As the world gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where either Spain or Argentina will claim the coveted trophy, the story of its design and significance continues to resonate. Crafted by Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga, the trophy embodies the spirit of sport, encapsulating the athlete’s struggle, the fan’s joy, and the ultimate moment of victory.
A Masterpiece Born in Milan
Silvio Gazzaniga’s creative journey began in Milan’s renowned Brera district, where he was commissioned by FIFA to design a new trophy following Brazil’s third World Cup win in 1970. This achievement gave Brazil permanent possession of the original Jules Rimet Trophy, prompting FIFA to seek a fresh design that reflected the tournament’s growing prestige.
The trophy’s now-iconic form features two figures spiralling upwards towards a globe, symbolising the unity of sport on a global scale. “When he started to design the cup, he was sketching a huge number of drawings and finally began to develop the idea of the world, represented as two DNA spirals entwined in motion,” explained Giorgio Gazzaniga, Silvio’s son, who witnessed the design process as a teenager.
Silvio Gazzaniga, who passed away in 2016, was not only a talented sculptor but also the mind behind several prestigious trophies, including the UEFA Cup and the European Super Cup. His ability to translate complex emotions into a tangible form set his work apart.
The History of the Trophy
The inaugural World Cup Trophy, introduced in 1930, was designed to depict Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, and was known as the Jules Rimet Trophy in honour of the tournament’s founder. Following Brazil’s third triumph, FIFA commissioned a new trophy to reflect the evolving nature of the competition, resulting in Gazzaniga’s celebrated design.
The original Jules Rimet Trophy faced a turbulent history, having been stolen on two occasions. The first theft occurred in 1966 during a public display in England, only to be recovered by a dog named Pickles. The trophy was stolen again in 1983 from the Brazilian Football Confederation and has since been presumed melted down, leaving behind a legacy shrouded in mystery.
The Symbolism Within the Design
Giorgio Gazzaniga revealed that among the over 50 proposals submitted, his father’s full-scale model stood out, allowing the jury to appreciate both its aesthetic and narrative. “There is the world, which stands above all else, there is the athlete’s exertion, there is the athlete’s movement within the metal,” he described. The design captures the athlete’s rugged journey towards victory, with arms that evoke the wings of victory, celebrating not just personal triumph but also the collective jubilation of fans worldwide.
The Gazzaniga family has taken great care to preserve his father’s legacy, maintaining a dedicated space on the outskirts of Milan that houses sketches, the original prototype, and a wax cast of the trophy. These artefacts provide a glimpse into the creative process behind one of the most revered symbols in sports.
The Trophy’s Role in Modern Football
The trophy itself stands at a height of 36 centimetres, crafted from 18-carat gold and resting on a base adorned with rings of green malachite, representing the football fields that host the world’s greatest matches. However, there is a catch for victorious teams: they do not receive the original trophy. After the tournament concludes, the trophy is returned to FIFA’s headquarters in Switzerland, while the winning team is awarded a gold-plated replica.
FIFA has decided to retain Gazzaniga’s design through at least the 2038 tournament, marking this as the 14th World Cup to feature his work. The emotional connection to the trophy is vividly recalled by Giorgio, who reminisces about watching the 1974 World Cup final. “The real explosion of joy came when the German team raised the cup in Munich and the whole stadium erupted. That was the moment an object became an icon,” he reflected.
Why it Matters
The FIFA World Cup trophy is much more than a mere accolade; it represents the pinnacle of achievement in football, a sport that unites millions across the globe. Its intricate design and rich history encapsulate the essence of competition and the emotions tied to victory and defeat. As nations prepare to vie for this prestigious honour, the legacy of Silvio Gazzaniga’s creation endures, serving as a powerful reminder of sport’s ability to inspire and unite.
