The old Jules Rimet Trophy (left) and the current trophy/COURTESY
The FIFA World Cup trophy is arguably the most coveted prize in world sport.
Every four years, the world's best footballers battle for the honour of lifting the golden trophy, a symbol of football excellence and global supremacy.
From Diego Maradona and Zinedine Zidane to Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, football's greatest stars have all aspired to get their hands on the famous trophy.
Yet beyond its glittering appearance lies a remarkable story of craftsmanship, history, strict security and symbolism that many fans know little about.
While millions admire the iconic prize during the tournament, few know the fascinating details behind its design, history and strict rules governing who can touch it.
Here are eight fascinating facts that make the FIFA World Cup trophy one of the most unique sporting awards in the world.
1. The trophy weighs just over six kilograms, and most of it is pure gold
Despite appearing much heavier, the FIFA World Cup trophy weighs 6.142 kilogrammes.
Of that weight, 5.092 kilograms consist of 18-carat pure gold, making it one of the most valuable trophies in global sport.
Standing 36.8 centimetres tall, the trophy depicts two human figures triumphantly lifting the Earth, symbolising football's global appeal and the unity of nations through sport.
Despite being solidly built, the trophy is hollow rather than entirely solid gold, making it easier to lift during celebrations.
Its combination of gold and intricate craftsmanship makes it instantly recognisable across the world.
2. A new nameplate is added after every World Cup
Many fans assume the trophy itself is replaced after every tournament.
In reality, only the bottom disc is changed.
Rather than engraving names directly onto the gold, FIFA removes the bottom disc after every tournament and places it in the FIFA Museum's archive.
A brand-new engraved disc bearing the name of the latest champions is then fitted onto the trophy before it returns to public display.
This ensures every winning nation is permanently recorded while preserving the trophy's historic legacy.
Replacable disc on the bottom of the current trophy showing title holders/COURTESY3. The current trophy replaced the Jules Rimet Trophy in 1974
The famous golden trophy which football fans know today was first introduced during the 1974 FIFA World Cup.
Before then, winners received the Jules Rimet Trophy, named after the former FIFA president who spearheaded the creation of the World Cup in 1930.
Under FIFA rules at the time, any nation that won the tournament three times would keep the Jules Rimet Trophy permanently.
Brazil achieved that feat after winning the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, becoming the first country to claim three world titles.
This is after defeating Italy 4-1 in the finals held in Mexico.
As promised, Brazil kept the Jules Rimet Trophy, forcing FIFA to commission an entirely new design.
4. More than 50 designs competed to become the new trophy
Following Brazil's permanent ownership of the Jules Rimet Trophy, FIFA launched an international design competition.
More than 50 artists from seven countries submitted designs before Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga emerged victorious.
His creation symbolised the joy of victory, with two athletes supporting the Earth above their heads.
Gazzaniga famously said he wanted the trophy to portray "the universal image of victory" rather than represent any single nation.
More than five decades later, his design remains one of the most recognisable sporting symbols in the world.
Jules Rimet Trophy (left) and the current trophy/COURTESY5. Very few people are allowed to touch the trophy
Unlike many sporting trophies that are freely handled, the FIFA World Cup trophy is protected by strict protocols.
Only the FIFA President, World Cup-winning players and heads of state are permitted to touch the trophy with bare hands.
Everyone else, including tournament officials, celebrities and guests, must wear protective gloves if they handle it.
The restriction reflects the trophy's prestige and helps preserve one of football's most valuable and recognisable artefacts.
6. Winners do not keep the original trophy
One of football's biggest misconceptions is that the champions take home the famous golden trophy.
In reality, they do not.
The authentic FIFA World Cup trophy permanently belongs to FIFA and is housed at the FIFA Museum in Zurich, Switzerland.
After the celebrations conclude, it is returned to the museum, where it is carefully preserved under tight security.
Each World Cup-winning nation instead receives an official winner's trophy, which serves as its permanent keepsake.
This means the original trophy remains under FIFA's care and returns to the museum after official celebrations and promotional activities conclude.
7. It travels under tight security
The World Cup trophy is among the world's most heavily protected sporting objects.
Whenever it leaves the FIFA Museum for official events, promotional tours or the tournament itself, it is transported under strict security arrangements.
The trophy often travels with security personnel, specialised protective cases and carefully planned logistics to minimise risk.
Ahead of every World Cup, FIFA organises a global Trophy Tour, allowing millions of fans across different countries to see the iconic prize before the tournament begins.
8. It represents more than football
Beyond its gold, craftsmanship and prestige, the World Cup trophy has become a symbol of excellence, national pride and sporting history.
Only nine countries have lifted the current trophy since it was introduced in 1974, making it even more exclusive.
For players, coaches and supporters, lifting the trophy represents the pinnacle of football achievement after years of sacrifice, preparation and competition.
Each edition of the tournament adds another chapter to its rich history, inspiring new generations to dream of one day standing on football's biggest stage.
