Why There Have Been Two Different World Cup Trophies Explained
- Think Football Ideas
- 8 hours ago
- 5 min read
Why The World Cup Has Had Two Different Trophies Explained
Football's biggest prize has been lifted by some of the greatest players in history. Numerous legendary players across generations have celebrated with the FIFA World Cup trophy, including Pelé, Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, and Lionel Messi.
Yet many football fans are surprised to learn that there have actually been two different World Cup trophies throughout the tournament's history.
The original trophy, known as the Jules Rimet Trophy, was used between 1930 and 1970 before being replaced by the modern FIFA World Cup Trophy that remains in use today.
So why was the original trophy replaced, what happened to it, and what makes the current version different?
Why Have There Been Two Different World Cup Trophies?
There have been two different World Cup trophies because FIFA introduced a new design after Brazil earned permanent ownership of the original Jules Rimet Trophy in 1970.
Under the rules at the time, any nation that won the World Cup three times would keep the trophy forever.
Brazil became the first country to achieve that feat after winning the tournament in 1958, 1962 and 1970. As a result, FIFA needed a brand-new trophy for future World Cups, leading to the creation of the modern FIFA World Cup Trophy in 1974.
What Was The Jules Rimet Trophy?
The Jules Rimet Trophy was the original World Cup trophy used from the inaugural tournament in 1930 until 1970. Named after former FIFA president Jules Rimet, who helped establish the World Cup, the trophy was designed by French sculptor Abel Lafleur.
It featured Nike, the ancient Greek goddess of victory, holding a cup above her head. Standing approximately 35 centimetres tall, the trophy was made from gold-plated sterling silver and mounted on a blue lapis lazuli base.
For four decades, it became the symbol of football supremacy and was lifted by some of the sport's earliest global icons.
How The Jules Rimet Trophy Survived World War II
One of the most remarkable stories in World Cup history occurred during the Second World War. As conflict spread across Europe, there were concerns that the trophy could be seized or destroyed.
Italian football official Ottorino Barassi reportedly removed the trophy from a bank vault and hid it inside a shoebox beneath his bed in Rome, helping preserve one of football's most valuable artefacts during a turbulent period in world history.
The Famous Dog That Found The World Cup Trophy
The Jules Rimet Trophy became the centre of worldwide attention in 1966 when it was stolen in England just months before the World Cup. The trophy disappeared during a public exhibition in London, creating panic among tournament organisers.
Fortunately, it was discovered a week later by a dog named Pickles, who found the missing trophy wrapped in newspaper beneath a hedge in South London. Pickles became an overnight celebrity and remains one of the most unlikely heroes in football history.
Why Was The Jules Rimet Trophy Replaced?
The Jules Rimet Trophy was not replaced because it became damaged or outdated.
Instead, FIFA was required to create a new trophy after Brazil permanently retained the original following their third World Cup triumph in 1970.
An international design competition was launched, attracting dozens of submissions from artists around the world. The winning design came from Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga.
His creation became the FIFA World Cup Trophy that is still awarded today.
What Happened To The Original World Cup Trophy?
After Brazil received permanent ownership of the Jules Rimet Trophy, it was displayed at the headquarters of the Brazilian Football Confederation in Rio de Janeiro. However, disaster struck again in 1983.
The trophy was stolen for a second time and has never been recovered. Investigators widely believe it was melted down by thieves, meaning the original World Cup trophy was likely lost forever. Its disappearance remains one of football's greatest unsolved mysteries.
What Does The Current World Cup Trophy Look Like?
The modern FIFA World Cup Trophy depicts two human figures lifting the globe above their heads. The design was intended to symbolise unity, achievement and football's worldwide appeal.
West Germany became the first nation to lift the new trophy after winning the 1974 World Cup. Since then, every World Cup champion has celebrated with the same iconic design.
How Big Is The FIFA World Cup Trophy? (Size, Weight and Material)
36.8 cm
approximately 6.1 kg
18-carat gold
The current World Cup trophy stands 36.8 centimetres (14.5 inches) tall. It weighs approximately 6.1 kilograms and is noticeably heavier than the original Jules Rimet Trophy.
Despite appearing relatively small on television, it is one of the most recognisable trophies in world sport.
Is The World Cup Trophy Made Of Solid Gold?
Unlike many major sporting trophies, the FIFA World Cup Trophy is made primarily from 18-carat gold. It contains roughly 4.9 kilograms of gold and features a malachite base.
Although it is not completely solid gold throughout, it remains one of the most valuable trophies in professional sport.
Do World Cup Winners Keep The Trophy?
No. Unlike the Jules Rimet Trophy, modern World Cup winners do not keep the original trophy permanently.
The champions receive the genuine trophy during the presentation ceremony before it is returned to FIFA. They are later given a gold-plated replica to keep.
This rule was introduced partly to prevent the problems FIFA experienced with the disappearance of the original Jules Rimet Trophy.
Which Countries Have Lifted Each World Cup Trophy?
Jules Rimet Trophy Winners (1930–1970)
Uruguay
Italy
West Germany
Brazil
England
FIFA World Cup Trophy Winners (1974–Present)
West Germany
Argentina
Italy
France
Brazil
Spain
Germany
Argentina
Which Countries Have Lifted Both World Cup Trophies?
Brazil
Germany
Italy
Argentina
Only four nations have lifted both versions of the World Cup trophy. Brazil, Germany, Italy and Argentina all enjoyed success across different eras of international football, winning tournaments under both the Jules Rimet Trophy and the modern FIFA World Cup Trophy. Their achievements highlight decades of sustained excellence on the world stage.
The Two World Cup Trophies Compared
Feature | Jules Rimet Trophy | FIFA World Cup Trophy |
Introduced | 1930 | 1974 |
Designer | Abel Lafleur | Silvio Gazzaniga |
Height | ~35 cm | 36.8 cm |
Material | Gold-plated silver | 18-carat gold |
Fate | Stolen in 1983 | Still used today |
Which World Cup Trophy Is More Valuable?
The modern FIFA World Cup Trophy is generally considered more valuable due to its higher gold content and global significance.
However, many historians regard the Jules Rimet Trophy as priceless because of its role in football history and its connection to the early World Cup tournaments.
Although the original trophy disappeared in 1983, its legacy remains deeply woven into the story of the world's biggest sporting event.
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