A trophy with a turbulent history
The FIFA World Cup trophy is more than a piece of metal; it is the ultimate symbol of achievement in international soccer, a prize that every nation dreams of lifting. Its origins trace back to the early days of the tournament, when the organizers sought a permanent emblem that could capture the spirit of the competition.
The rise and fall of the Jules Rimet trophy
The first trophy, known as the Jules Rimet Cup, was commissioned in 1930 and named after French football administrator Jules Rimet. Brazil's historic three victories in 1958, 1962 and 1970 earned them the right to keep the cup permanently, a decision that would later set the stage for its dramatic disappearance.
In 1966 the trophy vanished from a London exhibition, only to be recovered by a stray dog named Pickles, who found it wrapped in newspaper on a suburban street. The incident added a layer of myth to the trophy's lore and underscored the vulnerability of even the most revered artifacts.
A second theft in 1983 saw the cup stolen from a museum in Rio de Janeiro, and despite extensive investigations it was never recovered, leaving a permanent gap in soccer history.
The modern masterpiece
In 1974 a new trophy was introduced, designed by Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga. Standing at 18 centimeters tall and forged from 18‑kilogram solid gold, the cup weighs roughly 5 kilograms and features two rings of malachite that encircle its base, giving it a striking green contrast.
The trophy's surface is engraved with the names of every World Cup champion, and its current design provides space for 17 winning nations. As of today, 13 names are already etched, and the remaining slots will remain available until the 2038 tournament, ensuring that the trophy will continue to grow with each new champion.