Behind the World Cup, one of the most iconic sports symbols in history, stands an Italian sculptor who turned a piece of gold into an icon that captures the dreams of teams and fans, and embodies the most important victory moment in every player's career.

A competition to choose a new trophy

The design story began in the early 1970s, after Brazil retained the Jules Rimet Cup following its third title in 1970; FIFA announced a search for a new design that would express the universality of the game and the value of the tournament.

Dozens of artists and designers submitted their proposals before the design of Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga was chosen. He presented a different concept based on two human figures holding the Earth, in a scene combining strength, movement, and joy.

Gold embodies the moment of victory

The trophy is made of 18-carat gold, stands about 37 centimeters tall, and weighs more than six kilograms, while its base is adorned with two rings of green malachite.

Gazzaniga did not design the trophy as a static object, but gave it an upward movement starting from the base, rising in twisted lines to the Earth, so that the two figures appear to be celebrating raising the world to the sky.

First appearance at the 1974 World Cup

The trophy appeared for the first time at the World Cup finals in 1974, and West Germany was the first team to lift it after winning the final against the Netherlands.

Since then, the moment of lifting the trophy has become the most anticipated closing scene of the tournament, encapsulating tears of joy and the long journey that players and teams undertake to reach the podium.

An icon beyond football

For more than five decades, the trophy's value has transcended the precious metal, turning into a global cultural symbol recognized by millions, even those who do not regularly follow football.

The winning team is not given the original trophy to keep permanently; it remains the property of FIFA, and the champion later receives a commemorative replica, while the names of the winning teams are engraved on the base.

Thus, Gazzaniga succeeded in creating a sculpture that not only represents a sporting event but embodies a recurring human dream, passed from generation to generation every four years, and lifting it remains the moment every player wishes to experience at least once.