Two World Cup Trophies: The Story Behind the Designs

The World Cup trophy is one of the most coveted prizes in sport, but few realize that there have been two distinct designs over the tournament's history. The original Jules Rimet Trophy was introduced in 1930 and replaced after 1970, while the current trophy has been in use since 1974. Here is the story behind both versions.

The Jules Rimet Trophy: The Original Design

The first World Cup trophy was introduced in 1930, when FIFA launched the inaugural tournament under the leadership of Jules Rimet, the man the trophy was named after. Rimet was FIFA's longest-serving president, holding the role for 33 years between 1921 and 1954. The trophy was designed by French sculptor Abel Lafleur and depicted Nike, the ancient Greek goddess of victory, holding a chalice aloft. It was crafted from gold-plated sterling silver and mounted on a lapis lazuli base.

During World War II, FIFA said Italian football official Ottorino Barassi hid the trophy in a shoe box beneath his bed in Rome to prevent it from falling into Nazi hands. Just months before the start of the 1966 World Cup in England, the trophy was stolen during a public exhibition. It was eventually discovered by a dog named Pickles, wrapped in newspaper beneath a garden hedge in South London.

Brazil earned permanent possession of the Jules Rimet Trophy in 1970 after becoming the first three-time World Cup winner. However, in 1983 the trophy was stolen again, this time from the Brazilian FA's headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, and was never found. It is widely believed to have been melted down. By then, FIFA had already introduced a new design for the modern era of the World Cup.

The Current World Cup Trophy: A New Era

The replacement trophy was designed by Italian artist Silvio Gazzaniga, who also designed the UEFA Europa League trophy. It stands 36 centimeters tall and is cast in 18-carat gold. FIFA said the design—two human figures lifting Planet Earth—'captures football's global, unifying spirit.'

West Germany were the first team to lift the redesigned accolade in 1974. Following its predecessor's mysterious disappearance in 1983, FIFA said the newer World Cup trophy is not awarded permanently to any nation—so it would seem a lesson has been very much learned. Champions now get their hands on the original during the post-match award ceremony, before being presented with a gold-plated replica to keep.

This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.