The Story Behind Two World Cup Trophies

The World Cup trophy has not always been the design we see today. In fact, there have been two distinct trophies used in the tournament's history, each with its own fascinating story. The original trophy, named after FIFA president Jules Rimet, was introduced in 1930 and later replaced in 1974.

The Jules Rimet Trophy

The first World Cup trophy was designed by French sculptor Abel Lafleur. It depicted Nike, the ancient Greek goddess of victory, holding a chalice aloft and was made from gold-plated sterling silver on a lapis lazuli base. During World War II, Italian football official Ottorino Barassi hid the trophy in a shoe box under his bed in Rome to protect it from the Nazis.

In 1966, just months before the World Cup in England, the trophy was stolen during a public exhibition. It was later found by a dog named Pickles, wrapped in newspaper and hidden under a garden hedge in South London. Brazil earned permanent possession of the Jules Rimet Trophy in 1970 after winning their third World Cup. However, in 1983, the trophy was stolen again from the Brazilian Football Confederation headquarters in Rio de Janeiro and has never been recovered; it is believed to have been melted down.

The Current World Cup Trophy

After Brazil kept the original trophy, FIFA commissioned a new design for the 1974 World Cup. Italian artist Silvio Gazzaniga, who also designed the UEFA Europa League trophy, created the current trophy. It stands 36 centimeters tall and is cast in 18-carat gold, depicting two human figures lifting Planet Earth. FIFA describes the design as capturing 'football's global, unifying spirit.'

West Germany was the first team to lift the redesigned trophy in 1974. Unlike its predecessor, the current trophy is not awarded permanently to any nation. Winners receive a gold-plated replica to keep, while the original remains with FIFA.

• The first trophy was the Jules Rimet Trophy, used from 1930 to 1970.
• It was stolen twice: once in 1966 (recovered by a dog named Pickles) and again in 1983 (never found).
• Brazil permanently kept the Jules Rimet Trophy after winning their third title in 1970.
• The current trophy was introduced in 1974 and designed by Silvio Gazzaniga.
• Winners now receive a replica; the original remains with FIFA.

The story of the two trophies highlights the evolving history of the World Cup and the measures taken to protect its most coveted prize. As future tournaments unfold, the current trophy will continue to symbolize football's global reach.