Italian Sculptor Designs World Cup Trophy in 1970

In 1970, Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga created the design that would become the FIFA World Cup Trophy, the award most football fans recognize today. The trophy was first presented to the winners of the 1974 World Cup in West Germany, replacing the Jules Rimet Trophy after it was stolen in 1983. Gazzaniga’s design features a stylised figure of a footballer holding a trophy, crafted from gold‑plated sterling silver and weighing 6.1 kg.

The new trophy was intended to symbolize the global reach and prestige of the World Cup. Its dimensions—35 cm in height and 15 cm in width—make it a striking centerpiece for the final match, while its construction from high‑quality silver ensures durability. The design has remained unchanged since its introduction, becoming a symbol of achievement that transcends national borders and is displayed in the trophy room of FIFA headquarters.

Over the past five decades, the trophy has been awarded to 19 national teams, each engraving their name on its base. Its enduring presence in the sport underscores the continuity and tradition of the World Cup, and Gazzaniga’s work continues to be celebrated as a defining element of football heritage.