Not many get the privilege of getting close enough to the iconic Emirates FA Cup trophy to truly take in its intricate, floral detailing. But when the team at Mitre set out to weave the story of that legendary trophy lift into the design of this year's official Final ball, they knew exactly where to look for inspiration.
To do the history justice, Mitre brought the ball home to the William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow. Together, we immersed ourselves in the archive, getting up close with original 19th-century hand sketches to understand the meticulous craft, history, and natural world that inspired the trophy's artwork. The result is a stunning collaboration where two enduring British legacies—one of design, one of competition—come together on the pitch.
William Morris famously believed that beautiful design should not be a luxury, but something accessible to everyone. In much the same way, the Emirates FA Cup has always belonged to anyone—a tournament built on the idea that any club, from grassroots to the top tier, has a shot at glory.
“There’s something quietly radical about placing a William Morris– inspired design at the heart of the Cup Final. His belief that beauty and joy should be shared by all feels right at home on football’s grandest stage.”
Hadrian Garrard, Director, William Morris Gallery
We are thrilled to see the spirit of the Arts & Crafts movement stepping out of the gallery archives and onto the turf for football's ultimate crescendo. The limited edition ball is available to purchase here
