Longridge Town’s Liam Atkinson and Chelmsford City’s Lyle Taylor have been officially crowned joint top scorers of the 2025-26 Emirates FA Cup following today’s Final between Chelsea and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium connected by EE.
The Mitre Golden Ball Award recognises the competition’s highest goalscorer(s) each season from the extra preliminary round all the way through to the Final, and this campaign marks the first time that the award has been shared by two players.
Atkinson took an early lead in the race scoring eight goals in four matches, including four in a replay against Pilkington in the extra preliminary round and following up with a hat-trick against AFC Emley, before Longridge Town were eventually eliminated in the first qualifying round.
Taylor, who entered the competition in the second qualifying round, finished the campaign with eight goals in five games, including a hat-trick against Hertford Town and a brace versus Braintree, before Chelmsford City’s exit in the second round at the hands of Weston-super-Mare.
To celebrate their achievements, both players attended the Emirates FA Cup Final as guests of the FA, accompanied by their partners. Ahead of kick‑off, Atkinson and Taylor carried the Mitre Ultimax Pro Final match ball onto the pitch and they have been presented with their Golden Ball trophies on the hallowed turf of Wembley Stadium.
Liam Atkinson, said: “It’s not quite sunk in yet that I’m the top scorer! It was only two years ago that I was playing Saturday league football for a local pub team, so to win the Mitre Golden Ball in the Emirates FA Cup is an achievement that I’m immensely proud of.”
Lyle Taylor, added: “Having played in the Emirates FA Cup for years, to win the Mitre Golden Ball is an honour that nobody can take away and a story I can tell for years to come. The Emirates FA Cup just got a little bit more special in mine and my family’s eyes!”
Andy Ambler, FA director of pro game relations, said: “The Mitre Golden Ball Award is a brilliant example of what makes the Emirates FA Cup so unique. It recognises not just the headline moments at the elite level, but also the outstanding skill shown by players throughout the English football pyramid, and Liam and Lyle’s goalscoring form this season is testament to the quality and ambition that exists at every step of our game. We’re proud to have invited both players to Wembley for the Final, marking a special occasion for them and their families.”
