Crystal Palace’s stunning 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the 2025 FA Cup final delivered one of the most memorable upsets in the competition’s modern era.
Oliver Glasner’s side had waited 119 years for their first major trophy, and few gave them hope against a Manchester City team that had dominated English football for the past decade.
Eberechi Eze’s 16th-minute strike proved enough to secure Palace’s historic triumph, whilst Dean Henderson’s penalty save from Omar Marmoush epitomised the heroics required to claim such an improbable victory. Palace had always looked a good outside for a free bet, but no one really expected them to go all the way, especially with how much City spent in January.
The triumph at Wembley Stadium represented everything that makes the FA Cup magical – the ultimate David versus Goliath story played out on football’s grandest stage.
Palace absorbed relentless pressure throughout the match, with City enjoying 77% possession and taking 23 shots, yet the Eagles held firm to spark wild celebrations amongst their supporters.
As cup final upsets go, no one in the betting markets, even those with money back as a free bet had given south London much of a chance of Manchester, yet the magic of the cup prevailed.
The FA Cup has long been renowned for its giant-killing tradition, where smaller clubs rise to the occasion and produce performances that transcend expectation. From non-league minnows knocking out Premier League giants to unfancied teams lifting the trophy itself. But how does this win compare with some of the all-time underdog stories?
Wigan Athletic – 2013
Wigan’s victory in 2013 remains one of the most improbable in modern FA Cup history. Relegation-threatened and facing star-studded Manchester City in the final, Roberto Martínez’s side produced a disciplined display that stunned the football world.
The Latics had spent the entire season battling against Premier League relegation, yet they saved their finest performance for the biggest stage of all.
Ben Watson’s stoppage-time header sealed a 1-0 win, sending Wigan fans into delirium and delivering the club’s first-ever major trophy over the likes of Joe Hart, Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure, David Silva and Segio Aguero.
The victory proved bittersweet as Wigan were relegated from the Premier League just three days later, but nothing could diminish the magnitude of their Wembley triumph. Watson’s goal, scored in the 91st minute, encapsulated the FA Cup’s ability to produce moments of pure magic when they matter most.
Portsmouth – 2008
Portsmouth’s 2008 success was unexpected but thoroughly deserved after a remarkable cup run that captured the nation’s imagination.
Harry Redknapp’s side navigated past Manchester United and West Bromwich Albion before beating Cardiff City 1-0 in the final at Wembley.
The victory was all the more remarkable given Portsmouth’s financial struggles and the uncertainty surrounding the club’s future.
Kanu’s winner secured Pompey’s first FA Cup since 1939 and provided a rare moment of glory during a turbulent period for the club.
The triumph proved that cup football can provide salvation for clubs facing adversity, with Portsmouth’s players producing performances that transcended their Premier League struggles.
Redknapp’s tactical acumen and the players’ commitment to the cause combined to deliver a victory that will forever be remembered on the south coast.
Wimbledon – 1988
The Crazy Gang’s triumph over Liverpool in 1988 stands as an FA Cup legend that continues to inspire underdogs across the footballing world.
Against a dominant Liverpool side chasing the double and boasting one of the greatest teams in English football history, Wimbledon’s unorthodox, combative style stunned Kenny Dalglish’s men at Wembley.
The Dons had an approach that was built on passion, physicality, and an unshakeable belief that they could upset the odds.
Lawrie Sanchez’s header gave Wimbledon the lead, but it was Dave Beasant’s penalty save from John Aldridge that sealed a 1-0 victory and marked one of the most famous giant-killings in the competition’s history.
The triumph demonstrated that football’s greatest prizes aren’t always won by the most technically gifted teams, but by those with the greatest heart and determination to succeed when it matters most.
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