When Jimoh Aloba made his Premier League debut for Aston Villa in the 4-1 defeat against Arsenal, he became an internet sensation because his family made a video watching from home.
A few weeks later, the youngster made his debut in the UEFA Europa League and announced himself on the big stage with a game-winning goal.
This time, his family was living at the stadium to watch him.
“My mum is in the stands somewhere; she should be good.”
19-year-old Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba scored his first senior goal for Aston Villa, and it was the winner to complete a 3-2 comeback vs. RB Salzburg.
The Aston Villa academy product’s goal completes a comeback and ensures Villa finish in the Europa League top two.
“Really nice to see my family after all the hard work, a lot of loads this season, and a lot of this. It’s just really nice to make my family proud.”
Jimoh Aloba: Straight Out Of The Academy
Signed in 2023 from West Brom Academy for one million pounds, Jamaldeen made the big step into senior football three years later, making a debut in the league and in Europe.
Kadan Young assist, Jimoh-Aloba goal, a very proud moment for the Villa youth.
Speaking to VillaTV after the match, Coach Unai Emery highlighted the importance of the moment within the club’s long-term vision, particularly regarding the development of young players.
“This is fantastic for the club and for the young players, showing them the path to the first team,” Emery said.
This season, Aston Villa has a different mentality, and now a youth player completes the turnaround on a European night to crown a special season for the club.
