Who Is Slawn, The Artist Behind The FA Cup’s Pitch Designs?

In the wake of a historic win for Crystal Palace in the Emirates FA Cup final on Saturday 17th May, another presence was felt across the Wembley matchday experience. From the pre-match ceremony, tunnel, and celebratory champagne bottles, Nigerian artist Olaolu Slawn transformed the world’s most recognisable football stadium into his canvas.

One year after designing an homage to the competition’s iconic trophy alongside The FA’s official silverware provider, Thomas Lyte, Slawn managed to take it up a level and bring his designs to matchday.  His signature expressionist, caricaturesque style featured in the pre-match ceremony and banner parade, across the player’s tunnel, as well as featuring on the winner’s and Player of the Match champagne bottles used during the celebrations.

Still only 24, Slawn has demonstrated a titanic influence across multiple aspects of art, sport, and music, alongside his creative director Dede Jae. From designing the Brit award in 2023, becoming the youngest artist to do so, to working with the likes of Skepta, A$AP Rocky and Beyonce, this is an artist with an astronomical trajectory.

Slawn’s involvement at the FA Cup is a monumental moment in a prestigious tournament. In what was a day that will live long in the memory and the history books, Slawn’s designs show the continued development, global reach and impact in modern culture of the cup.