How one footballer made history by winning two European trophies in a single season

How one footballer made history by winning two European trophies in a single season
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In short: Evann Guessand achieved a unique feat in 2026, becoming the first player to secure two European titles within one campaign. After contributing to an Europa League-winning squad at Aston Villa, he helped Crystal Palace lift the UEFA Conference League trophy, marking an unprecedented double in modern continental football history.

Born in Ajaccio in 2001, Evann Guessand began his professional journey at the Nice academy, where he debuted in 2020. His early career included loan spells at Lausanne-Sport and Nantes, the latter of which saw him reach two consecutive Coupe de France finals. By the 2023–24 season, he had established himself as a key figure at Nice, eventually earning the club's Player of the Season award for his 2024–25 performance, which included twelve goals and nine assists.

In August 2025, Guessand transferred to Premier League club Aston Villa for a reported fee of €35 million. His time in England quickly became historic. After joining Crystal Palace on loan in January 2026, he made an immediate impact, scoring a 90th-minute winner against Wolverhampton Wanderers for his first Premier League goal. His versatility proved vital as he navigated the complexities of two different squads across European competitions.

The 2026 season concluded with a landmark achievement. Guessand featured in the Aston Villa squad that claimed the Europa League title and subsequently played in the UEFA Conference League final for Crystal Palace, which they won 1–0 against Rayo Vallecano. This dual success made him the first player to win two European trophies in a single season. Beyond his club success, he has represented the Ivory Coast internationally since 2024, participating in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 World Cup.

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