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FIFA World Cup Trophy: Who created the world’s most prestigious trophy, why no country can keep it forever; Know what the rules are

Samira Vishwas | July 16, 2026 10:24 PM CST

match. Whenever the captain of the FIFA World Cup winning team lifts the golden trophy towards the sky, that moment becomes history for millions of football fans. But do you know who designed the world’s most iconic football trophy and what is the story behind it?

Italian artist created the identity of the World Cup

Untitled design (25)

The FIFA World Cup trophy was designed by famous Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga. In his studio in Milan, he gave such a shape to this trophy, which has become the biggest symbol of football today. The trophy shows two human figures holding the earth aloft. According to Gazzaniga, it depicts the struggle of the players, the excitement of the fans and the joy of victory.

The reason for Brazil’s new trophy

From 1930 to 1970, the Jules Rimet Trophy was awarded to the winning team. The rule was that the country which won the World Cup three times would be able to keep the trophy forever. In 1970, Brazil won the World Cup for the third time and gained permanent rights on this trophy. FIFA then held a global competition to design a new trophy, in which Silvio Gazzaniga’s design was selected.

The old trophy was stolen twice

The history of the Jules Rimet Trophy is no less exciting. This trophy was stolen during the 1966 World Cup held in England, which was later discovered in the bushes by a dog named ‘Pickles’. In 1983, the trophy was stolen again from the headquarters of the Brazilian Football Federation. Till date it has not been found and it is believed that it was melted.

The real trophy is available only for some time.

The current FIFA trophy is 36 centimeters high, made of 18 karat gold and stands on a base with two green rings, which are considered the symbol of the football field. However, the team that wins the final cannot keep the actual trophy forever. After the ceremony, the trophy is sent back to FIFA’s headquarters in Switzerland. The winning team is given a gold-plated replica to take home.

Now you will not get permanent rights

FIFA has changed the rules. Now, no matter how many times a country wins the World Cup, it will not get the right to keep the real trophy permanently.

New history will be made again on Sunday

On Sunday, in the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 being played in America, one of the teams from Argentina and Spain will win this prestigious trophy. The eyes of the world are once again fixed on the same golden trophy, which is not only a symbol of victory but also the biggest recognition in the glorious history of football.