Macclesfield Stuns Crystal Palace: The FA Cup’s Biggest Upset in 117 Years

The magic of the FA Cup, often spoken of with a wistful sigh, truly came alive this past weekend as Macclesfield FC, a club plying its trade in the sixth tier of English football, delivered a shockwave that reverberated across the sporting world. On Saturday, January 10, 2026, they didn’t just beat a Premier League side; they dethroned the reigning FA Cup holders, Crystal Palace, in a stunning 2-1 victory that immediately etched itself into the annals of football history as one of the competition’s greatest ever upsets. This wasn’t merely a David-and-Goliath story; it was a testament to grit, belief, and the enduring power of the underdog.

A Historic Knockout: Macclesfield Defies All Odds

The stage was set at Moss Rose, Macclesfield’s home ground, for an encounter few expected to yield such a dramatic outcome. Macclesfield, currently 14th in the National League North, found themselves 117 places below their illustrious opponents, Crystal Palace, in the football pyramid. Yet, from the first whistle, the home side played with a conviction that belied the vast chasm in league standing. According to The New York Times, Macclesfield’s victory makes them the first non-league side to knock out the defending FA Cup holders in an astonishing 117 years, a feat last achieved by Crystal Palace themselves against Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1909. This statistic alone underscores the sheer magnitude of what transpired.

The match itself was a gripping affair. Macclesfield took the lead on the stroke of half-time when captain Paul Dawson headed home a free-kick, sending the home crowd into raptures. The second half saw Macclesfield double their advantage shortly after the hour mark, with Isaac Buckley-Richards finding the net after a deflected effort fell into his path. The atmosphere was electric, a mixture of disbelief and surging hope. Crystal Palace, fielding a young side, struggled to break down Macclesfield’s resolute defense. Despite Yeremy Pino striking home a late free-kick in the 89th minute to halve the deficit, Macclesfield clung on with unwavering determination, securing a 2-1 win that will be talked about for generations.

Adding another layer to this captivating narrative was the presence of football royalty in the stands. Wayne Rooney, the former Manchester United and England striker, was there to witness his younger brother, John Rooney, manage the Macclesfield side to this monumental achievement. John Rooney, appointed head coach in 2025, orchestrated a tactical masterclass, proving that strategic acumen can often trump superior resources.

The Roar of the Crowd and Emotional Tributes

The final whistle at Moss Rose was met with an explosion of emotion. Fans, barely able to contain their joy, poured onto the pitch in a spontaneous celebration of what many described as the biggest shock in FA Cup history. Social media immediately erupted with messages of congratulations, echoing the sentiment of Macclesfield Town Council, which posted: “Amazing work fellas!” and “It’s David who beat Goliath against all odds!” as reported by BBC Sport. Fan Sue Smith perfectly encapsulated the feeling, saying, “Never be afraid to dream and believe. What a result, what a team. Against all odds!”

The impact of the victory extended beyond mere sporting triumph. It was a moment of profound pride for the entire town. Ali Wills, witnessing the news unfold in Macclesfield Market Hall, remarked, “I bet all of Macclesfield heard us shouting in the market.” The local Silk Museum, which celebrates 150 years of football in Macclesfield, also joined the chorus of praise, highlighting the deep-rooted connection between the club and its community.

For Macclesfield manager John Rooney, the win carried a particularly poignant significance. He paid tribute to late Macclesfield forward Ethan McLeod, who tragically died in December at the age of 21 following a car crash while returning from a match. “I had a nice message off his dad last night,” Rooney told BBC Sport. “It’s been really tough, but something I think he’ll be looking down on us today and be really proud of us all.” McLeod’s parents were present at the match, celebrating the historic victory with the club, a testament to the powerful bonds forged within the football family.

Reactions from Both Sides of the Divide

While Macclesfield revelled in their glory, the mood in the Crystal Palace camp was predictably stark. Manager Glasner was unsparing in his criticism of his side’s performance, telling reporters, “I think when we play with our under-21 team they’d do better than we did today.” This candid assessment underscores the level of disappointment and perhaps embarrassment felt by the Premier League outfit. Marc Guehi, a highly-rated defender, struggled, and club record signing Brennan Johnson offered little impact, as noted in analysis from The New York Times.

John Rooney, on the other hand, was full of praise for his team. “I thought we were incredible from the first minute,” he stated, expressing surprise at going 2-0 up. “We were incredible to a man and I couldn’t be prouder of the lads. I still can’t get my head around it but I thought we were the deserved winners.” His sentiments were echoed by his brother Wayne, who posted on social media, “Couldn’t be any prouder of my brother John. Well done to everyone at Macclesfield. Unbelievable achievement and more than deserved.” This kind of recognition from a figure like Wayne Rooney further amplified the scale of Macclesfield’s triumph.

The FA Cup third round is notoriously a tricky time for big clubs, a period when lower-league opposition can often spring a surprise. While other Premier League teams like Nottingham Forest also fell to lower-league opponents (Wrexham, in their case, after a thrilling penalty shootout), and some giants like Manchester City and Wolves cruised to comfortable wins, Macclesfield’s victory stands out. It wasn’t just an upset; it was a seismic event, a reminder that in football, as in life, the spirit of competition and the belief in the impossible can still deliver the most extraordinary results.

The Macclesfield story is more than just a football match; it’s a powerful narrative about resilience, community spirit, and the enduring romance of the underdog. In an era increasingly dominated by super-clubs and financial might, Macclesfield’s triumph serves as a vital affirmation that passion, tactical intelligence, and unwavering belief can still create moments of pure, unadulterated magic, reminding us why we fall in love with the beautiful game in the first place.