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By Jonathan Lewis | 22nd Jan 2025
As the FA Cup prepares to kick off for 2025, excitement is building across the footballing world. This celebrated competition, steeped in history and tradition, remains one of the most coveted trophies in the sport.
For clubs large and small, the journey through the FA Cup provides the tantalising dream of stepping onto the hallowed turf of Wembley Stadium – a moment that transcends football, etching itself into the hearts of players and fans alike.
In this article, we look back at the last five winners of the FA Cup, from underdog triumphs and a fairy-tale run to dominant displays by the game’s elite. The FA Cup continues to captivate audiences worldwide, reminding us why it’s a cornerstone of British football.
Entering stage three of the competition
The FA Cup is now gearing up for the fourth round, a stage renowned for its drama and unpredictability as Premier League teams begin to rise to the top.
It has been over 40 years since a club from outside the top flight lifted the iconic trophy, with West Ham United’s historic victory in 1980 remaining the last such feat. Yet, this is precisely why the FA Cup continues to capture the imagination of fans everywhere.
The ‘magic of the Cup’ is alive and well, where lower-league sides dream and underdog stories unfold on football’s grandest stage.
Whether it’s a last-minute winner or a plucky non-league team knocking out a top-tier giant, the FA Cup never fails to deliver moments of sheer drama and raw emotion that remind us why it’s one of the most beloved competitions in the world.
Who will lift the trophy this year?
As the 2025 FA Cup unfolds, fans and pundits alike are eagerly analysing the FA Cup odds, trying to predict who will claim this year’s coveted trophy.
The competition has a knack for delivering surprises, with recent years showcasing a blend of dominant performances and unexpected triumphs.
Among the last five winners, we’ve seen Manchester City’s tactical brilliance, Liverpool’s resilience, and Leicester City’s fairy-tale run in 2021. Chelsea and Arsenal have also added to their impressive FA Cup histories, reinforcing their status as heavyweights in the tournament.
Let’s take a look back at the last five winning moments:
2024: Manchester United 2-1 Manchester City
In a thrilling FA Cup final, Manchester United avenged their 2023 defeat to their city rivals, Manchester City. Goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo propelled United to a hard-fought victory in front of a packed Wembley crowd.
Despite City having possession of the ball most of the game, United won the match and lifted the coveted cup.
2023: Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
The 2023 FA Cup final marked a historic occasion as the first-ever Manchester Derby to be contested in the competition’s final.
Under Pep Guardiola’s tactical mastery, Manchester City triumphed over Manchester United with a 2-1 victory. Ilkay Gündoğan emerged as the hero, scoring both goals for City. His first came in spectacular fashion, a thunderous volley from outside the box just 12 seconds into the match—the fastest goal in FA Cup final history.
Despite United levelling the score through a Bruno Fernandes penalty, Gündoğan struck again in the second half with a well-placed volley, sealing the win.
2022: Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea (Liverpool won 6-5 on penalties)
The 2022 FA Cup final between Liverpool and Chelsea was a tense, hard-fought affair that ended goalless after 120 minutes. Both teams created several chances, but excellent goalkeeping and resilient defending kept the scores level.
The match went to penalties, echoing the season’s earlier League Cup final between the same teams, which Liverpool also won on penalties.
Kostas Tsimikas scored the decisive penalty in sudden death, earning Liverpool a 6-5 shootout victory and their eighth FA Cup title overall.
2021: Leicester City 1-0 Chelsea
Leicester City achieved a historic milestone by winning their first-ever FA Cup, defeating Chelsea 1-0 in a dramatic final.
Youri Tielemans delivered the match-winning moment with a spectacular long-range strike in the second half. The Belgian midfielder’s goal, struck with power and precision from outside the penalty area, flew into the top corner, leaving Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga with no chance.
2020: Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Arsenal extended their record as the most successful club in FA Cup history by winning their 14th title with a 2-1 victory over Chelsea.
Despite Chelsea having possession of the ball most of the game, it was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who was the star of the show, scoring both goals for the Gunners and securing the win and the cup.
Jonathan Lewis is an MFF sports writer
