The City claimed their first FA Cup trophy in 1904, marking the inception of Manchester City’s illustrious tradition. The club eternally secured this coveted prize when its owner, Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed, successfully acquired it at an auction. Instead of retaining possession, the club magnanimously opted to bestow the trophy upon the National Football Museum.
Previously, this cherished relic resided in a Manchester museum. However, in 2019, David Gold, the former owner of West Ham United, made the decision to auction off the trophy. Subsequently, the auction took place last September, culminating in Mansoor’s acquisition of the second edition of the FA Cup. The City’s proprietor procured this historical artifact for a sum of 760 thousand pounds.
Upon acquiring this piece of heritage, the club’s chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, remarked, ‘This trophy symbolizes the rich tradition and honor of English football, to which Manchester City has steadfastly been connected. Securing this title in 1904 marked a pivotal moment in the club’s history, and since then, the city of Manchester has held a cherished place in the hearts of football enthusiasts. Sheikh Mansoor is eager to share this culturally significant trophy with both Manchester and the wider English football community. The National Football Museum serves as the perfect home for it.’
The FA Cup was first organized in 1871, following the establishment of the Football Association in 1863. In 1885, the original FA Cup was stolen, leading to the creation of a replica for tournament champions from 1886 onwards. This particular trophy remained in use until 1910 when Manchester City acquired it. Subsequently, the FA opted for a redesign, resulting in the introduction of the new FA Cup trophy in 1911.