Parlour? Villa? Gerrard? Ranking best FA Cup final goals

There is something truly special about the moments leading up to the FA Cup final. The atmosphere is electric, filled with anticipation and excitement. The sound of trumpets echoes around the stadium, fans wave homemade foil trophies, and players walk onto the pitch carrying a mixture of nerves and determination. Managers pace anxiously in their technical areas, dressed sharply in club suits, fully aware of what is at stake. It is in these fleeting seconds that dreams are born, and new heroes prepare to etch their names into football history.

For many fans, there is a particular era of FA Cup finals that remains unforgettable. These are usually the formative years of childhood and adolescence, when every detail—team kits, goal scorers, celebrations, and captains climbing the famous Wembley steps—becomes permanently embedded in memory. While recent finals may blur together, older moments stand out vividly. Names like Paul Rideout from 1995 or Eric Cantona’s iconic performance against Liverpool are remembered with remarkable clarity.

Over the years, certain goals have risen above the rest, becoming legendary moments that are replayed in every FA Cup montage. These are the goals that combine skill, drama, and significance—stunning strikes that often decide matches and sometimes create historic upsets. Ranking such moments is no easy task, but here is a reimagined look at ten of the most memorable FA Cup final goals.

Starting at number ten is Youri Tielemans’ spectacular strike for Leicester City against Chelsea in 2021. While Leicester’s Premier League triumph in 2016 was considered a miracle, their FA Cup victory five years later was equally emotional. Tielemans’ goal was the defining moment—a powerful long-range effort that flew into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper helpless. Despite limited attendance due to pandemic restrictions, the goal remains a cherished memory for Leicester fans.

At number nine is Ben Watson’s dramatic header for Wigan Athletic against Manchester City in 2013. While not as technically brilliant as others, its significance is undeniable. Wigan, heavy underdogs, stunned the football world when Watson scored in the dying moments of the match. Rising to meet a corner, he directed a looping header into the net, sealing one of the greatest FA Cup upsets ever witnessed.

Eighth place goes to Charlie George’s iconic goal for Arsenal against Liverpool in 1971. The strike itself was brilliant, but it is his celebration that truly made it unforgettable. After scoring in extra time, George lay flat on the pitch with arms outstretched, a moment that perfectly captured the emotion and exhaustion of the occasion. His goal secured a historic league and cup double for Arsenal.

In seventh position is Ray Parlour’s long-range effort for Arsenal against Chelsea in 2002. Known more for his work rate than goal scoring, Parlour produced a moment of brilliance when it mattered most. Spotting space outside the box, he unleashed a powerful shot that soared past the goalkeeper, setting Arsenal on their way to victory.

Number six features Norman Whiteside’s composed finish for Manchester United against Everton in 1985. Despite playing with ten men, United managed to find a breakthrough in extra time. Whiteside’s skillful movement and curling shot into the far corner demonstrated both composure and technical excellence under immense pressure.

Fifth on the list is Ilkay Gundogan’s incredible volley for Manchester City against Manchester United in 2023. Scored just seconds after kickoff, it is the fastest goal in FA Cup final history. The technique required to strike the ball so cleanly on the volley was extraordinary, and it set the tone for City’s eventual triumph.

Fourth place belongs to Michael Owen’s match-winning performance for Liverpool against Arsenal in 2001. Owen scored twice in quick succession to turn the game on its head. His second goal, in particular, showcased his blistering pace and clinical finishing, as he raced past defenders and slotted the ball into the net with precision.

At number three is Roberto Di Matteo’s thunderous strike for Chelsea against Middlesbrough in 1997. Scored within the opening minute, it remains one of the fastest goals in FA Cup final history. Di Matteo’s powerful run and unstoppable shot caught everyone off guard, setting Chelsea on course for their first major trophy in decades.

Second place is taken by Steven Gerrard’s unforgettable long-range equalizer for Liverpool against West Ham in 2006. With his team trailing and time running out, Gerrard struck a stunning shot from distance that flew into the net. The goal forced the game into extra time, and Liverpool eventually triumphed on penalties, making it one of the most dramatic finals ever.

Topping the list is Ricky Villa’s magical solo goal for Tottenham Hotspur against Manchester City in 1981. In the replay match, Villa produced a moment of pure brilliance, dribbling past multiple defenders before calmly finishing. The goal was not just technically superb but also full of emotion, symbolizing determination and creativity. It remains one of the most iconic moments in FA Cup history.

These goals represent more than just moments of skill—they capture the essence of the FA Cup itself. Drama, unpredictability, and individual brilliance come together to create memories that last a lifetime. Whether it’s a last-minute winner, a stunning long-range strike, or a dazzling solo effort, each goal tells a story that continues to inspire football fans around the world.

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