Football fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and attention is also focused on the iconic golden trophy that every footballer dreams of lifting. While the trophy is considered priceless in terms of its emotional and historical significance, its material and monetary value has also become a topic of discussion.
According to reports, looking at the current global football landscape, it is difficult to identify a clear favorite for the tournament. Argentina will enter the competition as defending champions, while France, England, Spain, and Portugal are all considered strong contenders for the title.
Meanwhile, traditional powerhouses such as Brazil and Germany may not be among the top favorites this time, but they are still capable of producing surprise performances and winning the trophy. Amid all the excitement, one question often comes to mind: what is the actual monetary value of the trophy that the world’s best teams battle so fiercely to win?
If only the gold and precious materials used in the trophy are taken into account, its value is estimated at around $250,000, largely due to the recent rise in global gold prices and the exceptional craftsmanship involved in its creation. However, its true historical and symbolic value is far greater.
Experts believe that if the original trophy were ever put up for auction, it could sell for more than $20 million.
The trophy stands 37 centimeters tall and is made of 18-carat gold, with a total weight of approximately six kilograms. Its design features two human figures holding up the world, symbolizing football’s status as the most popular sport on the planet.
Interestingly, the trophy is not completely solid inside. It is hollow, as a fully solid gold trophy would be too heavy for players to lift comfortably. Two layers of the green gemstone malachite are attached to its base, enhancing its appearance.
The current trophy was designed in 1970 by Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga after winning an international competition. Before that, World Cup winners received the Jules Rimet Trophy. However, after Brazil won the World Cup for the third time in 1970, the original trophy was permanently awarded to the country, leading to the creation of a new design.
The current trophy was first won in 1974 by West Germany, whose captain was legendary footballer Franz Beckenbauer.
The winning nation is never allowed to keep the original trophy permanently. FIFA retains ownership of the original trophy and returns it to its headquarters in Zurich immediately after the final ceremony. The champions instead receive a gold-plated bronze replica as a keepsake.
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