Football
Carabao Cup Champions: The Last 10 Teams to Lift the Trophy
The Carabao Cup, also known as the EFL Cup, is a prominent knockout football competition in England’s men’s domestic football, adding excitement to the football calendar. It was established in 1960 and is currently named after its sponsor, Carabao. The tournament has evolved into a highly competitive event, with 23 different winners since its inception in the 1960–61 season.
Administered by the English Football League, the Carabao Cup invites participation from all 92 clubs across England’s top four divisions. Winners of the cup not only secure the coveted title but also earn a UEFA Europa League playoff round spot.
The current holders of the Carabao Cup are Liverpool, who clinched the title in the 2023–24 season by defeating Chelsea in the final at Wembley Stadium. Liverpool boasts the most Carabao Cup victories, having secured the trophy on 10 occasions, with the first triumph dating back to the 1980–81 season.
With this, now delve into the list of the last ten champions of the Carabao Cup or the EFL Cup:
#10. Chelsea FC (2014-15)
Chelsea FC (2014-15) (Source: Twitter)
In 2015, Chelsea clinched the EFL Cup by defeating Tottenham 2-0 in the final at Wembley. John Terry’s first-half goal, following a deflection from Willian’s free-kick, provided the Blues with an early lead. Diego Costa extended Chelsea’s advantage shortly after the break, with his shot turned in by Kyle Walker’s leg. The victory marked Chelsea’s success in securing the first major trophy of the season under coach José Mourinho.
#9. Manchester City (2015-16)
Manchester City (2015-16) (Source: Twitter)
In 2016, Manchester City secured the EFL Cup by triumphing 3-1 in a penalty shootout against Liverpool at Wembley. Goalkeeper Willy Caballero played a crucial role, saving three penalties. Fernandinho initially gave City the lead in the 49th minute, but Philippe Coutinho’s equaliser forced extra time and penalties. Yaya Toure sealed the victory with his spot-kick, granting manager Manuel Pellegrini his third major trophy in three seasons at City.
#8. Manchester United (2016–17)
Manchester United (2016-17) (Source: Twitter)
In 2017, Manchester United secured the EFL Cup with a late winner from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, giving manager Jose Mourinho his first success since joining the club. Despite Southampton’s dominance in the final, a controversial offside decision and Ibrahimovic‘s brilliance led United to a 3-2 victory at Wembley. The 35-year-old Swede’s superb free-kick and Jesse Lingard’s finish gave United an undeserved two-goal lead, while Southampton’s Gabbiadini levelled the score with two predatory strikes, but Ibrahimovic’s late heroics sealed the triumph.
#7. Manchester City (2017-18)
Manchester City (2017-18) (Source: Twitter)
In 2018, Manchester City clinched the EFL Cup, marking the beginning of their four-year dominance under manager Pep Guardiola. The veteran trio of Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany, and David Silva contributed to a resounding 3-0 victory against Arsenal at Wembley. This triumph, the first under Guardiola’s leadership, set the stage for City’s subsequent successes in the league. The victory propelled Manchester City to secure the trophy for the fifth time, second only to Liverpool in terms of EFL Cup triumphs.
#6. Manchester City (2018–19)
Manchester City (2018-19) (Source: Twitter)
In 2019, Manchester City secured the Carabao Cup in a thrilling penalty shoot-out against Chelsea. After a deadlock in regular and extra time, Ederson’s crucial save and Raheem Sterling’s decisive goal led City to a 4-3 victory. This triumph marked their second EFL Cup under manager Pep Guardiola that season.
#5. Manchester City (2019-20)
Manchester City (2019-20) (Source: Twitter)
In 2020, Manchester City secured their third consecutive Carabao Cup, marking their fifth triumph in seven years. It came after a hard-fought 2-1 win against Aston Villa at Wembley. Despite the controversy surrounding Rodri’s decisive goal, City, managed by Pep Guardiola, displayed dominance. Sergio Aguero opened the scoring in the 20th minute, and Rodri added the second 10 minutes later. Although Ally Samatta pulled one back for Villa before halftime, they couldn’t overturn the deficit, sealing City’s EFL Cup victory.
#4. Manchester City (2020–21)
Manchester City (2020-21) (Source: Twitter)
Manchester City secured their fourth consecutive League Cup title with a 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in 2021. Aymeric Laporte’s late header from Kevin de Bruyne’s free kick in the 82nd minute proved decisive, sealing the win at Wembley Stadium. Despite intense pressure, Spurs had managed to stay in contention throughout the game, but Laporte’s unexpected goal secured Manchester City’s record-equalling triumph in the EFL Cup.
#3. Liverpool FC (2021-22)
Liverpool FC (2021-22) (Source: Twitter)
Liverpool secured their ninth English League Cup title, triumphing in an intense penalty shootout against Chelsea. The Wembley showdown ended in a goalless draw, featuring captivating attacking play and four disallowed goals for offside. After 21 successful penalties, Liverpool emerged victorious as Chelsea’s substitute keeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga, sent his shot over the crossbar. This triumph marked Liverpool’s first domestic cup success under the management of German coach Jurgen Klopp.
#2. Manchester United (2022–23)
Manchester United (2022-23) (Source: Twitter)
Manchester United broke a six-year trophy drought in 2023 by claiming the Carabao Cup with a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United at Wembley. Goals from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford secured the triumph for the 20-time league champions. This success marked a significant achievement for manager Erik ten Hag, who secured the trophy in his inaugural season with the club.
#1. Liverpool FC (2023-24)
Liverpool FC (2023-24) (Source: Twitter)
Liverpool secured their historic 10th EFL Cup triumph by defeating Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley. Captain Virgil van Dijk scored the decisive goal in extra time, despite having an earlier goal controversially disallowed for offside. Both teams saw goals ruled out, and the keepers, Chelsea‘s Djordje Petrovic and Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher, were kept busy, with Petrovic making 10 saves, one more than his Liverpool counterpart.