As Wembley Stadium prepares to host the 145th FA Cup final this Saturday, the world’s oldest football competition remains a beacon of unpredictable drama. Despite various attempts to alter its format over the years, the tournament continues to deliver moments that define the sport`s cultural fabric. From the first final in 1872 to the present day, the FA Cup has served as a unique stage where any team can dream of glory.
The democracy of the cup is its greatest asset.
In the first part of our countdown of the 50 greatest moments, we look back at the instances that range from the hilarious to the heroic, covering positions 50 to 26. One of the most enduring stories is Sutton United’s 1989 victory over Coventry City, proving that the gap between the top flight and the non-league could be bridged by grit and determination. Similarly, Bournemouth’s 1984 upset against Manchester United remains a cornerstone of the tournament`s giant-killing reputation.
Technological oddities also have a place in FA Cup history. In 2001, Wycombe manager Lawrie Sanchez famously found hero Roy Essandoh through a Ceefax appeal after an injury crisis decimated his squad. The "Ceefax Cyberman" went on to score the winner against Leicester City. Off the pitch, the 1991 final saw Brian Clough eccentricities on full display as he walked out holding hands with rival manager Terry Venables, a gesture that humanized the intense pressure of the Wembley stage.
The list also highlights tactical brilliance and individual mastery, such as Michael Owen’s late double in 2001 that snatched victory from Arsenal in Cardiff. There are moments of comedy too, like Fabien Barthez unsuccessfully trying to trick Paolo Di Canio into an offside trap in 2001. Even the fashion choices have become legendary, specifically the cream Armani suits worn by the 1996 Liverpool squad, who were jokingly dubbed the "Spice Boys" before losing to a late Eric Cantona winner for Manchester United.
Integrity has also played a pivotal role in the cup’s narrative.
Arsene Wenger’s 1999 offer to replay a fifth-round tie against Sheffield United after a controversial goal showed a level of sportsmanship rarely seen in the modern game. From Petr Cech’s gravity-defying save in 2012 to the time an Everton fan evaded the police on the Wembley turf in 1966, these moments illustrate why the competition is beloved worldwide. Part two of our countdown, featuring the top 25 moments, will follow tomorrow as the countdown to the final reaches its climax.
