- Fans have voted Emi Buendía’s fantastic goal against SC Freiburg in the Europa League final as Goal of the Tournament
- Youri Tielemans’ opening goal finished second in the vote
- UEFA awarded Buendía Player of the Match, and they also named him in the Europa League Team of the Season
Emi Buendía’s sensational strike in Aston Villa’s 3-0 triumph over SC Freiburg has been officially named the fan-choice 2025/26 Europa League Goal of the Tournament.
The Argentinian topped the global supporter poll just ahead of teammate Youri Tielemans, whose equally spectacular volley in the same final claimed second place.
Villa’s masterclass at Beşiktaş Park in Istanbul ended the club’s 30-year trophy drought in emphatic fashion. However, the post-tournament spotlight belongs firmly to Buendía, whose individual accolades have capped off an unforgettable European campaign.
The tale of two incredible goals
The final in Istanbul became a showcase for Villa’s technical brilliance. Late in the first half, Tielemans broke the deadlock with a ferocious, technically perfect volley from the edge of the penalty box, which was beautifully orchestrated by set-piece coach Austin MacPhee. It was a goal worthy of winning any European final.
Yet, just seconds before the referee blew for half-time, Buendía managed to eclipse it. Receiving a clever pass from captain John McGinn, the 29-year-old cut inside onto his weaker left foot.
With exquisite balance and precision, he curled a majestic long-range effort that bypassed Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu and nestled perfectly into the top corner. The goal gave Villa a commanding two-goal lead and sent them well on their way to European glory.
When UEFA opened the 10-goal shortlist to the public, fans overwhelmingly voted Buendía’s curler into first place, with Tielemans’ thumping volley securing the runner-up spot.
Buendía’s clean sweep of awards
Buendia didn’t only receive the Goal of the Tournament award. His exceptional, all-round display in the final earned him the Player of the Match award.
Furthermore, alongside his wonder-goal, the No 10 also provided a defence-splitting assist for Morgan Rogers to tap home Villa’s third goal in the 58th minute.
In addition, Buendía’s consistent brilliance throughout the European campaign secured him a well-deserved spot in the Europa League Team of the Season. He featured in the lineup with fellow Villa teammates, John McGinn, Emi Martínez, and the tournament’s overall Player of the Season, Morgan Rogers.
ReadAstonVilla verdict
For Buendía, this wave of accolades represents the ultimate footballing redemption. Having previously suffered a catastrophic knee injury that wiped out his entire 2023/24 season, and after spending a quiet loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen, where minutes were hard to come by, many questioned his future at Villa Park.
However, under the expert guidance of Unai Emery, who has achieved a record-extending fifth Europa League title, the Argentine playmaker fought his way back into the squad.
Finishing the European campaign with four goals and multiple decisive displays, like in the second leg of the semi-final against Nottingham Forest, Buendía has firmly etched his name into Villa folklore.
His Goal of the Tournament prize stands as a fitting tribute to a player who refused to give up, saving his absolute best for the grandest stage of all.
