Konsa jokes Prince William knighthood awaits if England win the 2026 World Cup

Ezri Konsa has joked that Prince William will award him a knighthood if England win the 2026 World Cup, after the heir to the throne travelled to Istanbul to watch Aston Villa claim the Europa League and celebrated with the squad in the dressing room.

Konsa revealed he is on texting terms with the Prince of Wales, who has a personal nickname for the defender. “He knows my name, calls me a Rolls Royce as well,” Konsa said. When asked whether a knighthood might follow a World Cup triumph, the centre-back laughed: “I hope so. That’s the plan after the World Cup!”

The 27-year-old described the surreal experience of having royalty visit the dressing room before matches. “Sometimes it’s difficult because sometimes he would come into the dressing room just before we go out, and as players, you’re in the moment,” Konsa explained. “Some foreign players in our team don’t really understand. For me, personally, it takes me a moment, maybe after the game or the next day and I’m like, wow, I’ve actually met him, shook his hand.”

Konsa was full of praise for William’s long-standing commitment to Villa. “Supporting Aston Villa, it’s not easy, but he’s managed to do that for a long time, he’s stuck by our side, supported us a lot, been to a lot of games, and to be able to celebrate that moment in the Europa League final with him was special.”

The defender also argued that Villa’s European success could benefit England’s World Cup campaign by embedding a winning culture in the squad. “Of course, I think it can help. You come here bringing a winning mentality,” he said. “For me personally, it was my first trophy, so this made me hungry for more. As a nation we’ve been to finals, but we want to go that extra step and get it over the line.”

On preparations for the tournament, Konsa said training sessions have been set to music — though he was quick to distance himself from the Luther Vandross track that made the playlist. “Definitely not me!” he said, adding that a physio had invited each player to submit a song. He also dismissed concerns about playing in the heat, noting that most players regularly travel to warm climates during pre-season.