Aston Villa U18s secured a memorable 3-1 victory over Manchester City U18s in the FA Youth Cup final, with highly rated midfielder Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba registering his name on the scoresheet in a commanding performance.
The final, played with intensity and flair, saw Aston Villa assert their dominance early and maintain control through decisive attacking play and disciplined defending.
Jimoh-Aloba’s goal proved pivotal, both in momentum and in showcasing why the 18-year-old is regarded as one of Villa’s most exciting academy prospects.
Born in Birmingham on October 2, 2006, Jimoh-Aloba began his youth career at West Bromwich Albion before transferring to Aston Villa in 2023.
His £1 million move was a significant investment in a teenager, with the club fending off interest from several top-tier English sides. Since then, he has grown into a key figure in Villa’s youth setup.
This season alone, Jimoh-Aloba has featured across multiple competitions including the Premier League 2, EFL Trophy, and UEFA Youth League, amassing eight goals and four assists in 26 appearances. Known for his technical quality, vision, and composure under pressure , he has become the engine of the U18 midfield and a reliable match-winner when it matters most.
The FA Youth Cup final victory adds to Aston Villa’s proud history in the competition, marking their sixth title after previous wins in 1972, 1980, 2002, 2021, and 2025. It also highlights the strength of the club’s academy program, which continues to produce top talent ready to transition to senior football.
Jimoh-Aloba has also made strides at the international level, representing England at U16, U17, and now U18 levels. His consistent performances and leadership qualities have not gone unnoticed, and he remains eligible to represent Nigeria should he choose to switch allegiance in the future.
As the curtain falls on a remarkable youth campaign, Jimoh-Aloba stands out not just as a standout performer in the final, but as one of the brightest prospects in English football. With his talent, discipline, and growth trajectory, his path to the first team appears to be a matter of when—not if
