The FA Cup final is a spectacle like no other, a day where the magic of the beautiful game truly comes alive. It's a day when the beautiful game's greatest players are given the stage to showcase their skills, and the goals scored in these matches are often the stuff of legend. In this article, I'll be ranking the best FA Cup final goals of all time, with a focus on the ones that have left an indelible mark on the competition's history. From the breathtaking strikes to the dramatic last-gasp winners, these goals are the stuff of footballing fairy tales. So, let's dive into the top 10, with a healthy dose of personal commentary and analysis along the way.
10. Youri Tielemans - Leicester v Chelsea 2021
Youri Tielemans' goal in the 2021 FA Cup final was a moment of pure genius. With Leicester City facing Chelsea, Tielemans received a pass inside the Chelsea half, took two touches to shift it out of his feet, and then unleashed a bullet-like drive into Kepa Arrizabalaga's top corner. It was a moment of individual brilliance that sealed Leicester's first-ever FA Cup triumph. Covid restrictions meant only 20,000 fans were at Wembley to witness it, but the memory of that goal will live on for Foxes fans, who are now in League One. In my opinion, this goal is a testament to the fact that sometimes, all it takes is one moment of magic to change everything.
9. Ben Watson - Wigan v Man City 2013
Ben Watson's goal in the 2013 FA Cup final was a moment of drama and shock. With Wigan Athletic facing Manchester City, Watson rose like an Atlantic salmon to meet Shaun Maloney's corner at the front post and flick a looping header into the far corner. The goal came in the 91st minute, adding to the drama of the match. While it wasn't as technically satisfying as some of the other goals on this list, it was a well-executed set-piece that produced one of the biggest shocks in FA Cup history. Wigan fans were back in London three days later, watching their side get relegated from the Premier League after a 4-1 defeat at Arsenal. It was a bittersweet moment for the club and its fans.
8. Charlie George - Arsenal v Liverpool 1971
Charlie George's goal in the 1971 FA Cup final was a moment of pure elation. With Arsenal facing Liverpool, George played a one-two before lashing a strike beyond Ray Clemence from the edge of the box to seal Arsenal a league and cup double. The celebration is iconic - George laying down on his back, arms outstretched, before being mobbed by his team-mates. You can almost sense the burning quads and cramping calf muscles through the grainy footage. This goal is a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is one moment of individual brilliance to change the course of a match and the destiny of a club.
7. Ray Parlour - Arsenal v Chelsea 2002
Ray Parlour's goal in the 2002 FA Cup final was a moment of pure relief for Arsenal fans. With the score tied at 1-1, Parlour received a pass from Sylvain Wiltord and, with 20 minutes to go, curled an effort beyond Carlo Cudicini. It was a goal that seemed to release the tension in the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Parlour, known as the 'Romford Pele', had only scored once in 37 games all season, but this was a moment when he stepped up to the plate. Freddie Ljungberg scored a special solo effort of his own 10 minutes later to take the trophy back to north London. It was a day when Arsenal's midfield magic shone through.
6. Norman Whiteside - Man Utd v Everton 1985
Norman Whiteside's goal in the 1985 FA Cup final was a moment of pure determination. With Manchester United facing Everton, Whiteside scrambled down the right, cut in towards the edge of the box, and wrapped a curling effort around Pat van den Hauwe and beyond Neville Southall into the far corner. It was a goal scored in extra time, with United down to 10 men, against an Everton side chasing a treble. Whiteside's goal was a moment of pure grit and determination, and it changed the course of the match. In my opinion, it's a goal that reminds us of the beauty of the game's unpredictability.
5. Ilkay Gundogan - Man City v Man Utd 2023
Ilkay Gundogan's goal in the 2023 FA Cup final was a moment of pure precision. With Manchester City facing Manchester United, Gundogan executed his effort with perfection, lacing a ferocious, dipping strike into David de Gea's top corner. It was the fastest goal in FA Cup final history, and one of the best too. Gundogan's goal was a moment of pure class, and it sealed City's Treble-winning season. In my opinion, it's a goal that reminds us of the beauty of the game's tactical nuances.
4. Michael Owen - Liverpool v Arsenal 2001
Michael Owen's goal in the 2001 FA Cup final was a moment of pure instinct. With Liverpool trailing Arsenal, Owen levelled with a smartly taken half-volley in the 83rd minute. His winner five minutes later was a moment of pure genius. Owen gave Lee Dixon a head start but scorched across the turf to get there before him, taking the ball away from Tony Adams and firing a left-footed shot a fraction inside David Seaman's far post. It was a goal that reminded us of Owen's electric pace and instinctive finishing. In my opinion, it's a goal that will forever be etched in the memories of Liverpool fans.
3. Roberto di Matteo - Chelsea v Middlesbrough 1997
Roberto di Matteo's goal in the 1997 FA Cup final was a moment of pure instinct. With Chelsea facing Middlesbrough, di Matteo collected a pass 10 yards inside his own half and surged forward. He reached 30 yards from goal and unleashed a ferocious effort that appeared to pick up speed as it cannoned into the net off the underside of the crossbar. It was a goal that sealed Chelsea's first major trophy in 26 years, and it was a moment of pure elation for the Italian midfielder. In my opinion, it's a goal that reminds us of the beauty of the game's unpredictability.
2. Steven Gerrard - Liverpool v West Ham 2006
Steven Gerrard's goal in the 2006 FA Cup final was a moment of pure drama. With Liverpool trailing West Ham, Gerrard hobbled around with cramp, lactic acid coursing through his thighs, and swung a right boot at a bobbling ball 40 yards out. It fizzed just above the turf until hitting the back of Shaka Hislop's net. It was a goal that sealed Liverpool's victory on penalties, and it was a moment of pure relief for Gerrard and his team-mates. In my opinion, it's a goal that reminds us of the beauty of the game's dramatic twists and turns.
1. Ricky Villa - Tottenham v Man City 1981
Ricky Villa's goal in the 1981 FA Cup final was a moment of pure adrenaline-fuelled emotion. With Tottenham facing Manchester City, Villa set off on his famous dribble - shorts clinging to his upper quads, hair billowing in the Thursday evening Wembley breeze, and slotting between Joe Corrigan's legs. It was a moment of pure magic, and it changed Villa's life in the English league. In my opinion, it's a goal that reminds us of the beauty of the game's individual brilliance and the power of a single moment to change everything.
