The royalty of the FA Cup: Who tops the list of the greatest winners?

As the 2025/26 season progresses, the story of the FA Cup unfolds as a true epic of English sport, where historic clubs compete not only for trophies but also for a legacy that echoes through the decades. At the top of the winners’ list, we find Arsenal, leading with 14 victories, while Manchester United stands closely behind with 13. Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham each follow with a total of eight wins, in a competition that, since its inception in 1871, has been a stage for surprises, heartbreaks, and the crafting of great stories.

Arsenal, affectionately known as the Gunners, has cemented its connection to the FA Cup under the leadership of Arsène Wenger, the manager who holds the record for the most triumphs in the competition, with seven victories. Arsenal’s last major success in this tournament dates back to 2020, a moment that not only brought joy to the fans but also served as a balm during transitional periods when the club sought to rediscover its former glory.

Manchester United, one of the most revered institutions in world football, celebrated a dramatic victory in the 2024 final against rival Manchester City, bringing their total to 13 trophies. The history of the FA Cup for the Red Devils is rich and varied, from the memorable Treble triumph in 1999 to the rise of young talents like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, who promise to keep the flame of ambition and victory alive.

Chelsea, despite having amassed an impressive number of titles, has faced some disappointments in finals in the early 2020s. However, much of their success was forged during the Roman Abramovich years, a period that solidified their reputation as one of the most successful clubs of the modern era. Their ability to collect trophies has become almost second nature.

Liverpool, which now matches its London rivals with eight victories following an exhilarating penalty shootout win in 2022, has turned FA Cup finals into true spectacles. With legendary managers like Bill Shankly and Jürgen Klopp, the club has managed to create indelible memories, with the 2006 final, where Steven Gerrard shone brightly, being one of the most memorable episodes in the history of the competition.

Lastly, Tottenham, which also boasts eight titles, carries a legacy that dates back to 1901, when they became the first non-league team to win the FA Cup. The aura of cup specialists that the Spurs built during the 1960s and 1980s is a fundamental part of their identity, although the last time they lifted the trophy was in 1991, a gap that fans hope will end soon.

In this vibrant landscape of the FA Cup, each club brings with it a rich history, intertwined with triumphs and challenges, that promises to continue to captivate football fans for many seasons to come.