The FIFA World Cup Trophy is the most coveted prize in football — perhaps in all of sport. But the trophy as we know it today is actually the second version. The original trophy had a dramatic history involving theft, a dog, and a secret wartime hiding place.
The Jules Rimet Trophy (1930–1970)
The first World Cup trophy was created in 1929 by French sculptor Abel Lafleur and was initially called the Coupe du Monde. It was later renamed the Jules Rimet Trophy in honour of FIFA president Jules Rimet, who organised the first World Cup in Uruguay in 1930.
The trophy depicted Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, holding an octagonal cup. It stood 35 cm tall and weighed 3.8 kg — made of gold-plated sterling silver on a marble base.
Stolen — Twice
The Jules Rimet Trophy was stolen not once, but twice in its history. In 1966, ahead of the World Cup in England, the trophy was on display at a stamp exhibition in London when it was stolen. It was recovered a week later by a dog named Pickles, who found it wrapped in newspaper under a hedge in South London. Pickles became a national celebrity.
The second theft was more permanent. After Brazil won the trophy for the third time in 1970, they were awarded permanent possession. In 1983, the trophy was stolen from the Brazilian Football Confederation's headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. It has never been recovered, and it is widely believed the trophy was melted down.
The Current FIFA World Cup Trophy (1974–Present)
A new trophy was commissioned for the 1974 World Cup in West Germany. Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga won the competition with a design that has become one of the most recognised icons in sport.
The current trophy stands 36.8 cm tall and weighs 6.175 kg. It depicts two human figures reaching upward to support the Earth — symbolising the universal reach of football. The base is engraved with the names of all previous winners.
The trophy is made of 18-carat gold and contains a layer of malachite — a green banded mineral — around its base. It is valued at approximately $20 million USD.
Who Has Won the Most World Cups?
The Trophy at World Cup 2026
The original trophy cannot be kept permanently by the winning nation — only a gold-plated replica is awarded for permanent possession. The real trophy remains in FIFA's custody and travels the world on tour before each tournament.
At World Cup 2026, it will be lifted by the captain of whichever nation emerges victorious on July 19 at MetLife Stadium. Brazil, hunting a record sixth title, France seeking a third, and England chasing their first since 1966 are among those who believe it could be them.