George Hemmings has rapidly emerged as one of Aston Villa’s most exciting academy players after earning the trust of Unai Emery in the opening weeks of the 2026/27 season.
The 19-year-old midfielder has started all three of Villa’s Premier League matches and was then handed his Champions League debut from the start against Club Brugge.
That decision was particularly significant given Emery had expensive summer additions Ibrahim Mbaye and Alejandro Garnacho available from the bench.
Hemmings has gone from academy prospect to genuine first-team option in a matter of weeks.
Here is everything Aston Villa supporters need to know about him.
How old is George Hemmings?
Hemmings was born on 4 March 2007, making him 19 years old.
UEFA lists the midfielder as part of Aston Villa’s Champions League squad wearing number 53.
He is also an England youth international.
What position does George Hemmings play?
Hemmings is primarily a central midfielder.
He has experience playing in deeper and more advanced midfield roles, giving Emery flexibility over how he uses him.
That versatility has already been evident at senior level.
Rather than simply sitting alongside a defensive midfielder, Hemmings has been encouraged to make forward runs and arrive in dangerous areas.
That was particularly noticeable against Hull City, when he produced Villa’s first shot on target of the Premier League season and later created a major chance for Emi Buendía.
FBref records Hemmings as having played 234 Premier League minutes across Villa’s opening three matches this season.
Did George Hemmings play for Nottingham Forest?
Yes.
Hemmings spent part of his youth career with Nottingham Forest before joining Aston Villa.
He was already playing Premier League 2 football for Forest at just 15, making two appearances during the 2022/23 season.
He later moved into Villa’s academy structure and became increasingly prominent at under-18 and under-21 level.
That background adds an interesting subplot ahead of Villa’s Premier League meeting with Forest at Villa Park.
Hemmings impressed in Aston Villa academy
Hemmings’ rise did not begin with his recent senior appearances.
He was already one of the more influential players in Villa’s youth setup.
One standout performance came in the FA Youth Cup against Accrington Stanley in December 2024.
Hemmings scored twice in a 6-0 Villa victory, including an impressive second goal after carrying the ball through the defence before finishing. Aston Villa’s official report described him as one of the key performers as the Young Lions progressed.
He continued to feature heavily for Villa’s under-21 side, including during their Premier League 2 knockout run last season.
His progression eventually earned him involvement around Emery’s senior squad.
When did George Hemmings break into Aston Villa’s first team?
Hemmings was already appearing around the senior squad before becoming a regular starter this season.
He was named among Villa’s substitutes against Brentford in February and was also involved during first-team preparations and friendlies.
The real breakthrough has arrived in 2026/27.
Emery trusted Hemmings from the start in Villa’s opening Premier League fixtures before keeping him in the team for Tuesday’s Champions League trip to Belgium.
Our Aston Villa confirmed XI against Club Brugge showed just how significant that selection was.
Hemmings retained his place despite Mbaye and Garnacho both being available.
George Hemmings makes Aston Villa Champions League history
The Club Brugge start also put Hemmings into the Villa record books.
At 19 years and 188 days, he became the second-youngest Aston Villa player ever to start a European Cup or Champions League match.
Only Mark Walters was younger, starting against Juventus in March 1983 at 18 years and 287 days.
Hemmings nearly marked the occasion with a goal.
He had two promising chances shortly after John McGinn opened the scoring as Villa produced an excellent first half on their way to a 3-2 victory.
UEFA now lists him as having made his Champions League debut for Villa during the 2026/27 league phase.
What has Unai Emery said about George Hemmings?
Emery has made clear that Hemmings’ opportunity has been earned.
After the Club Brugge victory, the Villa manager specifically mentioned him while discussing players who are adapting to his demands.
Emery said Hemmings is:
“Progressively getting better and understanding everything we demand.”
That is significant praise given the tactical detail Emery expects from his midfielders.
We covered the manager’s comments in full in our Unai Emery praise for George Hemmings after the Club Brugge victory.
Hemmings is no longer merely being included to gain experience.
Emery’s team selections suggest he currently views the teenager as someone capable of helping Villa immediately.
Could George Hemmings start against Nottingham Forest?
He now has a genuine chance.
Hemmings has started each of Villa’s four competitive fixtures this season when including the Champions League opener and has repeatedly been trusted ahead of more experienced alternatives.
Villa host Nottingham Forest on Saturday as they look for their first Premier League win of the campaign.
The fixture would carry extra significance for a player who spent time in Forest’s youth system.
Whether Emery starts him again remains to be seen, but Hemmings’ rapid rise means his inclusion would no longer qualify as a surprise.
