A new poll has definitively crowned Ryan Giggs' iconic solo goal against Arsenal in 1999 as the greatest moment in the storied history of the FA Cup. The survey, which gathered opinions from 2,000 dedicated football supporters, placed the Manchester United winger's breathtaking effort at the pinnacle of the competition's most memorable highlights.
The Unforgettable Strike That Topped the List
In the 1999 semi-final replay, Ryan Giggs produced a moment of pure magic that has endured for decades. Collecting the ball inside his own half, the Welshman embarked on a mesmerising run, weaving past four Arsenal defenders before coolly slotting the ball past goalkeeper David Seaman. This decisive goal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory for Manchester United, propelling them towards the semi-finals and ultimately contributing to their historic treble-winning season.
Other Legendary Moments in the Rankings
The poll revealed a rich tapestry of FA Cup history, with Wimbledon's famous 1988 final victory over Liverpool, known as the "Crazy Gang" upset, claiming a strong second place. Leicester City's emotional first-ever FA Cup triumph in 2021, where they defeated Chelsea, rounded out the top three, highlighting the competition's capacity for feel-good stories.
Further down the list, several other iconic incidents captured the imagination of fans:
- Paul Gascoigne's stunning free-kick against Arsenal in the 1991 semi-final.
- Wigan Athletic's remarkable 2013 final win over Manchester City, sealed by Ben Watson's late header.
- Chelsea's victory in the first final at the new Wembley Stadium against Manchester United in 2007.
- Michael Owen's sensational late double for Liverpool against Arsenal in the 2001 final.
- Steven Gerrard's dramatic long-range equaliser for Liverpool against West Ham in the 2006 final, which ranked 12th.
Fan Sentiment and the Magic of the Cup
Jake Ashton, representing OLBG which commissioned the research, emphasised the enduring appeal of the tournament. "Fans talk about the magic of the cup and with good reason," he stated. "Just recently we saw some more history being made when Macclesfield knocked out the holders, Crystal Palace – showing there is plenty of life in the tournament. Some of these moments really did make your jaw drop, whether they were stunning results, giant killings or individual goals."
The survey provided compelling insights into supporter attitudes. Over half (56%) of respondents named the FA Cup as their favourite cup competition, with three-quarters planning to make a special effort to watch this year's final. The tournament's greatest appeals were identified as shock results (34%), opportunities for smaller teams to make their mark (33%), and its inherently unpredictable nature (26%). Notably, one in five fans particularly value the chance to watch lower-league teams on television, coverage they would not typically receive.
A Nostalgic Look Back and Forward
Interestingly, the 1990s was voted the decade when the FA Cup was at its absolute peak, a period that produced many of the moments featured in the top 20. Despite some commentators suggesting the competition's allure has diminished, Jake Ashton offered a counterpoint: "Naysayers will talk about the magic of the cup diminishing, but this survey shows there's life in the old tournament yet. Here's hoping there's lots more exciting twists and turns to come as the FA Cup reaches its final stages leading up to the final."
The full list of the top 20 most memorable FA Cup moments serves as a powerful testament to the competition's unique place in football culture, celebrating everything from giant-killings and last-minute drama to individual brilliance and historic firsts.
