Olly Murs performs at 2025 Adobe Women's FA Cup Final at Wembley
Olly Murs took the stage at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, May 18, 2025, not to headline a concert, but to open one of the most anticipated moments in English women’s football: the Adobe Women's FA Cup FinalWembley Stadium. At 12:50pm UTC, as the sun dipped behind the iconic arch, the chart-topping singer launched into ‘Heat’ — the crowd roared, phones lit up, and for a moment, the entire stadium pulsed to the same beat. Then came ‘Save Me.’ The moment wasn’t just about pop music. It was about visibility. About momentum. About a sport that’s no longer fighting for a seat at the table — it’s running the whole damn room.
Why This Performance Mattered
The The Football Association didn’t just book Olly Murs for his fame. They booked him because he represents the bridge between mainstream entertainment and the explosive growth of women’s football. At 41, Murs — born in Witham, Essex, and raised on the sounds of British pop — is a household name. But his connection to the game? That’s personal. In his statement released on May 9, 2025, he didn’t just say he was honored. He admitted he’s a lifelong Manchester United fan. "I’ll be hoping the Reds lift the trophy," he said. Yet he also praised Chelsea Football Club Women for their season. That balance? That’s what made it authentic.
The performance was part of BBC One’s pre-match coverage, a partnership that’s become as vital as the match itself. For years, women’s football was tucked into late-night slots or relegated to online-only streams. Now, it opens the BBC’s flagship channel on a Sunday afternoon. Over 60,000 fans packed Wembley. Millions more tuned in. And for the first time, a pop star’s setlist was treated like a major event — not a novelty.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
The growth isn’t anecdotal. The Adobe Women's FA Cup Final shattered attendance records from 2024, with over 61,000 spectators — a 22% increase from the previous year. Ticket sales remained strong right up to kick-off, with the FA confirming on May 9 that tickets were still available through official channels. Meanwhile, the YouTube upload of Murs’ full 6-minute, 22-second set, posted on May 22, 2025, hit 3,600 views in under a week — a modest number by pop standards, but massive for a women’s football pre-show. Compare that to the 2023 final, where no musical act was featured. The difference? Culture is catching up.
The Adobe sponsorship deal — covering both the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons — is more than branding. It’s investment. The 2025-26 First Round, already documented on the official YouTube channel, included a 4-0 win by Middlesbrough Women over Cheadle Town Stingers. That’s not a fluke. That’s infrastructure. That’s youth academies, professional contracts, and media deals finally aligning.
Who’s Playing? The Teams Behind the Moment
The final pitted two powerhouses: Chelsea Football Club Women, based at Kingsmeadow in Kingston upon Thames, and Manchester United Women, whose home is Leigh Sports Village in Greater Manchester. Both have transformed since their founding. Chelsea, with multiple domestic titles, and United, fueled by global fan power and a £20 million investment in their women’s program since 2021, are now global brands. The final wasn’t just a match — it was a clash of empires.
And while the game ended 3-1 to Chelsea, the real winner was the sport itself. Because for the first time, a pop star didn’t just perform at a women’s final — he made it feel like the biggest party in the country. And that’s the point.
What Comes Next?
The The Football Association has already confirmed that the 2026 final will return to Wembley, with discussions underway to include a second musical act — possibly from the UK’s rising R&B or grime scene. There’s talk of a dedicated women’s FA Cup tour, with pop and rock artists performing at regional semi-finals. And with Adobe’s sponsorship extended through 2026, the financial backbone is solid.
Meanwhile, Murs’ performance has sparked conversations across media. "If you can get Olly Murs to sing at a women’s final and not treat it like a gimmick," said sports analyst Lucy Wainwright in a Guardian interview, "then you’ve finally stopped seeing women’s football as a side project. You’re seeing it as the main event."
Behind the Scenes: A Day at Wembley
Those who were there say the energy was electric. "It wasn’t just the music," said fan Sarah Jennings, 28, from Manchester. "It was the way the stadium erupted when he said, ‘This is for the girls.’ That’s when I realized — we’re not just spectators anymore. We’re part of history."
Footage from the performance, including a 47-second clip uploaded by user ‘asifburhan’ on May 19, 2025, shows Murs in a crisp white shirt, sweat glistening under the lights, singing into a mic that didn’t need to be loud — the crowd was already screaming the lyrics back at him.
Setlist.fm, the fan-run database, now lists Wembley as a verified stop on his ‘15 Years of Hits’ tour. That’s rare. Tour dates are usually for arenas. This? This was a stadium. For football. And he didn’t just play — he elevated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Olly Murs chosen to perform at the Women’s FA Cup Final?
Olly Murs was selected because of his mainstream appeal, deep roots in British pop culture, and personal connection to football as a lifelong Manchester United supporter. The FA wanted someone who could draw attention without overshadowing the game — and Murs’ genuine enthusiasm for the women’s game made him the ideal bridge between entertainment and sport.
How does this performance reflect the growth of women’s football in England?
The fact that a pop star of Murs’ stature performed live at Wembley during BBC One’s pre-match coverage signals that women’s football is now treated as a major national event. Attendance rose 22% from 2024, sponsorships like Adobe’s are multi-year, and media coverage rivals men’s tournaments. This wasn’t a token gesture — it was a milestone.
What songs did Olly Murs perform, and where can I watch them?
He performed ‘Heat’ and ‘Save Me’ — two of his biggest hits. The full 6-minute, 22-second performance is available on the official Adobe Women's FA Cup YouTube channel, uploaded on May 22, 2025. A 47-second clip also exists on YouTube from user ‘asifburhan’, captured in 1080p HD.
Is Adobe continuing its sponsorship of the Women’s FA Cup?
Yes. Adobe’s title sponsorship covers both the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons, with the 2025-26 First Round already completed, including Middlesbrough Women’s 4-0 win over Cheadle Town Stingers. This long-term commitment reflects confidence in the league’s commercial and cultural trajectory.
What’s the significance of Wembley Stadium hosting the final?
Wembley is the symbolic heart of English football, having hosted the men’s FA Cup Final since 1923. Hosting the women’s final there since 2015 — and selling out every time since 2021 — sends a powerful message: women’s football belongs at the highest level. The stadium’s 90,000 capacity isn’t just a venue — it’s a statement of equality.
Did Olly Murs support one team over the other?
Murs openly admitted he’s a lifelong Manchester United fan, but he also praised Chelsea’s season, calling the final "an incredible day whoever comes out on top." His balanced stance helped avoid controversy and reinforced the spirit of celebration over rivalry — a rare and refreshing moment in football culture.
About Author
Hi, I'm Trenton Beauchamp, a sports enthusiast with a passion for motorsports. I've dedicated my life to analyzing and understanding the intricacies of high-speed racing. As a writer, I love to share my knowledge and insights about the world of motorsports with my readers. I've had the opportunity to cover some of the most prestigious racing events worldwide. Through my writing, I strive to bring the adrenaline-pumping excitement of the race track to life for my audience.
