Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Emiliano Buendía was named the Hankook Player of the Match in the 2026 UEFA Europa League final after scoring a goal and providing an assist in Aston Villa’s 3-0 win over Freiburg in Istanbul.
The UEFA Technical Observer panel praised Buendía’s performance, noting his effective play between the lines, precise passing, and leadership in attack, which included a goal and an assist.
Buendía joins previous Player of the Match recipients from recent finals, such as Cristian Romero in 2025 and Ademola Lookman in 2024.