The World Cup trophy is undoubtedly the most coveted prize in the world of football. It symbolizes the ultimate achievement in the sport and is a source of pride and glory for the winning team. However, what many people may not know is that the World Cup trophy has undergone significant changes since its inception. In this article, we will take a trip down memory lane and explore the evolution of the World Cup trophy.
The first World Cup trophy was introduced in 1930 when the inaugural tournament was held in Uruguay. It was called the Jules Rimet trophy and was named after the president of FIFA at the time. This trophy was made of gold-plated sterling silver and depicted the Greek goddess, Nike, holding a cup. It stood at 35 centimeters tall and weighed 3.8 kilograms. However, this trophy was not a permanent possession for the winning team. According to the original rules, the team that won the World Cup three times consecutively would get to keep the trophy permanently.
The Jules Rimet trophy was the center of a controversial heist in 1966 when it was stolen from a public exhibition in England. The news of the theft shocked the world and created a frantic search for the missing trophy. Fortunately, it was found a week later by a dog named Pickles. The trophy was returned to the football association by Pickles’ owner, effectively becoming the hero of the nation.
After Brazil proved their dominance by winning their third World Cup in 1970, they were awarded the Jules Rimet trophy permanently. However, tragedy struck in 1983 when the trophy was stolen once again from Brazil. This time, it was never found, and it is believed that it was melted down for its precious material.
Following the loss of the Jules Rimet trophy, a new trophy was introduced in the 1974 World Cup in West Germany. Known as the FIFA World Cup Trophy, it was created by the Italian artist, Silvio Gazzaniga. It stands at 36.8 centimeters tall and is made of solid 18-carat gold, with a base of malachite. This trophy is a depiction of two human figures holding the Earth. The new trophy was seen as a symbol of the global reach of the World Cup and represented the unity of all nations through football.
The current FIFA World Cup Trophy is a result of a redesign in 1998, which aimed to make it more visually appealing and reflective of the modern era. The new design, created by Silvio Gazzaniga, features two intertwined figures holding up the world, with the football on top. It stands at 36.5 centimeters tall and weighs 6.1 kilograms. The trophy is made of 18-carat gold and features a dark green marble base with the names of all the previous winners engraved on it.
One of the key changes in the new design was the removal of the malachite base, which was deemed too fragile for constant traveling. Instead, the winners of the tournament receive a replica of the trophy, while the original is kept at the FIFA World Football Museum in Zurich, Switzerland.
In conclusion, the evolution of the World Cup trophy is a testament to the rich history and legacy of the sport of football. From its humble beginnings as the Jules Rimet trophy to the iconic and modern FIFA World Cup Trophy, it has become a global symbol of unity and excellence. As the World Cup continues to capture the hearts of millions around the world, the trophy will surely continue to evolve and inspire future generations of footballers.