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Aston Villa's Tyrone Mings named one of Europe's 'visionary leaders'

Villa defender Tyrone Mings has been named alongside Greta Thunberg as one of Europe’s young “visionary leaders” by Forbes magazine.

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Mings has been included in the American publication’s annual ‘30 under 30’ list which is compiled of the most influential young entrepreneurs.

The 27-year-old and Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin appear alongside climate change activist Thunberg, while fellow sports stars Tom Daley, Simona Halep and Fallon Sherrock are also included.

Mings has worked to help the homeless and the most vulnerable in society during his football career, having spent part of his childhood in a housing shelter.

He has also founded the Tyrone Mings Academy, which runs classes for youngsters in the south-west and the Midlands.

Mings, who fought his way back into the sport after being released by Southampton as a youngster, has seen his career accelerate since joining Villa on loan from Bournemouth in January, 2019.

A key component of the team which won promotion, he joined on a permanent deal for £20million last summer before winning an England cap in October.

Like the rest of Villa’s first-team squad he is currently training at home during the coronavirus pandemic.

Reacting to being included in the Forbes list on Twitter, Mings wrote: “Feels like a strange time to post this, but being named as a visionary leader on Forbes’ ‘30 under 30’ list was an unexpected surprise & something I’m really proud of.

“It’s very humbling and congratulations to everyone else named on the list.”