"The real explosion of joy came when the German team raised the cup in Munich and the whole stadium erupted," Giorgio Gazzaniga recalled. "That was the moment an object became an icon." His father, Silvio, had just watched his life's work lifted for the first time at the 1974 World Cup final. The trophy has been raised at every final since — and on Sunday, either Spain or Argentina will add their name to that list at the 2026 edition.
Silvio Gazzaniga designed the trophy in his studio in Milan's Brera neighbourhood after FIFA opened a competition for a new design. The trigger was Brazil's permanent retention of the original Jules Rimet Trophy in 1970, having become the first nation to win three World Cups. More than 50 proposals came in. Gazzaniga was the only one who submitted a full physical model — which, according to his son, was the difference-maker. The jury could see it, feel it, understand what it was trying to say.
What the trophy actually represents
The design isn't just decorative. Two figures spiral upward toward an orb representing Earth, and every element carries intent. "There is the athlete's exertion, there is the athlete's movement within the metal, and the athlete's body is rough, rugged, for it has suffered, had to fight, and struggled for victory," Giorgio Gazzaniga explained. The outstretched arms at the top are meant to evoke the wings of victory — capturing both the winning player and the fan in the stands losing their mind at the final whistle.
Silvio Gazzaniga, who died in 2016, was no stranger to prestige metalwork. He also designed the UEFA Cup and the European Super-Cup during his career at G.D.E. Bertoni Srl. But nothing he made came close to this in terms of reach.
A stolen history and a closely guarded original
The Jules Rimet Trophy — depicting the Greek goddess Nike and named after the tournament's founder — had a chaotic final chapter. It was stolen in England in 1966 while on public display, then recovered by a dog named Pickles under a hedge in south London. Brazil took permanent possession in 1970. Then, in 1983, it was stolen again from the Brazilian Football Confederation headquarters and has never been found. Most believe it was melted down.
FIFA learned from that. The winning captain lifts the real trophy — 36 centimetres tall, cast in 18-carat gold, mounted on a base of green malachite — but it goes straight back to Zurich after the tournament. The winning nation takes home a gold-plated replica. Three-time winners no longer get to keep anything.
This is the 14th World Cup to use Gazzaniga's design, and FIFA has committed to keeping it in use at least through 2038. Fifty-two years and counting. Whatever happens on Sunday, the trophy will outlast the result.
