John McGinn, Aston Villa’s captain, feels he’s at the peak of his career and is eager to continue his journey with the club well into his 40s, driven by the pursuit of silverware. Approaching his 300th appearance for Villa during their Europa League clash with Maccabi Tel Aviv, McGinn recently signed a contract extension that keeps him at the club until 2028.
Having played a vital role in Villa’s rise from the Championship to the Champions League, McGinn is committed to leading the team forward with no doubts about his future. Although he recently turned 31, he prefers to focus on the present, acknowledging the mixed feelings that come with getting older.
“My dad asked why I seemed down about hitting 30,” he admits. “But honestly, I perform better when I have something to prove. Right now, I’m in the best physical shape I’ve been in for a long time.”
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A close relationship with his agent, David, has helped McGinn maintain a strong mindset and physical condition. Over the summer, McGinn trained in Arizona with Natalie, a coach known for working with NFL and UFC athletes, enduring intense 45-degree heat sessions.
“I’ll never be the fastest or strongest, but I’m doing everything to give myself the best chance,” he says. “I hope to return to America for the World Cup preparation.”
Despite an aging squad, McGinn’s leadership remains crucial under Unai Emery, who values experienced players. Rather than settling into a steady role, McGinn strives to continue improving and pushing himself daily.
He credits his stamina and recovery to a surprising secret: a personal chef. “It makes me uncomfortable admitting it because I come from humble beginnings,” he confesses. “But having Mikey cook healthy meals every night keeps me in top condition. Without that, I’d probably eat takeout too often.” Though Mikey is a Coventry fan, their relationship remains strong.
McGinn’s dedication to professionalism has silenced critics who speculated he might be sidelined following Emery’s arrival three years ago. Now, he’s focused on cementing his legacy not only as a captain during Villa’s successful period but as a player who brings silverware home.
He recalls three painful near-misses: missing the Carabao Cup final, losing the Conference League semi-final, and the FA Cup semi-final, as well as a heart-breaking quarter-final loss to PSG in the Champions League.
“These defeats were brutal,” McGinn admits. “We put everything into those seasons. The feeling of coming so close but falling short drives us to aim higher. We believe this team can achieve more than just quarter-finals or semi-finals.”
He emphasizes the mental strength required to overcome these setbacks, crediting their growth as a group. “There’s been praise and criticism, and both are deserved,” he says. “Villa fans should be proud, but we know there’s more to come. We’re determined to take that next step.”