The top five clubs with the most FA Cup final defeats have each experienced a mix of success and disappointment. They hold numerous final appearances and victories but also share the record for losing multiple finals, highlighting the competitive and unpredictable nature of England’s oldest football tournament.
5. Liverpool – 7 FA Cup final defeats [Total finals -15, wins – 8]
Liverpool have appeared in 15 FA Cup finals, winning eight and losing seven. While they secured their first title in 1965, memorable defeats include the 1988 upset by Wimbledon’s “Crazy Gang” and a 1996 loss to Manchester United, sealed by Eric Cantona. Their most recent FA Cup win came in 2022 via penalties against Chelsea, who had earlier beaten them in the 2012 final. Despite setbacks, Liverpool remain one of the most successful clubs in FA Cup history.
4. Arsenal – 7 FA Cup final defeats [Total finals -21, wins – 14]
Arsenal, close to Manchester United in FA Cup final appearances, hold the record with 14 wins, including Mikel Arteta’s 2020 triumph. Despite seven final losses, they have lost only once in the last 40 years. Their first win came in 1930 against Huddersfield. Arsène Wenger’s era marked their dominance, with seven FA Cup titles and two domestic doubles in 1998 and 2002. Wenger’s legacy includes three wins in four seasons, surpassing Manchester United’s cup record.
3. Everton – 8 FA Cup final defeats [Total finals -13, wins – 5]
Everton, known as the Toffees, have appeared in 13 FA Cup finals, but heartbreakingly lost eight, including notable defeats to Liverpool in 1986 and 1989, and a recent loss to Chelsea in 2009 despite Louis Saha’s record-fast goal. Despite a trophy drought exceeding two decades, Everton remains one of the FA Cup’s most successful clubs with five wins. Their first victory came in 1906, while their latest major triumph was a memorable 1995 win over Manchester United, sealed by Paul Rideout’s decisive header.
2. Chelsea – 8 FA Cup final defeats [Total finals -16, wins – 8]
Chelsea have been the most successful team in the FA Cup since 2000, reaching eight finals in that period. Overall, the club has appeared in 16 finals, winning and losing an equal number of times. Their most recent final was last year, where they lost to Liverpool in a tense penalty shootout, 6-5. Chelsea’s FA Cup journey began with a loss to Sheffield United in 1915, but they won their first trophy in 1970. The club’s greatest successes came during the Roman Abramovich era, with five FA Cup wins, including three between 2007 and 2010.
1. Manchester United – 9 FA Cup final defeats [Total finals – 22, wins – 13]
No club has lost more FA Cup finals than Manchester United, who were defeated by local rivals Manchester City in their most recent final. United first reached the final in 1909, beating Bristol City, and went on to win four more cups before Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign began with a 1990 win over Crystal Palace. The 1990s saw a golden era with three more FA Cups, including doubles in 1994 and 1996, and the historic treble of 1999. United have 13 FA Cup wins but also nine final losses, with their latest defeat coming in a 2-1 loss to City, highlighted by Ilkay Gündoğan’s record-fast 13-second goal.
