- Unai Emery spoke at Marca’s Sports Awards in Madrid on Monday night
- He discussed Prince William’s support for Aston Villa
- William has been an avid Villa supporter since his school days
Unai Emery has revealed he is “very grateful” for Prince William’s support of Aston Villa, stating that he and the players feel a sense of “pride” every time he visits them.
For many years, Prince William has regularly visited the Villa players at Bodymoor Heath and has been pictured in the stands of Villa Park cheering his team on.
He’s experienced the highs and lows, showcasing his true loyalty and passion for the Villans. The 2025/26 campaign became the most historic season for Villa in their modern era. It was an unforgettable season which ended in a 3-0 triumph over SC Freiburg to lift the Europa League.
William was a big talking point after the final. Celebrating with the players, videoing the crowning moment on his phone, and displaying a real sense of happiness as a true supporter.
Speaking recently at the Marca Sports Awards in Madrid, Emery opened up about the deep relationship between the future King of England and the club.
A source of pride
When asked about the royal influence surrounding his squad, Emery highlighted the profound impact of having such high-profile, genuine backing. The manager emphasised that William’s lifelong dedication brings an invaluable sense of prestige and motivation to the players and staff alike.
“It is very important because he has been a follower of Aston Villa for a long time, he is with us, and every time he comes, it is a source of pride for us.
“A pride that Prince William is with us, supports us, and is capable of giving us that closeness and support. The truth is that we feel very proud.”
This closeness was on full display throughout the spring. Following Villa’s emphatic 4-0 semi-final second-leg victory against Nottingham Forest, the Prince of Wales joined Emery and his players inside the home dressing room to celebrate reaching the final.
He later flew to Turkey, where he was spotted celebrating wildly in the stands as Villa lifted the Europa League, before joining the squad’s late-night after-party to share a drink with the team.
Devoted supporter
For Emery, the true value of William’s support lies in his approachable, down-to-earth demeanor. Rather than maintaining a formal distance, the royal has consistently displayed a deep, sophisticated knowledge of football tactics and a genuine connection to the squad’s emotional journey.
“He is charming. Besides, he is a magnificent person,” Emery added, expressing his appreciation for the royal’s authentic character.
“Through his feelings and his football emotions, he conveys to us how much he cares for us, so I feel very grateful.”
William’s love for Villa traces back to his school days. He famously chose the claret and blue outfit specifically because he wanted to avoid supporting predictable, “glory-hunting” giants like Manchester United or Arsenal, opting instead for a club steeped in history that could offer a true emotional rollercoaster.
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Now, with Villa firmly re-established as a dominant force in both domestic and European football, that loyalty is paying off handsomely. As Emery and his team gear up for another intense season of elite competition, they do so knowing they have the unwavering, heartfelt backing of a future monarch who is fully passionate and devoted to the club.
