Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga designed the current FIFA World Cup trophy to replace the original Jules Rimet cup [1].

The trophy serves as the ultimate symbol of international football success. As Spain and Argentina prepare to face off in the final this Sunday, July 19, the history of the prize highlights the transition from the early era of the tournament to the modern global spectacle.

Gazzaniga created the design in 1970 [1]. FIFA sought a new trophy after the Jules Rimet trophy was stolen two times [2]. The sculptor aimed to capture the struggle, jubilation, and triumph of the sport within a single physical form [2].

The new trophy was first awarded in 1974 [3]. Since its introduction, the Gazzaniga design has been used for 14 World Cups [3]. The sculpture was developed in Italy before becoming the centerpiece of the tournament's victory celebrations across the globe.

The current tournament is taking place in North America, with the final scheduled to be played in the U.S. [5]. The event marks the culmination of a competition where the gold trophy remains the most coveted prize in sports.

While the Jules Rimet trophy defined the first few decades of the tournament, Gazzaniga's work shifted the visual identity of the championship. The design reflects a modern aesthetic that has remained unchanged for over five decades, bridging the gap between the tournament's origins and its current status as a massive commercial and cultural event [3].

“The sculptor aimed to capture the struggle, jubilation, and triumph of the sport”

The transition from the Jules Rimet trophy to the Gazzaniga design represents more than a change in aesthetics; it reflects FIFA's need for a more secure and iconic symbol following the thefts of the original prize. As the 2026 final approaches, the trophy's enduring design emphasizes the continuity of the sport's prestige despite the changing geopolitical and commercial landscape of the tournament.