The FIFA World Cup Trophy stands as one of the most iconic prizes in global sports. Soccer fans around the world recognize its distinctive gold shine and unique design. Many people wonder if this prestigious trophy consists of pure gold or if something else makes up its gleaming surface.
Today, we’ll explore what materials actually form the most coveted prize in international football.
The History of the FIFA World Cup Trophy
The current FIFA World Cup Trophy isn’t the original award presented to tournament champions. FIFA first used the Jules Rimet Trophy from 1930 until 1970. This initial trophy featured Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, holding a cup above her head.
The Jules Rimet Trophy consisted of gold-plated sterling silver on a base made from lapis lazuli. It measured 35 centimeters tall and weighed about 3.8 kilograms. FIFA initially named it “Victory” before renaming it after Jules Rimet in 1946 to honor the FIFA president who started the tournament.
Brazil earned permanent possession of the Jules Rimet Trophy after winning their third World Cup in 1970. Unfortunately, thieves stole this historical treasure in 1983 from the Brazilian Football Confederation headquarters, and no one has recovered it since.
The Birth of the Current Trophy
FIFA needed a new trophy after Brazil kept the original. The organization commissioned Italian artist Silvio Gazzaniga to design the replacement. FIFA selected his design from 53 submissions, and the new trophy debuted at the 1974 World Cup.
Gazzaniga described his creation poetically: “The lines spring out from the base, rising in spirals, stretching out to receive the world. From the remarkable dynamic tensions of the compact body of the sculpture rise the figures of two athletes at the stirring moment of victory.”
The Stabilimento Artistico Bertoni company in Milan manufactured this masterpiece. This Italian trophy maker also created other prestigious sports awards, including the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League trophies.
What Is the FIFA World Cup Trophy Made Of?
Now for the big question: Is the FIFA World Cup Trophy pure gold? The answer is no. The trophy consists of 18-karat gold, which means it contains 75% gold and 25% other metals.
These additional metals provide strength and durability to the trophy. Pure 24-karat gold would make the trophy too soft and prone to damage. The base features two bands of malachite, a semi-precious stone with a vibrant green color.
Despite not being pure gold, the trophy still contains a substantial amount of the precious metal. The gold content weighs approximately 4,927 grams or nearly 5 kilograms.
Design and Dimensions of the Trophy
The FIFA World Cup Trophy stands 36.8 centimeters (14.5 inches) tall and measures about 12.5 centimeters wide at its base. The base itself has a diameter of 13 centimeters.
The total weight of the FIFA World Cup trophy is 6.175 kilograms (13.61 pounds). This weight feels substantial yet remains manageable for players to lift during victory celebrations.
The trophy depicts two human figures holding up the Earth, symbolizing the global nature of football. The bottom side of the trophy bears engravings of each tournament winner since 1974.
Is the FIFA World Cup Trophy Solid Gold?
Many people assume the trophy must be solid gold, but this isn’t accurate. Scientists and experts agree that the trophy has a hollow interior.
Martyn Poliakoff, a chemist from the University of Nottingham, explained that a solid gold trophy of this size would weigh between 70-80 kilograms (154-176 pounds). Such weight would make lifting the trophy nearly impossible for most players.
Think about standard gold bars seen in movies. Each weighs about 25 pounds yet measures only 7.8 inches long. A solid gold trophy standing over 14 inches tall would weigh significantly more.
The hollow construction allows for a reasonable weight without sacrificing the impressive gold exterior. The trophy maintains its luxurious appearance without becoming impractically heavy.
The Value of the FIFA World Cup Trophy
The trophy’s gold content alone makes it extremely valuable. Based on current gold prices, the 4,927 grams of pure gold would value around $242,700.
However, the trophy’s worth extends far beyond its metal value. Its historical significance and cultural importance dramatically increase its worth. Experts estimate the trophy’s total value at approximately $20 million, making it the most valuable sports trophy in the world.
The next most valuable sports trophy, horse racing’s Woodlawn Vase, comes in at only $2.5 million-a significant gap compared to the World Cup Trophy.
What Happens When a Team Wins?
Unlike the original Jules Rimet Trophy, teams don’t get to keep the current FIFA World Cup Trophy permanently. The winning nation briefly receives the original trophy during the award ceremony for celebrations.
After the post-match ceremonies conclude, FIFA replaces the original with a gold-plated bronze replica. This replica, called the FIFA World Cup Winners’ Trophy, stays with the winning country.
FIFA safeguards the original trophy at its World Football Museum in Zurich, Switzerland. The trophy only leaves this secure location for special occasions, including the World Cup trophy tour, tournament draws, opening matches, and finals.
Interesting Facts
The trophy has an interesting history beyond its composition:
- The Jules Rimet Trophy disappeared twice. Thieves stole it before the 1966 World Cup in England, but a dog named Pickles famously found it wrapped in newspaper under a car.
- Only select individuals can touch the trophy with bare hands. This exclusive list includes former winners, heads of state, and FIFA officials.
- The bottom of the trophy features the names of each winning country engraved in their native language. Spain experienced a mishap in 2006 when engravers incorrectly wrote “Spain” instead of “España.”
- Brazil has won the World Cup most frequently with five titles, followed by Germany and Italy with four each.
- If the trophy followed the same rules as the Jules Rimet Trophy (permanent possession after three wins), Germany would have claimed it in 2014 after their third victory with the new design.
Comparing the Two World Cup Trophies
Jules Rimet Trophy
- Made of gold-plated sterling silver
- Featured Nike, Greek goddess of victory
- Stood 35 cm tall
- Weighed 3.8 kg
- Base made of lapis lazuli
- Teams could win it permanently
Current FIFA World Cup Trophy
- Made of 18-karat gold (75% gold)
- Features two figures holding Earth
- Stands 36.8 cm tall
- Weighs 6.175 kg
- Base made with malachite
- Teams receive replicas, not the original
The current trophy represents a significant upgrade in materials and value compared to its predecessor. The use of 18-karat gold instead of gold-plated silver increases both its monetary value and prestige.
FAQs
1. Is the FIFA World Cup Trophy made of pure gold?
No, the trophy isn’t pure gold. It consists of 18-karat gold, which means it contains 75% gold and 25% other metals that add strength and durability. Pure gold would make the trophy too soft and susceptible to damage.
2. How much does the World Cup Trophy weigh?
The FIFA World Cup Trophy weighs 6.175 kilograms (13.61 pounds). This weight combines the gold structure and the malachite base. The trophy remains light enough for players to lift during celebrations.
3. Do winning teams get to keep the original trophy?
No, winning teams don’t keep the original trophy. Unlike the Jules Rimet Trophy, which Brazil received permanently after their third win, teams now receive a gold-plated bronze replica called the FIFA World Cup Winners’ Trophy.
4. Where is the World Cup Trophy kept when not in use?
FIFA stores the original World Cup Trophy at the FIFA World Football Museum in Zurich, Switzerland. The trophy only leaves for special occasions like the World Cup trophy tour, tournament draws, and the final match.
5. How much is the FIFA World Cup Trophy worth?
The gold content alone values around $242,700, but experts estimate the trophy’s total worth at approximately $20 million due to its historical significance and cultural importance. This makes it the most valuable sports trophy in the world.
6. Who designed the current FIFA World Cup Trophy?
Italian artist Silvio Gazzaniga designed the current trophy. FIFA selected his design from 53 submissions after Brazil kept the original Jules Rimet Trophy in 1970. The Stabilimento Artistico Bertoni company in Milan manufactured it.
7. Is the World Cup Trophy solid or hollow?
Scientists confirm the trophy has a hollow interior. A solid gold trophy of this size would weigh 70-80 kilograms (154-176 pounds), making it nearly impossible for players to lift. The hollow construction maintains its appearance without excessive weight.
8. What happened to the original World Cup Trophy?
Brazil earned permanent possession of the original Jules Rimet Trophy after winning their third World Cup in 1970. Thieves stole this historical treasure in 1983 from the Brazilian Football Confederation headquarters, and no one has recovered it.
9. Who can touch the FIFA World Cup Trophy?
Only a select group of people can touch the trophy with bare hands. This exclusive list includes former World Cup winners, heads of state, and FIFA officials. This restriction helps preserve the trophy’s condition and prestige.
10. What materials form the base of the trophy?
The base of the FIFA World Cup Trophy contains two layers of malachite, a semi-precious stone known for its vibrant green color. This green base contrasts beautifully with the golden structure above it.
