The 2025 FA Cup Final is finally here! On Saturday, 17 May 2025, Wembley Stadium in London will host the 144th edition of the world’s oldest and most prestigious national football competition. This year, the spotlight shines on Crystal Palace and Manchester City, two teams with very different stories but one shared dream: lifting the iconic FA Cup trophy.

Match Details at a Glance

Date: Saturday, 17 May 2025
Kick-off: 17;30 SAST
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
Broadcast: Live on Supersport
Referee: Stuart Attwell (Birmingham)

Crystal Palace: Hungry for History

Crystal Palace, currently 12th in the Premier League, are making just their third FA Cup final appearance since the competition’s inception, with previous finals in 1990 and 2016. Despite a long and proud 120-year history, the Eagles have never won a major trophy. This final represents a historic opportunity for the club and their passionate supporters.

Their road to Wembley has been impressive:

3rd Round: Beat Stockport County 1–0 (Home)
4th Round: Beat Doncaster Rovers 2–0 (Away)
5th Round: Beat Millwall 3–1 (Home) — a memorable match where striker Jean-Philippe Mateta played through injury
Quarter-final: Beat Fulham 3–0 (Away)
Semi-final: Beat Aston Villa 3–0 (Neutral Venue)

The Eagles’ attacking flair and team spirit have been their hallmarks throughout the tournament, and they enter the final with confidence and hope of ending decades of near misses.

Manchester City: Champions Seeking More Silverware

Manchester City, currently 4th in the Premier League, are no strangers to finals. This will be their 12th FA Cup final appearance, and they are chasing their eighth FA Cup trophy — a testament to their dominance in English football. Last season, City lifted the Premier League title, and this cup final is crucial to avoid a rare trophyless season since 2016-17.

Their journey to the final has been dominant, marked by high-scoring victories and resilient performances:

3rd Round: Thrashed Salford City 8–0 (Home)
4th Round: Narrow win against Leyton Orient 2–1 (Away)
5th Round: Beat Plymouth Argyle 3–1 (Home)
Quarter-final: Won against Bournemouth 2–1 (Away)
Semi-final: Beat Nottingham Forest 2–0 (Neutral Venue)

City will be led by experienced stars, including Kevin De Bruyne, who is expected to make his final appearance for the club, marking the end of an era. The team’s mix of youth and experience, coupled with tactical genius from their manager, makes them formidable opponents.

What’s at Stake?

The FA Cup final is more than just a trophy — it grants the winner a coveted spot in next season’s UEFA Europa League. For Crystal Palace, it’s a chance to secure their first-ever major silverware and make history. For Manchester City, it’s about maintaining their streak of success and adding to an already impressive trophy cabinet.

The winners will also face Liverpool, the 2024–25 Premier League champions, in the 2025 FA Community Shield — the traditional season curtain-raiser.

Historical and Broadcast Highlights

The FA Cup final is one of the most-watched football events worldwide, drawing millions of viewers and passionate fans.
The match will be broadcast live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website and app, with coverage beginning at 15:25 BST. Radio fans can tune in on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Referee Stuart Attwell will officiate the final, ensuring a fair and competitive match.
If the match is tied after 90 minutes, it will go to extra time and, if needed, penalties — adding extra drama to the contest.

Notable Storylines to Watch

Kevin De Bruyne’s Farewell: The Manchester City legend’s final match for the club adds emotional weight to the final.
Crystal Palace’s Resilience: Overcoming injuries and tough opponents like Millwall showcased the team’s determination.
City’s Quest for a Treble: After winning the Premier League, City aim to secure the FA Cup to cap off their season with silverware and avoid a trophyless campaign.
Record Attempts: Manchester City are making their third consecutive FA Cup final appearance, a club record, and will look to make history with a third straight win.

Can Crystal Palace Create History or Will Manchester City Extend Their Dominance?

This year’s FA Cup final is a compelling clash between an ambitious underdog and a seasoned powerhouse. Crystal Palace will draw on their fighting spirit and the desire to finally lift their first major trophy. Meanwhile, Manchester City will lean on their experience, tactical prowess, and star power to maintain their winning ways.

No matter the result, the 2025 FA Cup final promises unforgettable moments, thrilling football, and emotions running high. Football fans across South Africa and the world will be glued to their screens on Saturday, 17 May — it’s FA Cup final weekend, and the question remains: can City lift their season, or will Palace soar to glory?

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