The 2025 FA Cup is already shaping up to be a classic, with shocks, comebacks, and dramatic late winners lighting up the third round. From non-league underdogs silencing top-flight giants to familiar powerhouses flexing their muscles, the race to Wembley is heating up.
This competition remains football’s most storied tournament, where careers can be defined by a single swing of the boot on the grandest stage.
This season, the journey to the final promises to be as thrilling as ever, with Premier League title hopefuls and lower-league dreamers alike chasing their chance at glory.
As we look ahead to the possibility of another unforgettable showdown under the arch, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the goals that have cemented themselves in FA Cup folklore. These moments of brilliance live long in the memory, representing everything that makes this competition magical.
Steven Gerrard – Liverpool vs West Ham (2006)
The 2006 final between Liverpool and West Ham is widely regarded as one of the greatest FA Cup matches of all time.
With the game tied at 3-3 in stoppage time and players struggling with exhaustion, Steven Gerrard produced a moment of sheer brilliance. After the ball fell to him 35 yards from goal, he unleashed a ferocious first-time volley that rocketed past Shaka Hislop into the bottom corner. The strike sent the match into extra time and eventually to a penalty shootout, where Liverpool emerged victorious.
Didier Drogba – Chelsea vs Manchester United (2007)
The 2007 final saw Chelsea and Manchester United locked in a tense battle, with few chances for either side in normal time.
In the first FA Cup final at the new Wembley, it took something special to break the deadlock. Didier Drogba, who had developed a reputation for delivering in big moments, combined beautifully with Frank Lampard in the 116th minute.
Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City vs Watford (2019)
Manchester City’s 2019 final against Watford was a masterclass in attacking football, as they secured a dominant 6-0 victory.
Kevin De Bruyne’s contribution stood out for its sheer elegance among the avalanche of goals. Introduced as a second-half substitute, De Bruyne latched onto a clever through-ball, rounded the goalkeeper with composure, and calmly fired into the net.
The goal encapsulated everything that makes De Bruyne special—his vision, balance, and ability to stay cool in the most high-pressure moments. It was a fitting addition to what became one of the most lopsided FA Cup finals in history.
Youri Tielemans – Leicester City vs Chelsea (2021)
The 2021 final provided Leicester City with their first-ever FA Cup triumph, and it was a goal worthy of the occasion.
Midway through the second half, Youri Tielemans received the ball in space and unleashed a thunderous strike from 25 yards out that flew into the top corner. Chelsea’s goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was left helpless as the ball sailed past him.
The moment was made even more iconic by VAR’s intervention to rule out a potential late Chelsea equaliser from former Foxes player Ben Chilwell, ensuring Tielemans’ goal remained the decisive moment. It was the kind of goal that etches itself into the history books, perfectly encapsulating Leicester’s remarkable rise.
A stage set for future greatness
As the current campaign unfolds, every team still dreaming of Wembley will look to these moments of inspiration.
Whether through raw power, precision, or a cool head under pressure, these goals demonstrate that FA Cup finals are never just about winning—they’re about creating memories that last a lifetime.
With the 2025 final drawing ever closer and FA Cup odds sparking debate, fans will be eager to see which player will write the next unforgettable chapter in this iconic tournament.
