The FA Cup Trophy: A History Etched in Silver
London, 25 January 2026 – It is the most recognisable trophy in English football. Held aloft by captains from Bobby Moore to Steven Gerrard, its gleaming silver surface is etched with the names of giants and giant-killers alike. Yet the FA Cup trophy itself, the physical prize awarded to the winners of the world’s oldest football competition, has a history as dramatic and winding as the tournament it represents.
An Iconic Design: Five Trophies, Two Designs
Winners of the competition are awarded the FA Cup, but do not retain ownership. It is only loaned to the club by the FA. Since its inception in 1871, there have been two distinct trophy designs, but five physical cups have been presented to champions.
The current trophy, first used in 1911, is the second design. It stands 61.5 cm (24.2 inches) high and is crafted from sterling 925 silver. The latest version is a 2014 replica, handcrafted over 250 hours by the London silversmiths Thomas Lyte. It weighs 6.3 kilograms (14 lb) and was built heavier than its predecessors to withstand the increased handling of the modern era.
The Trophy’s Journey: From Theft to Private Ownership
The trophy’s story is one of resilience. The original ‘little tin idol’, made for £20, was stolen in 1895 and never recovered. Its exact replica was used until 1910. The FA decided to change the design after the 1909 winners, Manchester United, made their own replica, leading the FA to realise they did not own the copyright.
Of the four surviving trophies, only the 1895 replica has entered private ownership. After being sold at auction for £760,000 in 2020, it was revealed in January 2021 to have been purchased by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the owner of Manchester City, who stated it would be returned on loan to the National Football Museum.
Key Facts & Traditions
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| First Final | 16 March 1872 at Kennington Oval, London. |
| First Trophy | Known as the ‘little tin idol’, 18 inches high, made by Martin, Hall & Co. Stolen in 1895 and never recovered. |
| Current Design | Introduced in 1911, designed and manufactured by Fattorini & Sons of Bradford. |
| Engraving Process | The winning team’s name is engraved on the silver band around the base immediately after the final whistle. The engraver has just five minutes to complete a task that would normally take 20. |
| Ribbon Tradition | The trophy is decorated with ribbons in the colours of both finalists. The loser’s ribbons are removed at the end of the game. The tradition started after Tottenham Hotspur won the 1901 final. |
| Longest Uninterrupted Hold | Portsmouth held the trophy for seven years after winning the 1939 final, due to the outbreak of World War II. |
| Most Wins (Team) | 14 – Arsenal (1930, 1936, 1950, 1971, 1979, 1993, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2020). |
| Most Wins (Player) | 7 – Ashley Cole (Arsenal: 2002, 2003, 2005; Chelsea: 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012). |
| Most Wins (Manager) | 7 – Arsène Wenger (Arsenal: 1998, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2014, 2015, 2017). |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the FA Cup trophy?
The trophy is only loaned to the winning club by the Football Association. Under the current rules, it must be returned by 1 March, or earlier if the FA gives seven days’ notice. Traditionally, the holders kept the cup until the following year’s presentation, but in recent years the trophy has been taken on publicity tours by the FA in between finals.
How many actual FA Cup trophies have there been?
There have been five physical trophies presented to winners. They come from two distinct designs. The first design, used from 1871 to 1910, is represented by the original ‘little tin idol’ (stolen and lost) and its 1895 replica. The second, larger design, introduced in 1911, is represented by the 1911 original, a 1992 replica, and the current 2014 replica.
What happens to the ribbons after the final?
The tradition of tying ribbons to the trophy’s handles started after Tottenham Hotspur’s 1901 victory. The ribbons of the losing finalist are removed at the conclusion of the match. The winning team’s ribbons remain attached as the trophy is presented.
Where is the original 1911 FA Cup trophy?
The 1911 original, designed and made by Fattorini & Sons, is fragile and is no longer used. It was replaced by an exact replica in 1992, which itself was replaced by the current, more durable 2014 replica. The 1911 original is preserved by the FA.