Nigerian artist Olaolu Slawn has unveiled his groundbreaking design for the 2024 FA Cup trophy, marking a transformative moment in the history of English football’s prestigious tournament.

Commissioned by the Football Association (FA), Slawn, known for his vibrant and thought-provoking creations, was tasked with reimagining this iconic symbol. His innovative approach promises to inject fresh energy into the competition while honoring its storied past.

Slawn’s artistic journey from Lagos to London has garnered global acclaim. At just 23, he became the youngest designer of the Britannia statuette for the 2023 BRIT Awards. His career blossomed at Wafflesncream, Nigeria’s pioneering skate shop, where he and friends Leo and Onyedi formed the apparel group Motherlan, gaining popularity in Nigeria and attracting the attention of Virgil Abloh.

The collaboration between Slawn and the FA underscores the tournament’s cultural significance. The redesigned trophy will debut before the 2024 FA Cup final, symbolizing the FA’s dedication to celebrating diversity and promoting artistic expression.

To celebrate the unveiling, the FA hosted the ‘Cup Culture’ event at Oval Studios in East London. The event highlighted the FA Cup’s cultural connections with art, music, and gaming. It featured a partnership between Slawn and Thomas Lyte, the FA’s official silverware provider, who helped craft a bespoke replica of the trophy. Attended by luminaries from fashion, gaming, and music, the event underscored the FA Cup’s blend of tradition and innovation.

Born in Lagos, Slawn has made a name for himself with distinctive graffiti and collaborations with figures like Skepta and Virgil Abloh. His work, characterized by cartoon motifs and psychedelic forms, promises to bestow the FA Cup trophy with a daring new aesthetic.

After relocating to London in 2018 to study graphic design, Slawn began prolific painting during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, building a robust social media presence. His work debuted at Truman Brewery on Brick Lane in 2021, and in 2022, he organized a charity auction at Sotheby’s with Skepta.

The redesigned FA Cup trophy, set to grace Wembley for the 2024 final between Manchester City and Manchester United, reflects Slawn’s artistic vision and the tournament’s enduring legacy. This collaboration highlights the FA’s commitment to diversity and artistic innovation, ensuring the FA Cup remains a symbol of football’s unifying power.