When Lionel Messi of Argentina raised the FIFA World Cup trophy at Lusail Stadium in 2022, it signified the realization of a lifelong aspiration after a prolonged wait. This iconic moment, etched in the memories of millions, was not merely a triumph but an entry into the annals of footballing history, joining the ranks of legends such as Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazario, and Bastian Schweinsteiger.
The trophy that Messi hoisted has a rich history. Initially, from 1930 to 1970, winners received the Jules Rimet Trophy. However, when Brazil clinched their third title in the 1970 World Cup, they earned the right to keep it permanently. Consequently, FIFA faced the task of creating a new symbol for the prestigious prize before the 1974 tournament.
Designers from seven countries submitted 53 proposals, with the winning design originating from Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga. Gazzaniga envisioned the trophy as a representation of heroism, with rising lines spiraling upward from the base, symbolizing triumph. The sculpture, featuring two human figures lifting the globe, exuded elegance and visual appeal.
The trophy, standing at 36.8 centimeters tall and weighing 6.175 kilograms, is crafted from 18-carat gold with a base adorned with two layers of green malachite. While it is described as “solid gold” by FIFA, British chemist Martyn Poliakoff suggests that the globe is hollow to maintain a manageable weight for lifting.
Since 1974, the names of winning teams and years have been engraved on the base. To accommodate future champions, a spiral engraving format was adopted after the 2014 World Cup due to space constraints. The base disc is replaced after each tournament to include the new champion.
Until 2005, winning teams retained the original trophy until the next World Cup, but since 2006, tighter security measures are in place. Winners now briefly lift the original during the ceremony before receiving a gold-plated bronze replica, known as the FIFA World Cup Winners’ Trophy.
The original trophy is permanently housed at the FIFA World Football Museum in Zurich, Switzerland, and is only displayed on special occasions. Only heads of state and World Cup-winning players are allowed to touch it, with a notable exception being Nelson Mandela in 2010.
With an estimated value of over $20 million, the trophy could become the most valuable prize in sports if ever auctioned. Since 1974, Germany and Argentina have been the most frequent winners, each securing three titles. European nations have claimed the trophy eight times, while South American teams have won it five times.
Unlike the Jules Rimet Trophy, the FIFA World Cup trophy is never permanently awarded to a team, preventing champions like Germany from retaining it after their victories. Gazzaniga’s design, although not directly profitable for him, brought him global acclaim and further opportunities, including designing trophies for UEFA competitions. Even after his passing in 2016, his creation remains a symbol of excellence in the world of football.
