Founding (1874)

Lore & Background

The club was founded in 1874. Its earliest known ground was Aston Park (or Aston Lower Grounds), and the adoption of claret and blue colours are not detailed in the source article. The club has played at Villa Park since 1897.

In Their Own Story

The gas lamps flickered against the damp brick walls of the church hall in Aston. William McGregor stood before a small gathering, papers clutched in hand, outlining rules for a new team formation. Outside, the rain battered the cobblestones of Northfield Road, but inside, the fire of ambition burned bright among the young men who would soon become Villa. They knew they were starting something that would outlast them all.

Reader's Guide

This is a list of Aston Villa's notable players, generally meaning players that have played 100 or more competitive matches for the club, a feat often referred to as joining the 100 club. However, some players who have played fewer matches are also included; players from the club's pre-Football League days, club captains, record-holders, and players that became coaches or managers at the club are also included. Players who hold records have footnotes describing the record. Players are listed according to the date of their first-team debut for the club. Appearances are for first-team competitive matches only including those as a substitute; wartime matches are excluded. In 2024, to commemorate Aston Villa's 150th anniversary, every player to represent Aston Villa in a competitive first team fixture was given a unique 'legacy number'.

Did You Know?

• Aston Villa was one of the founding members of The Football League in 1888 and the Premier League in 1992.
• The club has won 25 honours in its history.
• Villa Park has been the club's home ground since 1897.