Who are Aston Villa's top goal scorers in the UEFA Champions League?

Notably, the club's top scorer in the competition is Gary Shaw, who netted 7 goals during their victorious 1981–82 European Cup campaign.

Gary Shaw: The Prolific Striker of 1981–82

Gary Shaw emerged as a pivotal figure in Aston Villa's 1981–82 European Cup triumph. His contributions were instrumental in guiding the team to their first and only European Cup title.​

Early Life and Career

Born in Birmingham, England, Gary Shaw joined Aston Villa's youth academy and quickly ascended through the ranks. His natural talent and goal-scoring prowess made him a standout player, leading to his promotion to the first team.​

1981–82 European Cup Performance

During the 1981–82 European Cup, Shaw's performance was exceptional:​

• First Round: Scored crucial goals against Valur, contributing to a 7–0 aggregate victory
• Second Round: Played a significant role in overcoming Dynamo Berlin, with the tie ending 2–2 on aggregate and Villa advancing on away goals.​
• Quarter-Finals: Helped secure a 2–0 aggregate win over Dynamo Kyiv.​
• Semi-Finals: Instrumental in the 1–0 aggregate victory against Anderlecht.​
• Final: While not scoring in the final, his performances throughout the tournament were vital in Aston Villa's success.​

Shaw's 7 goals not only made him the club's top scorer in the competition but also highlighted his importance to the team's attacking force.​

Other Notable Scorers in Aston Villa's European Campaigns

While Gary Shaw holds the record for the most goals scored by an Aston Villa player in the European Cup/Champions League, other players have also made notable contributions:​

Tony Morley

Tony Morley was another key player during the 1981–82 European Cup run, scoring 6 goals. His pace and dribbling skills provided Villa with a dynamic attacking option, and his partnership with Shaw was instrumental in the team's success.​

Peter Withe

Peter Withe contributed 5 goals in the same campaign, including the decisive goal in the final against Bayern Munich. His physical presence and clinical finishing made him a constant threat to opposing defenses.​

Recent Contributions: Morgan Rogers

In the 2024–25 UEFA Champions League season, Morgan Rogers has emerged as a standout performer for Aston Villa. His recent hat-trick against Celtic in a thrilling 4–2 victory showcased his goal-scoring abilities and importance to the current squad.

Impact of Top Scorers on Aston Villa's European Success

The contributions of these top scorers have had a lasting impact on Aston Villa's European ventures:​

• Gary Shaw's 1981–82 Performance: His 7 goals were crucial in securing Aston Villa's first European Cup title, cementing his legacy in the club's history.​
• Tony Morley and Peter Withe: Their combined 11 goals in the 1981–82 campaign provided the offensive strength needed to overcome Europe's elite teams.​
• Morgan Rogers' Recent Form: His performances in the current Champions League season have been pivotal in Aston Villa's progression to the knockout stages, signaling a bright future for the club in European competitions.​

Aston Villa's history in the UEFA Champions League is adorned with remarkable goal-scoring feats. Gary Shaw's record of 7 goals in the 1981–82 season remains a benchmark for future generations. As the club continues its European journey, the legacy of past and present goal scorers serves as an inspiration for continued success on the grand stage of the Champions League.​

What You Should Know About Aston Villa's Champions League Top Scorers

• Gary Shaw: Holds the record for most goals by an Aston Villa player in the European Cup/Champions League with 7 goals during the 1981–82 season.​
• Tony Morley: Scored 6 goals in the 1981–82 European Cup, playing a vital role in the team's success.​
• Peter Withe: Netted 5 goals in the same campaign, including the winning goal in the final against Bayern Munich.​
• Morgan Rogers: Emerging talent who scored a hat-trick against Celtic in the 2024–25 Champions League season, highlighting his potential and importance to the current squad.​
• 1981–82 European Cup Triumph: Aston Villa's only European Cup title, achieved with significant contributions from top scorers like Shaw, Morley, and Withe.​
• Continued European Ambitions: The club's current performances, bolstered by players like Rogers, indicate a resurgence in European competitions, aiming to emulate past successes.