NEWS · 17 Sep 2026
How an Aston Villa fringe player became Europe's most prolific scorer
Since making his Serie A debut for Roma in January, Donyell Malen has outscored every player in Europe's top five leagues. The former Aston Villa squad member has turned into a prolific striker, reshaping expectations for his future. BBC Sport traces his remarkable rise.
Donyell Malen, once a fringe name in Aston Villa’s squad, has emerged as the most prolific scorer in Europe’s top five leagues since his debut for Roma in January. The Dutch forward’s rapid rise has surprised pundits and fans alike.
During his time at Villa, Malen struggled for first‑team minutes, often featuring on the bench or in the reserves. The move to Roma offered a fresh start and a chance to prove himself in a league that values attacking talent.
From his January debut, Malen began finding the back of the net with increasing frequency. His goal tally has eclipsed every other striker in the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1, making him the league’s top scorer across Europe.
Malén’s impact at Roma has been significant, providing the team with a reliable source of goals and boosting the club’s offensive reputation. His performance has also drawn attention from clubs in other top leagues, raising questions about his next career move.
Looking ahead, Malen will aim to maintain his scoring form and help Roma secure domestic and European success. Whether he stays at Roma or moves to a bigger club remains a topic of speculation, but his recent achievements have firmly established him as a key player on the continent.