John Rooney (foto: Getty Images)
Sixth-tier Macclesfield stunned holders Crystal Palace in the FA Cup, becoming the first amateur side in 117 years to knock out the reigning champions. The historic upset was masterminded by 35-year-old coach John Rooney, Wayne Rooney’s brother.
Macclesfield produced one of the greatest shocks in FA Cup history by knocking out Crystal Palace, despite playing in the sixth tier of English football.
The victory is being described as one of the most incredible upsets ever, not just because of the difference in quality and money between the two clubs, but because of what it represents historically.
For the first time in 117 years, an amateur or semi-professional side has eliminated the defending FA Cup holders from the competition.
And the numbers behind the story make it even more astonishing.
The gap between the two clubs is enormous
In the English football pyramid, there are 117 places between Crystal Palace and Macclesfield this season.
To put the financial gap into perspective: 23 Crystal Palace players earn more per year individually than Macclesfield’s entire annual budget. Only Palace’s youngest players earn less.
Crystal Palace were not just Premier League opposition — they were also the reigning FA Cup champions.
Macclesfield, on the other hand, are currently only 14th in their league and are still in the process of rebuilding the club after a total collapse in 2020, when they were thrown to the bottom of the English football pyramid due to bankruptcy.
Since then, they have slowly and painfully climbed back up, earning three promotions and moving from the ninth tier to the sixth tier in just a few years.
John Rooney’s first big miracle
This historic night is also a massive personal achievement for John Rooney, the 35-year-old head coach of Macclesfield.
It is his first managerial job, which he took on last summer — and he has already written his name into English football folklore.
John Rooney is, of course, the younger brother of Wayne Rooney, the legendary former Manchester United and England striker.
Wayne watched the match and was visibly emotional after the final whistle.
“It’s incredible what my little brother has achieved. He’s just started his coaching career and I’m extremely proud of him,” Wayne Rooney said after the match.
The irony is striking: while Wayne Rooney’s own coaching career has been turbulent and is currently on hold, his younger brother has just delivered one of the greatest cup shocks of modern times.
For Macclesfield, this victory means far more than just progression in the FA Cup. It is a symbol of survival, rebirth and hope for a club that was almost wiped off the football map just a few years ago.
And for John Rooney, it is a dream start to what is suddenly a very promising coaching career.