- It’s not the original trophy: The first trophy, called the Jules Rimet Trophy, was awarded from 1930 to 1970. Brazil kept it permanently after winning 3 times, but it was stolen in 1983 and never recovered
- Current design since 1974: The trophy we see now was designed by Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga. It shows two human figures holding up the Earth. FIFA chose it from 53 submissions.
- Made of real gold, but not solid: It’s 36.8 cm tall and weighs 6.175 kg. The body is 18-karat gold with a base made of two layers of malachite, a green semi-precious stone. If it were solid gold, it would weigh 70–80 kg and be too heavy to lift.
- Winners don’t keep it: Since 2006, the winning team gets a gold-plated bronze replica. The real trophy stays with FIFA at the FIFA Museum in Zurich and only leaves for the final draw, the tournament, and the official Trophy Tour.
- Names go on the base: The winning countries are engraved on the underside of the base in English. The base can hold 17 winner names, with space expected to fill by 2038.
- Touching it is restricted: By rule, only World Cup-winning players, coaches, heads of state, and a few FIFA officials can touch the real trophy. That’s why others wear gloves during the Trophy Tour.
- It’s insured for millions: While FIFA doesn’t disclose the exact value, estimates put it around $20 million based on gold content, craftsmanship, and historical significance. It’s among the most valuable sports trophies.
- It travels the globe: Before each World Cup, the FIFA Trophy Tour takes it to dozens of countries. In 2022, it visited all 32 qualified nations for the first time.
- Strict transport rules: When it flies, it gets its own seat on the plane and travels with dedicated security. It’s transported in a custom Louis Vuitton case, a partnership that began in 2010.
- No one can win it forever: Unlike the Jules Rimet rule, no country can keep this trophy permanently. Even if a nation wins 3 times, the original returns to FIFA after the celebrations. 175a3094060867205a40
Edited and Compiled By: Momoi Haokip
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