Legendary FA Cup Moments
Since its establishment in 1871, the FA Cup has served as the backdrop for many unforgettable moments in football history.
Here, we present a selection of stunning images that encapsulate the enchantment of this prestigious tournament.
Join us as we explore the journey from equine assistance to remarkable headers, featuring breathtaking dribbles and extraordinary upsets…
The ‘White Horse Final’ (1923)
Bolton emerged victorious over West Ham with a score of 2-0, securing the FA Cup in the inaugural match held at the original Wembley Stadium. However, the match was nearly canceled due to an overwhelming crowd that swelled to around 300,000, far exceeding Wembley’s official capacity of approximately 125,000. The efforts of mounted police, particularly PC George Storey on his grey horse Billie (mistaken for white in the black-and-white newsreel films), were crucial in restoring order.
The ‘Matthews Final’ (1953)
At 38 years old (and continuing to play until he was 50), Stanley Matthews finally triumphed in the FA Cup final. The legendary ‘Wizard of Dribble’ delivered a performance to remember as Blackpool triumphed over Bolton in a breathtaking 4-3 final, managing to outshine teammate Stan Mortensen, who netted a hat-trick.
Trautmann plays on with a broken neck (1956)
Bert Trautmann, a German paratrooper captured during World War II and later held as a prisoner in Lancashire, faced controversy when he joined Manchester City from St Helens Town in 1949.
He would go on to cement his status as a club legend, particularly remembered for his remarkable performance in the 1956 FA Cup final as City overcame Birmingham 3-1, playing the last 15 minutes with a broken neck suffered from a collision with forward Peter Murphy’s knee.
Radford sends Hereford fans into raptures (1972)
Ricky George scored the decisive goal for Hereford United in their monumental victory over Newcastle in the 1971/72 FA Cup third round replay, yet it was Ronnie Radford’s stunning equaliser that has been immortalized in highlights reels.
It’s easy to understand why fans felt compelled to rush onto the Edgar Street pitch, joining Radford in celebration (another pitch invasion occurred after George’s winning goal).
Sunderland’s monumental victory (1973)
In an incredible upset, second-tier Sunderland triumphed over the top-flight holders Leeds United in the 1973 FA Cup final.
Ian Porterfield’s solitary goal clinched victory for Bob Stokoe’s side, with club legend Bobby Kerr lifting the trophy in jubilation at Wembley.
Villa wins it in style for Spurs (1981)
Tottenham came back from behind to defeat Manchester City 3-2 in a replay of the 1981 FA Cup final, with Ricky Villa delivering a stunning winning goal from a spectacular solo effort.
Receiving the ball just outside the box, the Argentine dazzled through the City defense before effortlessly placing the ball past goalkeeper Joe Corrigan, notching his second goal of the match.
“The Crazy Gang have beaten the Culture Club” (1988)
John Motson delivered one of his most memorable commentary lines when Wimbledon shocked Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup final.
The ‘Crazy Gang’ camaraderie was palpable, highlighted by winning goalscorer Lawrie Sanchez with the FA Cup atop his head and goalkeeper Dave Beasant sporting a hard hat bedecked with Dons’ insignia.
Wrexham stun Arsenal (1992)
Fourth Division Wrexham faced a seemingly impossible task against reigning champions Arsenal in the 1991/92 FA Cup third round – yet this is the magic of the FA Cup, where surprises can happen.
After Alan Smith put the Gunners ahead at halftime, late goals from Mickey Thomas (via a stunning 25-yard free-kick) and Steve Watkin turned the game on its head, securing a historic upset.
Liverpool’s fashion disaster (1996)
While Manchester United clinched victory in the 1996 FA Cup final with a late goal from Eric Cantona, another significant story emerged that day.
Liverpool’s team caught attention for their garish Armani cream suits, reportedly chosen by goalkeeper David James, who had signed a deal with the designer.
Giggs celebrates his wondergoal (1999)
Ryan Giggs’ solo goal during extra time in the 1999 FA Cup semi-final replay remains one of the finest goals in FA Cup history, paired with a celebration that has become legendary.
After weaving through multiple Arsenal defenders, he shot past David Seaman and celebrated with the classic move of removing his shirt and swirling it overhead—an iconic act befitting the moment.
Wycombe’s Ceefax striker (2001)
Entering their FA Cup quarter-final match against Premier League Leicester without any available strikers, Wycombe Wanderers turned to Ceefax (look it up) in search of help.
Roy Essandoh responded to the call, scoring a dramatic injury-time header that propelled the third-tier Chairboys into the semi-finals. Remarkably, it was the only goal he would score for Wycombe.
Seaman’s impossible save (2003)
In 2003, Arsenal secured their FA Cup title, a feat made possible in part due to David Seaman’s incredible performance that helped them reach the final.
It appeared that Paul Peschisolido had scored with a header to bring Sheffield United level, but Seaman pulled off a jaw-dropping save—so remarkable that it seemed to defy the laws of physics.
Gerrard’s late heroics (2006)
In what is regarded as one of the most exhilarating FA Cup finals ever, Liverpool staged a comeback from 2-0 down and again from 3-2 to clinch the title on penalties. Once again, they owed their success to the brilliance of captain Steven Gerrard.
In the last FA Cup final held at Millennium Stadium, Stevie G exhibited his leadership by scoring two goals, one of which was an electrifying 35-yard volley that equalized in stoppage time, propelling the match into extra time.
Drogba scores the first FA Cup goal at the new Wembley (2007)
The FA Cup final returned to Wembley in 2007 after a six-year hiatus, marking one of the first club matches in the new stadium.
The match between Chelsea and Manchester United concluded dramatically, with Didier Drogba netting the Blues’ winner during the 26th minute of extra time, following a clever one-two with Frank Lampard.
Beckford silences Old Trafford (2010)
In 2010, Manchester United faced Leeds in a highly anticipated FA Cup third round match, having not been eliminated at this stage for 26 years—and with Leeds sitting in League One, a comfortable victory was expected.
However, Jermaine Beckford had other plans! Just 19 minutes in, he seized on Jonny Howson’s long ball and calmly slotted the winning goal past goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak at the Stretford End.
Watson wins it for Wigan (2013)
Wigan Athletic entered the 2013 FA Cup final as significant underdogs against reigning champions Manchester City and were relegated from the Premier League just days later. Nevertheless, they embodied the magic of the Cup on that unforgettable day.
In the final moments of the match, substitute Ben Watson rose to meet Shaun Maloney’s corner, sending a powerful header into the net, igniting jubilant celebrations among Wigan’s supporters.
