The 'Treble' FA Cup Final vs Aston Villa (1969)
The oldest knockout competition in world football.
The FA Cup is the oldest existing football competition in the world, having commenced in the 1871–72 season. The current holders are Manchester City, who defeated Chelsea in the 2026 final for their eighth win.
Quick Facts
- Date
- 3 May 1969
- Venue
- Wembley Stadium, London
- Opponent
- Leicester City
- Competition
- FA Cup Final
- Score
- 2-0 to Manchester City
- Manager
- Joe Mercer
Lore & Background
The FA Cup final has traditionally been regarded as the showpiece finale of the English football season. The vast majority of finals have been in London, with the original Wembley Stadium used from 1923 until 2000. The new Wembley Stadium has been the permanent venue since 2007.
Reader's Guide
The tournament is open to all clubs in the top 10 levels of the English football league system, provided their home stadium meets certain requirements. Until 1999, a draw in the final would result in a replay; since then the final has always been decided on the day, with a penalty shoot-out if required.
Did You Know?
- Arsenal hold the record for the most FA Cup wins, with 14 victories.
- Only one surviving club, Blackburn Rovers, have won the cup in three consecutive years.
- The cup has been won by a non-English team once: Cardiff City in 1927.
- As of 2026, 45 clubs have won the FA Cup.
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