Aston Villa welcomed home tens of thousands of fans after their Europa League triumph, ending a 30-year trophy drought. More than 20,000 supporters packed Centenary Square as players celebrated their 3-0 win over Freiburg. Manager Unai Emery addressed the emotional crowd, expressing delight at sharing the trophy with dedicated supporters who filled Birmingham's streets.

The parade route began in the Jewellery Quarter, with fans scrambling for vantage points hours early. Defender Tyrone Mings acknowledged the team's "one hell of a party" after the match. Even Prince William, seen celebrating in Turkey, joined the excitement. Some fans who traveled from Turkey expressed disappointment at missing the celebration due to the parade's timing.

For lifelong supporters like Andy, who witnessed Villa's last European trophy in 1982, the parade marked a moment of redemption. The club confirmed the parade couldn't accommodate weekend celebrations. Villa's triumph represents a significant turning point for a club that has struggled through a long trophy drought that has frustrated generations of supporters.