“The idea was to create something symbolizing exertion, dynamism and the jubilation of an athlete in the moment of victory.” Those words from Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga perfectly capture why the FIFA World Cup Trophy means so much. It isn’t simply a prize waiting at the tournament’s finish line. Every curve, every detail, and every engraving tells a story stretching across generations. Long before captains lifted it beneath fireworks, someone first imagined what football’s greatest dream should actually look like.

Who made the FIFA World Cup trophy, and where is it crafted?

The FIFA World Cup Trophy was created after the Jules Rimet Trophy was permanently awarded to Brazil following its third World Cup triumph in 1970. With the original trophy retired, FIFA launched an international design competition in 1971 to create a new symbol for football’s biggest prize. Artists from seven countries submitted 53 designs, each aiming to capture the spirit of the World Cup.

Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga won the competition with his iconic design, which depicts two human figures triumphantly lifting the Earth. His concept was intended to represent the universal joy and unity inspired by football rather than the success of any one nation.

The trophy has been crafted by Stabilimento Artistico Bertoni in Milan, Italy, now known as GDE Bertoni, since its introduction in 1974. Made primarily of 18-carat gold with a malachite base, Gazzaniga’s creation was first lifted by West Germany after winning the 1974 FIFA World Cup and remains one of the most recognizable trophies in global sport.

What is the FIFA World Cup trophy made of, and how much does it weigh?

The trophy may appear surprisingly manageable during victory celebrations, yet it’s remarkably substantial. It stands 36.8 centimeters tall and weighs approximately 6.175 kilograms. Most of that weight comes from solid 18-karat gold. Around 4.97 kilograms consist of pure gold, making it genuinely valuable before considering history. The remaining weight comes from its internal structure and distinctive green base. That base contains two layers of malachite, a deliberately chosen semi-precious stone.

Gazzaniga believed malachite reflected football pitches through its rich green color. The trophy isn’t completely solid throughout. Engineers designed sections hollow, preventing them from becoming impossibly heavy for players celebrating. Otherwise, lifting football’s greatest prize would require far more than emotional strength.

Every material serves both practical and artistic purposes. Gold represents prestige, while malachite quietly reminds everyone where unforgettable football moments actually happen.

How much is the FIFA World Cup trophy worth, and what would it cost to make today?

Putting a price on the FIFA World Cup Trophy isn’t straightforward. Gold prices alone offer only part of the answer. Based on its 4.97 kilograms of 18-carat gold, the precious metal is worth only several hundred thousand dollars at current market rates. However, the trophy’s estimated overall value is around $20 million, driven largely by its unmatched historical and cultural significance rather than the value of its raw materials, according to The Sporting News and The National.

Decades of unforgettable celebrations have transformed it into one of the most iconic prizes in world sport. Legendary players such as Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane and Lionel Messi have added to its legacy through unforgettable moments, making its true worth impossible to measure. FIFA has never publicly confirmed the trophy’s official insured value.

Do World Cup winners keep the trophy, or do they get a replica?

Every World Cup final creates one unforgettable image. The captain raises the original FIFA World Cup Trophy before teammates celebrate around them. Those scenes become sporting history forever. However, that original trophy doesn’t stay with the champions. After celebrations conclude, FIFA retrieves the original and replaces it with an official gold-plated bronze replica. That replica belongs permanently to the winning national association.

Meanwhile, the authentic trophy returns home to the FIFA World Football Museum in Zurich. It leaves only for carefully controlled appearances, official ceremonies, and future World Cup events. After every tournament, another winner’s name joins the engraved list beneath the trophy.

The 2026 champions will become the latest addition to football’s greatest nations. So while players treasure their replica forever, the original continues its remarkable journey, waiting patiently for football’s next unforgettable champion.