Morgan Rogers x PUMA: Football, Fashion, and Finding Flow

Fresh from a season that saw him crowned PFA Young Player of the Year, Morgan Rogers is stepping into the spotlights with a quiet confidence that speaks much louder than words. At just 22, he is already making waves at Aston Villa, forging his own path in the top flight of English football whilst shaping a personal identity that extends off beyond the pitch.

To mark Rogers' success, PUMA staged a striking tribute in the heart of Birmingham. Taking over the Bullring shopping mall, the brand unveiled a one-of-a-kind ice sculpture that immortalised Rogers’ now signature ‘cold’ celebration. This not only celebrated his breakout season in the Premier League but also highlighted PUMA’s connection to moments of individuality. The celebration that has become iconic during Roger’s rise now frozen in time.

Following his recent success, we sat down with Rogers to talk about what the award means to him, his growing partnership with PUMA, and the role that creativity plays in both his football and his life.

PFA Young Player Of The Year is a huge achievement, what does it mean to you to be recognised by fellow professionals?

I think, that's the nicest thing. I think the fact that it's a vote from players that you play against week in, week out, that's what makes it a bit more special to know that the recognition that they're showing you, is really nice. So, yeah, I'm really proud and privileged to have won it, and all the players that were before me and the names that you see that have won it, to be in that category is a really nice feeling. So, yeah, I'm very happy.

When you look back at the journey, from youth football to now, what moments feel the most significant to you reaching this moment?

I think everything I don't think I can just say one thing, really. I think it's all built up for me to be who I am, and I've had to go through good times and bad times. I think that's what makes you. And, yeah, I couldn't name one thing. I think everything is a is a factor into the person and the player I am. So going through them difficult periods, them good periods, I think they help you. And, yeah, I think I wouldn't be here today without them.

Do you feel this award comes with added pressure now for this season, or does it give you even more confidence?

I suppose you could say that. I think a bit more awareness of me, I suppose, from other people, but I see it as a good pressure and a good problem to have. And it's about how I adapt and how I try and push on and get better and improve and show that I've got other gears to my game, that I can get better and show even more of what I'm about. So, yeah, I'm excited.

And speaking of this season, what are you looking to achieve, both with Villa and individually?

I think it's too early to say. I think you just take it a day by day and game at a time, and you kind of assess how things are going. But, obviously, there's stuff that I wanna achieve, and I wanna push myself as much as possible. But I don't really set goals because if you don't hit them, you might be a bit disappointed when it's not necessary. So, yeah, I'm gonna take it how it comes and just build and build and build and just try and improve.

Signing with PUMA a few months ago was a big move for you individually, what made you feel like the brand was the right fit for you?

I think on the come up, in terms of they obviously just got the Premier League and stuff like that. I think they're just only going forwards, and I think to join at that time was perfect for me. A brand that wants you is always a nice feeling as well. And, yeah, the the clothes, the stuff, the way I'm treated, everything's perfect and has been really good so far, and that's what kinda brought me to to it. The people, first and foremost, and how they interact with me is really, really nice and really welcoming, and it makes it a great environment to be around. So, yeah, I'm just really happy.

You’ve grown up in the Midlands, so what does pulling on a Villa shirt mean to you personally, even after beginning your career at West Brom?

It's nice, obviously, just being at home, being around family and friends as well, and playing at home week in, week out. I kinda feel the fans more than probably others because of the areas and where people are from. And, yeah, I think it just makes it that bit sweeter and that bit nicer when you when you're from the area. So, yeah, it's really nice.

Villa Park has a special kind of energy, but what is your favourite memory there so far?

Obviously, that Champions League hattrick for me is the best thing for me. To do it on that stage, in the last game to qualify, yeah, it's something that will live with me for a while.

What game this season are you most excited for at Villa Park, one that you know will be a heated atmosphere?

To be fair, I think every game, the fans bring the atmosphere and bring the occasion. Obviously, the bigger teams is probably that percent more, and you can feel it. But, yeah, I think every game, you have that feeling. The fans are amazing, and they support us through the whole time. So, yeah, it's really good. I wouldn't say a particular game. I think majority of the games are the same.

You’re a player with tonnes of flair and creativity, were there any players you watched growing up that influenced this part of your game?

Neymar. Obviously, I play nothing like him. I just mean from the aspect of the way he just has a conscience not to care if he messes up or makes a mistake or gets it wrong. But the next time he gets it, he's still gonna do it again. And I'm still not perfect at it, but I'm better than I was when I was younger. And watching people like that, you see that just if you believe in it more than actually having the ability, it will work. The fact that belief is such a big thing and such a massive factor into success, really, and the fact that he has so much belief in his ability. And, of course, he can do amazing things. We all know that. But I think the belief to do them and to try them things must be off the scales. And, yeah, to look up to someone like that is massive.

Off the pitch, football culture and lifestyle now overlap more than ever, how important is fashion/music/creativity for expressing yourself?

Football's only part of your life, and that's the other part of it kinda thing. And, yeah, I'm big into it. I think a lot of players are big into it, and I think it's a good thing to be into. It's interesting. It's enjoyable, trying to have competitions with people and see who's does it best and stuff. So, yeah, it's good.

There are a lot of well-dressed ballers in the game, but who do you think has the best style in football right now?

Joe Willock looks good. It's a bit out there. Obviously, it's not for everyone and stuff, but yeah, I like what he what he's doing.

How would you describe your own style away from the pitch for people who don’t know?

I have to say unique to me. Some people like it, some people don't. I’m not really too bothered, to be honest. As long as I like it, it's the most important thing.

Which song/artist is your go-to hype before a match?

Not a particular song, I kinda mix it up. But Little Baby is the usual one, yeah. Always.

The off-season is a long way off now, but have you got any favourite vacation spots you’ll be jetting to as soon as you get some time off?

Mykonos, I enjoy. I like America as well. Different parts of America, especially Miami is the place I like going. I need to try LA as well.

Finally, can you give us your dream five-a-side team, past or present?

Okay. I’ll go Neuer in goal, playing out from the back. I'll go Van Dyke for defending, because no one can go past him. I'll go De Bruyne, just linking everything together. I think just his passing and his range is insane. And then I'll go Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo front two. I think that that covers everything.