Southampton and European trophies rarely go hand in hand. Yet, here are 5 ex-Saints who had undone the general notion by registering Europa League trophies in their career cabinets.
After the recent Europa League final, Southampton fans have been one of the happiest for Tottenham's success. And rightly so, as they saw 2 ex-Saints, Fraser Forster and Kevin Danso, bag their inaugural European medals with them.
Of course, it wasn't picture-perfect for St. Mary's as it witnessed another sheer heartbreak for Luke Shaw, but that's part of the game again.
Just imagine, if Saints fans were so involved in this Europa Final, what would have been the excitement levels if Southampton competed in it? Yet, it's nothing except a far-fetched dream for some more years.
Still, there's a glimmer of hope as recent years have seen many former Saints lifting the coveted Europa League trophy. With that in mind, let's look at the best ex-Saints players to achieve this feat.
Fraser Forster
Clearly, the most infamous and iconic Ex-Saint on this list. In fact, truth be told, this list has been made devoting the legendary keeper a Europa win tribute.
Having made over 150 appearances for Southampton and Celtic in multiple spells, Forster surely has earned the designation of one of the most consistent keepers ever. Still, witness fate's plan as the 37-year-old registered his only European trophy as an ordinary squad member with Tottenham now.
Kevin Danso
Probably, the only name on this list whom Southampton fans wouldn't wish to face in real time.
Been a flop for most of his life at St. Mary's, Danso's return to the Premier League with Tottenham has been a mirror contrast. Still, for the ex-Saint, Southampton fans will be happy as he played a crucial part in Spurs' Europa League 2025 win, breaking their 17-year trophy wait.
Luke Shaw
The former Southampton wonderkid's sudden appearance here can amaze you. But, before witnessing a hattrick of European heartbreaks, Shaw had won a Europa League trophy with Man United in 2016/17.
An ex-true and true Saint at heart, Shaw's career has been a replica of Southampton's fate. Rewarded incidentally and declined deservedly. The 29-year-old registered the Europa League win with Man United back when he missed the Final but has been on the harsh end of fate ever since then.
Morgan Schneiderlin
The former fan-favourite midfielder at Southampton, Schneiderlin was Luke Shaw's teammate in Man United's 2016/17 Europa League win.
Once the Saints' game controller in the middle of the park, Schneiderlin still keeps Southampton's actions in check at times. In all, even having turned to punditry after retiring from football last year, the ex-Saint loves St. Mary's more than anything else.
Oriel Romeu
A transfer journeyman for most of his career, Romeu's longest unfazed stint was at Southampton from 2015 to 2022.
Unlike the above-mentioned names, Romeu won the Europa League with Chelsea in 2011/12 way before being designated as a Saint.