Ranking the Top 5 Most Successful Teams in FA Cup History

Founded in 1871, the FA Cup is recognised as the oldest cup competition globally, showcasing a storied history with a variety of winners.

Over the years, a total of 44 different teams, including now-dissolved clubs like Wanderers, which secured six trophies before disbanding in 1887, have claimed the historic title.

Arsenal, with 14 FA Cup titles, and Manchester United, with 12 triumphs over their 146-year history, share a profound connection with the FA Cup.

In a retrospective glance through the history books, Sports Brief has examined the teams with the most wins in the illustrious history of the football competition.

Tottenham Hotspur - 8 titles

Tottenham Hotspur, with eight FA Cup victories, achieved a historic feat in the 20th century as the first club to secure the league and cup double.

Under the leadership of Bill Nicholson, widely recognised as the club's most successful manager, Spurs clinched this milestone by defeating Leicester City 2-0 in the final.

Nicholson, a former player for Spurs, steered the Lilywhites to three FA Cup triumphs, including back-to-back wins in consecutive years. In 1991, Tottenham Hotspur solidified their status by becoming the first club to claim eight FA Cups.

Chelsea - 8 titles

Similar to Spurs, Chelsea boasts eight FA Cup victories, with a notable six of those achieved in the 21st century. In terms of major honours since 2000, the west Londoners trail only Manchester City.

Chelsea's first FA Cup win occurred in 1970, relatively late compared to the teams mentioned earlier. Dave Sexton managed the team during their 2-1 victory against Leeds United in the final replay, with goals from Peter Osgood and David Webb.

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The most recent FA Cup success for Chelsea transpired in the 2017/18 season when they secured a 1-0 victory over Manchester United.

Liverpool - 8 titles

Liverpool stand as the most successful club in England, securing a total of 68 trophies in their illustrious history, one more than Manchester United. The Reds have clinched eight FA Cups, including three titles in the 21st century, with their most recent cup victory occurring in 2022.

During that year, Jurgen Klopp's team aimed for an unprecedented quadruple, reaching the final in all three major competitions. Despite facing a defeat against Real Madrid in the Champions League and narrowly missing out on the Premier League title to Manchester City by a point, Liverpool did manage to lift both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup.

Manchester United - 12 titles

Regarded as one of the premier clubs globally, Manchester United stands among the giants, with only Liverpool surpassing their tally of major honours in England.

In the FA Cup, the Red Devils hold the bragging rights, boasting four more victories than their fierce rivals.

Only two of their 12 triumphs in this competition have occurred in the 21st century, with their most recent win dating back to 2016 under the management of Louis van Gaal.

Arsenal - 14 titles

Arsenal hold the record for the most FA Cup victories in history with a remarkable 14 titles. The north London club clinched their first FA Cup in 1930 under the leadership of Herbert Chapman, who had joined from Huddersfield Town in 1925. This victory marked Arsenal's inaugural national trophy, achieved by defeating Chapman's former team 2-0, with goals from Alex James and Jack Lambert.

Arsenal's most recent triumph in the competition occurred in 2020, during Mikel Arteta's inaugural season as the manager, as they secured a 2-1 victory against London rivals Chelsea.