Trafford, from Greysouthen, made a number of important saves as Pep Guardiola's side won 2-0 at Wembley.
The Cumbrian won the first major club trophy of his career as he kept Mikel Arteta's side at bay in the final.
"This moment means a lot to me... I always imagined that I'd win it one day"
"It's not been easy... it's a testament to myself" 🥹
James Trafford on a memorable Carabao Cup win for Manchester City. pic.twitter.com/fZAjiPPFe9
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 22, 2026
Trafford, 23, was called upon early in the game to make an outstanding triple save from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka as Arsenal applied pressure on the City goal.
He later kept out a Riccardo Calafiori header, the former Carlisle United academy player's clean sheet coupled with a Nico O'Reilly double as City prevailed.
Speaking after City's dramatic victory in front of an 88,486 crowd, Trafford said he was thrilled to play his part in the success with a host of friends and family from Cumbria watching from the Wembley seats.
Trafford said a host of family and friends from Cumbria were at Wembley to watch (Image: PA)
"This moment means a lot to me, to obviously win," he said.
“Four or five years ago I was third or fourth choice when they beat Spurs. I always imagined I’d win it one day.
"This is an incredibly good feeling. All my family and friends are here. It’s a long way from north west Cumbria so we had to win!
"All in about 25 people came, my younger coaches from my academy days are here too.
“It’s an amazing, amazing feeling. The people who are here have been with me throughout it all.
“It’s incredible. My mum and dad are home looking after my nephew.”
James Trafford called into action early! 🧤 pic.twitter.com/ylmXO21hgu
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 22, 2026
City captain Bernardo Silva also paid tribute to Trafford's display in the final.
"The first 15 minutes it felt difficult, they were able to create a big chance where James Trafford was amazing for us,” he said.
City defeated Arsenal 2-0 thanks to two Nico O'Reilly goals (Image: PA)
Trafford, who was named in the latest England squad by Thomas Tuchel last week, has been City's cup goalkeeper for most of this season.
After rejoining the club from Burnley last summer, he started the Premier League campaign as first-choice but then lost his place after City brought in Italy star Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The Cumbrian, though, has impressed with his displays in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup and has been described as a future England No1 by Guardiola.