The hidden history behind the two FIFA World Cup trophies used since 1930

The original Jules Rimet trophy was retired in 1970 while the current design debuted in 1974, with both trophies having unique stories of triumph and theft.

Legends and two trophies Throughout history, football icons have hoisted the World Cup, yet the focus rarely falls on the trophy itself—particularly not on the fact that two distinct designs have represented the sport’s greatest honor. More than half a century has passed since the original trophy was retired in favor of the current version, prompting curiosity about the origins and meanings behind both designs. ## Origins of the Jules Rimet trophy The first World Cup trophy appeared in 1930 when the inaugural tournament launched under the leadership of Jules Rimet, whose name the award would carry. As FIFA’s president for 33 years from 1921 to 1954, Rimet oversaw the competition’s early growth. Crafted by French sculptor Abel Lafleur, the trophy featured Nike, the ancient Greek goddess of victory, holding a raised chalice. Made from gold-plated sterling silver and mounted on a lapis lazuli base, the design symbolized triumph and prestige in the world’s most watched sporting event. ## World War II survival and English theft During World War II, the trophy faced danger when Italian football official Ottorino Barassi hid it in a shoebox beneath his bed in Rome to keep it from Nazi forces. Decades later, just before the 1966 World Cup in England, the trophy vanished during a public display. It was eventually recovered by a dog named Pickles, found wrapped in newspaper beneath a garden hedge in South London. ## Brazil’s permanent claim and final disappearance In 1970, Brazil earned the right to keep the Jules Rimet Trophy permanently after becoming the first nation to win three World Cups. However, the trophy faced another theft in 1983 from Brazil’s football association headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, and it was never recovered. Experts widely believe the trophy was melted down, marking the end of an era for the historic design. ## Design and spirit of the modern trophy The current World Cup trophy, introduced in 1974, was designed by Italian artist Silvio Gazzaniga—who also created the UEFA Europa League trophy. Standing at 36 centimeters tall and cast in 18-carat gold, the new design features two human figures lifting the Earth, intended to represent football’s global and unifying nature. West Germany became the first team to lift this redesigned trophy that same year. ## Security lessons and replica tradition Following the 1983 disappearance of the original Jules Rimet Trophy, FIFA implemented stricter measures for the modern version. Unlike its predecessor, the current trophy is not awarded permanently to any nation, reflecting lessons learned from past losses. Champions receive the original trophy during the post-match ceremony, then are presented with a gold-plated replica to keep as their own.