Champions, runners-up, and officials involved in the 2021 FA Cup Final were awarded stunning Emirates FA Cup Final medals designed and handcrafted in Thomas Lyte’s workshop in London.
Designed by Thomas Lyte’s in-house medal desigers, the medals – gold for the winners and silver for the runners-up – were the first in the history of the tournament to have ribbons that went round the players’ necks – with the striking new design proudly on display as Wes Morgan and Kasper Schmeichel led the post-match celebrations following Youri Tielemans match sealing 63rd minute strike past Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Until now, the medals have essentially remained unchanged since they were first awarded. They had evolved over time as different suppliers got involved and certain goldsmithing skills disappeared. But when we arrived, we made the first real changes to the design in the history of the tournament.
Such were the excitement levels on the Wembley pitch back in May, that Leicester’s players probably didn’t take the time to examine the medals intricate design and finish. But as they sit in their custom-made embossed presentation cases, they’ve had plenty of time to appreciate them since.
Thomas Lyte’s new medals moved away from the original medal’s traditional design and replaced it with the current logo, a depiction of the trophy that was lovingly handcrafted in our London workshops in 2014. The words ‘Football Association Challenge Cup’ adorn the outer-circle.
The most striking thing about the medals awarded to the victors at Wembley last May was the size, with those Leicester and Chelsea players, not to mention the officials, receiving medals that were significantly larger than those handed out in the past. The 2014-designed medal, for instance, was just 32mm in diameter and weighed in at 19.5 grams. It’s 2021 equivalent is far bigger.
The 2022 medal, also made by Thomas Lyte was slightly different in design, with the purpose of commemorating The FA Cup’s 150th anniversary.
