Manchester City defender Joško Gvardiol is looking to add another new honour to his growing list when they take on Crystal Palace in the Emirates FA Cup Final.
The Croatian came withing touching distance of winning the FA Cup at this stage of the competition last year, when the Blues were beaten by rivals Manchester United in the 2024 Final.
Crystal Palace v Manchester City
The Emirates FA Cup Final
4.30pm BST, Saturday 17 May 2025
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
And they’re now back for a third successive appearance in the Cup Final, hoping to go one better and end the season with a trophy.
“The FA Cup is a very prestigious competition here in England and everyone knows its importance,” said Gvardiol, who is fast approaching 100 appearances for City despite only arriving in the summer of 2023.
“It’s a privilege to compete in this competition and to have the opportunity to lift this trophy at Wembley is very motivating.
“We know we didn’t perform to the level that was required in the Final last season.
“We want to make up for it this season and we’ve worked so hard in the competition this year to give us an opportunity to do so, knowing we are facing another great team in Crystal Palace.
“We love playing at Wembley because it means we are fighting for a trophy and that is no different now. We’re going to give everything to win the FA Cup Final and take the trophy home to our fans.”
Gvardiol powers home the header which gave City a 2-0 lead over Nottingham Forest in the semi-final
Gvardiol has fond memories of his recent trip to the national stadium too, having scored City’s second goal in their semi-final win over Nottingham Forest with a towering header.
The former Dinamo Zagreb and RB Leipzig man has shown his prowess at both ends of the pitch this season, and admits scoring goals is something he takes as much pride in as his defensive work.
“Scoring a goal is always an amazing feeling but to score a header in front of our fans at Wembley was extra special,” he revealed.
“It was a big goal in the second half for us and helped the team win the game, which is always the most important thing.
“I’ve been able to score a few goals this season, but I have to say the importance of the second goal against Forest in the semi-final was a big moment for the team. I love scoring headers, too."
With Palace waiting in opposition for them in the 2025 Final, the 23 year old is more than aware of the threats posed by Oliver Glasner’s Eagles.
And he says City will be ready for the challenge as they look to get their hands back on the Cup.
“They are a really top side and we saw that when they came to the Etihad Stadium a few weeks ago,” he recalled.
“Although I felt like we played well, we were 2-0 down and in a really difficult position. Fortunately for us we were able to turn it around and we deservedly won the game 5-2.
“They’re well organised across the team and have real quality in attack with top players, so we know it is going to be a really difficult game again.
“But we’re ready and we’re excited to play the game.”
You can read the full interview with Gvardiol in the official matchday programme for the 2025 Emirates FA Cup Final, which can be purchased at Wembley or online in due course.