Curtis Weston Reflects on His FA Cup Final Record and Long Career

Curtis Weston made history in 2004 as the youngest player to appear in an FA Cup final at 17 years and 119 days. Two decades later, the now 37-year-old midfielder is preparing to play for non-league side Mickleover in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup against Anstey Nomads, but the memory of his record-breaking appearance remains vivid.

“At the time I didn’t understand how big an occasion it was,” Weston recalls. “Looking back now, it was a massive moment in my life even though it only lasted a few minutes.”

Weston replaced Millwall’s player-manager Dennis Wise in the 89th minute of the final, with his team trailing 3-0 to Manchester United. Although it was only his second senior appearance, the London-born midfielder, who grew up a United fan, soaked up the atmosphere as he watched a young Cristiano Ronaldo and Ruud van Nistelrooy on the pitch.

“I spent as much time as possible warming up on the side of the pitch to soak up the atmosphere, getting close to the action because Ronaldo was doing all his tricks,” he says.

Weston’s career has spanned over 300 Football League appearances, and he has played in pivotal games such as Gillingham’s League Two play-off final win at Wembley in 2009 and Chesterfield’s FA Cup match against Chelsea in 2022. Despite moving to part-time football, Weston has no intention of retiring anytime soon.

“I didn’t always do everything I was supposed to do… but those changes have enabled me to play this long and feel this good,” says Weston, crediting lifestyle adjustments for prolonging his career.

Reflecting on his FA Cup record, Weston treasures the memories, including a framed shirt from the 2004 final. “It’s crazy how time flies. I know it’s 20 years ago but I remember it all like it was yesterday.”