What an absolute moment! Manchester City's electrifying winger, Rayan Cherki, just etched his name into FA Cup history, not just with a winner's medal, but with arguably the most audacious selfie Wembley has ever seen, featuring none other than Prince William himself. The viral snap was the cherry on top of City's commanding performance, marking another spectacular chapter in their trophy-laden season.
Key Points:
- Rayan Cherki broke royal protocol to snap a viral selfie with Prince William during the FA Cup trophy presentation.
- Manchester City clinched a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chelsea, adding another major trophy to their stellar season.
- Prince William, serving as the Football Association's Patron, is a staunch Aston Villa supporter.
- An amusing royal football rivalry sees his son, Prince George, famously supporting Chelsea, adding irony to the final.
Wembley's Royal Photo Bomb: Cherki Steals the Show
The final whistle had barely blown on Manchester City's deserved FA Cup triumph over Chelsea, but the real viral moment was yet to come. As Prince William, in his capacity as Patron of the Football Association, greeted the victorious City squad on the podium, tradition dictated formality.
Protocol? What Protocol?
Enter Rayan Cherki. The French midfielder, fresh off a hard-fought win, decided a simple handshake wouldn't suffice for this historic occasion. After exchanging pleasantries with His Royal Highness, Cherki whipped out his iPhone, holding it up for a memorable snap. To the delight of fans and the player himself, Prince William, ever the good sport, flashed a grin, creating an instant iconic image.
City Dominance: Another Trophy in the Cabinet
Before the royal selfie went viral, there was a football match to win. Pep Guardiola's Manchester City showcased their championship pedigree, securing a gritty 1-0 victory against a struggling Chelsea side. Antoine Semenyo's sublime flicked finish proved the difference, capping off a dominant performance that saw City outclass their opponents.
Chelsea's Wembley Woes Continue
For Chelsea, it was another day of disappointment at Wembley. Despite reaching the final, the Blues managed a paltry two shots on target, highlighting their struggles in front of goal. The defeat underscored a challenging campaign, though the appointment of Xabi Alonso as their new manager offers a glimmer of hope for a brighter 2026-27 season.
A Royal Blue Dilemma: William's Villa vs. George's Blues
While maintaining impartiality as FA Patron, Prince William's footballing allegiances are well-documented. He is a passionate, lifelong supporter of Aston Villa. This made his presence at the final particularly ironic, given the widely known fact about his eldest son.
The Irony of the Royal Patron
Young Prince George, famously, defies his father's Villa loyalty by supporting Chelsea. William has often light-heartedly recounted the family's footballing friction, joking that he told George he "can support anyone but Chelsea." Despite George's absence from this final, the internal royal rivalry undoubtedly added a layer of playful tension to William's medal-presenting duties.
