A Legendary Prize with a Twist

When you watch the World Cup, you see the winning team lift a shiny gold trophy. But did you know there have actually been two different trophies over the years? The story behind them is full of surprises, theft, and even a dog finding a hidden prize.

The Original Trophy: The Jules Rimet

The first World Cup trophy was called the Jules Rimet, named after the FIFA president who started the tournament. This trophy was made of gold and showed a winged figure holding a cup. It was awarded from 1930 until 1970.

• The first country to win it was Uruguay in 1930.
• Brazil got to keep the real trophy forever after winning it three times in 1970.
• But the original Jules Rimet was stolen in 1983 and never found again, so Brazil now has a replica.

Before that, the real trophy had a wild history. During World War II, it was hidden under a bed to keep it safe from thieves. And in 1966, a dog named Pickles found the trophy in a London garden after it had been stolen.

Why a Second Trophy Was Needed

After Brazil kept the Jules Rimet, FIFA needed a new trophy for future tournaments. They held a competition for designs in 1971. The winning design came from an Italian artist named Silvio Gazzaniga.

• The new trophy shows two athletes holding up the Earth.
• It is made of 18-karat gold and weighs about 13 pounds.
• FIFA keeps the real trophy now, and winners get a gold-plated replica to keep.

This trophy has been used since the 1974 World Cup and has no name—it’s just called the FIFA World Cup Trophy.

Rules Changed Forever

Unlike the old trophy, the new one can never be won permanently. A country that wins three times does not get to keep the real trophy. Instead, the trophy stays with FIFA, and winners get a replica. This rule was made to avoid another situation like the lost Jules Rimet.

So next time you see a team lift the World Cup, remember: the trophy they hold is not the original. It is the second version of one of the most famous prizes in sports.