Is The World Cup Trophy Made Of Gold? 10 Facts About Soccer's

Is The World Cup Trophy Made Of Gold? 10 Facts About Soccer's

According to Foxsports.

Background

The FIFA World Cup Trophy has a rich history, with the original Jules Rimet Trophy being replaced after Brazil's third victory. This transition marked a significant moment in football history, as the new trophy became a representation of modern football's evolution. As nations like Spain celebrate their recent triumphs, the trophy's legacy continues to grow.

Why this matters

The FIFA World Cup Trophy represents the pinnacle of success in football, with only eight nations having the honor of lifting it. This exclusivity enhances its allure, making it a symbol of national pride and sporting excellence. Understanding its history and composition adds depth to the appreciation of this coveted soccer trophy.

Key Takeaways

• Is The World Cup Trophy Made Of Gold? 10 Facts About Soccer's.
• This article presents ten intriguing facts about the FIFA World Cup Trophy, detailing its history, material composition, and notable events surrounding it.
• Is The World Cup Trophy Made Of Gold? 10 Facts About Soccer's Ultimate Prize | FOX Sports.

The FIFA World Cup Trophy, a coveted prize in football, is one of the most difficult trophies to secure, with only eight nations having succeeded in lifting it. Brazil leads the pack with five titles, followed by Germany and Italy, each with four, Argentina with three, and France, Uruguay, Spain, and England with two, one, and one respectively. This trophy is not just a symbol of victory but a piece of history, accompanied by fascinating facts that many may not be aware of. ### 10. The Trophy Is Made Of 18-Carat Gold The current FIFA World Cup Trophy is crafted from 18-carat gold, featuring two layers of green malachite at its base. It weighs a total of 6.142 kilograms (approximately 13.6 pounds). Interestingly, while the trophy's interior is hollow, its gold content amounts to over five kilograms (nearly 11 pounds) of pure gold, which was valued at around $550,000 as of April 2026. However, selling such a prestigious trophy is unthinkable. ### 9. There Have Been Two Versions Of The Trophy What we recognize today as the FIFA World Cup Trophy is not the original. The first trophy, known as the Jules Rimet Trophy, was made of gold-plated sterling silver and featured a ten-sided cup supported by a winged figure symbolizing Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. After Brazil won its third title in 1970, they retained that trophy, prompting FIFA to commission the current version, first awarded in 1974 to West Germany. ### 8. The Trophy Was Hidden In A Shoebox During World War II, FIFA Vice President Ottorino Barassi took the trophy from a bank vault in Rome to prevent it from being seized. He hid it in a shoebox under his bed for the war's duration, showcasing the lengths taken to protect this iconic prize. ### 7. The Trophy Was Stolen – TWICE! In March 1966, the Jules Rimet Trophy was stolen during an exhibition in London. It was later discovered by a dog named Pickles, who found it wrapped in newspaper while out for a walk. This incident made Pickles a hero, coinciding with England's first and only title win later that year. The trophy was stolen again in 1983 while on display in Brazil, leading to the creation of a replacement, with only a fragment of the original ever recovered. ### 6. A Replica Trophy Was Bought For $400,000 Following the 1966 theft, England's Football Association commissioned a replica to be used for public displays while safeguarding the real trophy. In 1997, FIFA acquired this replica at an auction for $400,000, and it is now housed at England's National Football Museum in Manchester. ### 5. The Real Trophy's Home Is In Switzerland The winning nation of the World Cup receives a different trophy, known as the World Cup Winners' Trophy. The original trophy remains at the FIFA Museum in Zurich, Switzerland, safe from the whims of travel. ### 4. The Trophy Gets An Update After each tournament, the plate at the base of the trophy is removed and sent to the FIFA Museum. A new plate is then affixed, featuring the latest winner's name, joining the previous champions in a spiral design to accommodate future victors. ### 3. The Germany Team Damaged The Trophy After Germany's victory in the 2014 World Cup, celebrations got a little too exuberant, resulting in a small chip being knocked off the trophy. Thankfully, it was the replica trophy that suffered the damage, while the original remains intact in Switzerland. ### 2. Handle With Care! The Trophy Travels In Style Although the trophy does travel for promotional events such as the World Cup Trophy Tour or the World Cup draw, it is meticulously handled by agents to prevent any damage during transport. It also makes an appearance at the final match of the tournament. ### 1. The Trophy Has A 'No-Touch’ Custom An unofficial tradition exists among players, stipulating that no one should touch the trophy before the final. In reality, the rules are even stricter: only World Cup winners and heads of state may touch the authentic trophy without gloves; everyone else must wear gloves when handling it. This custom underscores the trophy's significance as a symbol of ultimate achievement in football.

What happens next

As teams prepare for future competitions, the legacy of the FIFA World Cup Trophy will continue to inspire nations to strive for greatness. The next tournament will see teams aiming not just for victory, but for the chance to etch their names alongside the likes of Brazil and Germany. Fans will eagerly anticipate the match impact of each game as nations vie for the ultimate prize in football.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the FIFA World Cup Trophy made of gold?

Yes, the current FIFA World Cup Trophy is crafted from 18-carat gold.

How much does the FIFA World Cup Trophy weigh?

The FIFA World Cup Trophy weighs a total of 6.142 kilograms (approximately 13.6 pounds).

What is the value of the FIFA World Cup Trophy?

As of April 2026, the gold content of the FIFA World Cup Trophy was valued at around $550,000.

How many countries have won the FIFA World Cup Trophy?

Only eight nations have succeeded in lifting the FIFA World Cup Trophy.

What was the original name of the FIFA World Cup Trophy?

The original trophy was known as the Jules Rimet Trophy.

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