause and a string of fist bumps from an appreciative home crowd.
Clearly emotional after the match, Jimoh-Aloba reflected on the biggest moment of his young career so far.
“It’s a proud moment for me on my European debut,” he told TNT Sports.
“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.”
At 19 years and 119 days, he became the fourth-youngest player to score for Aston Villa in a major European competition — a milestone that underlines the scale of the achievement.
Despite the heroics, those closest to Jimoh-Aloba insist this is just the beginning.
Team-mate Morgan Rogers, who came through West Bromwich Albion’s academy at the same time, revealed the teenager’s quiet personality — and huge potential.
“He’s probably a bit shy and nervous more than I’d like, but he shows his quality in training,” Rogers told BBC Sport.
“We know he’s got the ability. It’s about applying himself.”
Rogers admitted focus has sometimes been the challenge, but praised the youngster’s mindset on the night.
“He was focused the moment he came on and it was a really nice moment for him.
I’ve taken a shine to him — he’s a really nice kid and we want him to do well.”
With Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn and Youri Tielemans all sidelined, Unai Emery was forced to lean heavily on youth.
Alongside Jimoh-Aloba, 18-year-old George Hemmings made his full debut, while academy graduate Kadan Young also featured from the bench.
Emery was delighted with what he saw.
“It’s very important to give young players chances,” he said.
“We have a plan with them. We need to protect them and develop them properly.
It was fantastic how we did everything.”
Jimoh-Aloba joined Aston Villa from West Bromwich Albion in 2023, aged just 16, already capped at England U-16 and U-17 level.
Key milestones so far:
Senior debut: Carabao Cup vs Wycombe (September 2024)
Premier League debut: vs Arsenal (last month)
FA Youth Cup winner (scored in the final vs Man City)
Signed a long-term Villa contract in October 2024
Thursday night may prove to be the defining launchpad of his senior career.
From being described as “shy and nervous” to delivering when Aston Villa needed him most, Jimoh-Aloba’s goal was more than a match-winner — it was a statement.
European nights have a way of accelerating careers. If this is the moment Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba truly steps out of his shell, Villa may have uncovered another gem.
And judging by the roar of the Holte End, the fans are already ready to believe.
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