Villa's African teen hero: "Making my family proud - my mum was in the stands"
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 30.01.26. | 11:30
Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba, 19, scored the late winner on his European debut at Villa Park. After the final whistle, he expressed how much his family means to him
This wasn't just a match - this is Jamaldeen's fairy tale, one written with belief and courage.
Last night at Villa Park, 19-year-old Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba of Nigerian origin scored a crucial goal in the UEFA Europa League 3-2 comeback home win against RB Salzburg.
On the night of his European debut, Jimoh-Aloba's defining moment came just three minutes from time. The attacking midfielder curled the ball into the net, ensuring the comeback was complete and announcing himself on the European stage.
His celebration reflected what the moment meant, especially with his roots and family supporting from the stands.
"It's a proud moment for me on my European debut," Jimoh-Aloba told TNT Sports 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 the top. My mum was in the stands somewhere."
Jimoh-Aloba joined Villa from West Bromwich Albion in 2023, at the age of 16, as an already established England U16 and U17 international.
"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," Aston Villa boss Unai Emery said after the final whistle.
He added: "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."
Jimoh-Aloba's teammate, Morgan Rogers, who knows him from their WBA days, told BBC Sport he was proud of Jamaldeen:
"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. We know he's got the ability, it's about applying himself. I knew he was locked in and engaged and that's what we want from him. Sometimes he can get a bit disengaged - that's where you can probably lose it. As a young player I was exactly the same, when you get older you are focused more.
"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 like when we train with him and want him to do well."
