The original FIFA World Cup trophy, known as the Jules Rimet trophy, has a history marked by two thefts and a canine rescue [1].
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the legacy of this original prize highlights the intersection of sporting glory and criminal mystery. The trophy's journey from its creation to its current disputed status reflects the high stakes and immense value associated with the tournament's early era.
The trophy was designed by French sculptor Abel Lafleur and used from 1930 until 1970 [2]. During this period, it became the ultimate symbol of footballing achievement. However, its prestige made it a target for thieves. The trophy was stolen twice [1].
The first theft occurred in 1966 [1]. In a turn of events that became sporting lore, the trophy was recovered that same year. "El trofeo fue encontrado gracias a un perro llamado Pickles, que lo descubrió en un jardín de Londres," said the editorial staff of TN.com.ar [1].
By 1970, the trophy remained in the permanent possession of Brazil after their third victory [2]. However, the item was stolen again in 1983 [2]. This second disappearance created a lasting void in the sport's physical history, as the trophy vanished from public view for decades.
There is a contradiction regarding the trophy's current location. The Los Angeles Times reported that the original trophy is on permanent display at the FIFA Museum in Zurich, noting that this exhibition began in 2016 [3]. Conversely, reports from TN.com.ar said that the trophy disappeared after the 1983 theft and its whereabouts remain a mystery [1].
"Hoy el trofeo original está en exhibición permanente en el Museo de la FIFA en Zúrich," said the editorial staff of the Los Angeles Times [3]. Despite these claims of recovery, the discrepancy between reports suggests that the true fate of the 1983 stolen artifact remains a subject of debate among historians and fans.
“The trophy was found thanks to a dog named Pickles, who discovered it in a London garden.”
The conflicting reports regarding the Jules Rimet trophy's location underscore the enduring mystery of the 1983 theft. While the FIFA Museum claims to exhibit the original, the lack of a universally accepted recovery timeline for the second theft suggests that the item on display may be a replica or that the recovery was never fully transparent, maintaining the trophy's status as a symbol of both triumph and loss.
