Morgan Rogers’ journey from England’s lower leagues to the pinnacle of European football has been nothing short of extraordinary. The 22-year-old made history on Wednesday when he scored a sensational hat-trick in Aston Villa’s 4-2 victory over Celtic, securing an automatic spot in the Champions League’s last 16. His performance was not just about goals; it was a statement of intent from a player who is rapidly becoming one of English football’s brightest stars.
What made the night even more special was Morgan Rogers’ record-breaking feat—he became the first player in Champions League history to score twice within the first five minutes of a match. Former Villa and Celtic midfielder Stiliyan Petrov described him as “a joy to watch,” while ex-Chelsea striker Chris Sutton noted on BBC Radio 5 Live that Rogers was “unplayable at times.” It’s a remarkable achievement for a player who, at the start of the 2023-24 season, struggled to even make the bench for Middlesbrough in the Championship.
Morgan Rogers:A Nomadic Journey to the Top
At just 22, Rogers has already played for seven different clubs. His footballing odyssey began at West Bromwich Albion, where he joined the academy at age nine and made his senior debut at 16. Recognizing his potential, Manchester City swooped in, but he was soon loaned out to gain experience, with spells at Lincoln City, Bournemouth, and Blackpool helping him develop his game.
Despite the constant movement, Rogers has no regrets. “It was about getting games under my belt,” he told Football Focus. “I wouldn’t be the player I am today without those experiences.” His decision to leave Manchester City in search of regular football proved pivotal, setting the stage for his eventual breakthrough at Middlesbrough and subsequent meteoric rise at Aston Villa.
Villa’s Gamble Pays Off
Morgan Rogers’ journey took another unexpected turn in January 2024 when Aston Villa paid £8 million—just seven months after Middlesbrough signed him for £1.5 million. Many questioned the transfer at the time, but the winger has since justified every penny of Villa’s investment.
“It was tough leaving Middlesbrough because I felt close to the team and coaches, but when a club like Villa comes calling, it’s impossible to say no,” Morgan Rogers admitted. His impact was immediate. Playing under Unai Emery, he helped Villa secure a fourth-place Premier League finish last season, and this campaign, he has started 30 of the club’s 31 matches in both domestic and European competitions. His performances, including the unforgettable hat-trick against Celtic, have solidified his status as one of the most exciting young players in England.
England Call-Up and Future Aspirations
With his club career soaring, Rogers has also caught the attention of England’s national team setup. He earned his first senior call-up in November 2024, making substitute appearances against Greece and the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League. Now, with a World Cup qualifying campaign on the horizon, he has his sights set on securing a permanent spot in the squad under new manager Thomas Tuchel.
“Playing at major tournaments for your country is the dream,” Rogers said. However, he remains grounded, acknowledging the fierce competition for places in the England squad. “I’m not going to be hurt if I don’t get selected, but I’ll keep knocking on the door.” Given his rapid progression, few would bet against him cementing his place among England’s elite in the near future.
With Champions League history already under his belt, a blossoming Premier League career, and international ambitions coming to fruition, Morgan Rogers’ meteoric rise is far from over. If his current trajectory continues, he could soon be a household name in world football.
