FIFA World Cup trophy: Is it made of real, solid gold? How much is it worth? Can winners keep trophy after 2022 final?

There are few more iconic trophies in world sport than the one that is presented to the winners of the FIFA World Cup every four years. With its resplendent and very striking appearance, the gold award has come to symbolise the pinnacle of the most popular sport on earth.

The trophy that most fans probably picture is not actually the original. The Jules Rimet, named after a former FIFA president who was instrumental in creating the tournament in 1929, was the one the late Bobby Moore famously held aloft when England triumphed in 1966. Nike, the Greek goddess, was the figure depicted on the trophy.

In 1970, Brazil claimed their third World Cup triumph thanks to a Pele-inspired super team and, as such, it was decided that they had won the trophy for keeps. With Brazil afforded the privilege of keeping the Jules Rimet trophy in perpetuity, a replacement was needed. The Jules Rimet trophy was sadly stolen from a display case at the Brazilian Football Confederation headquarters in Rio de Janeiro on 19 December 1983 and has never been recovered.

That was where the trophy that is recognised today came in. The ‘FIFA World Cup Trophy’ was commissioned ahead of the 1974 World Cup and unveiled by the world governing body in that year. It depicts two human figures holding up the Earth. It has been used ever since and was last lifted by France as the reigning champions from the 2018 edition of the tournament in Russia.

One thing is for sure: the stage has been set for Messi once more to see if he can deliver the coveted trophy to his country. It will certainly not be an easy final for Argentina, but can they take that final step in the tournament showpiece when it really matters? All the attention has again been on the superstar as he trained in the lead-up to the final through the week as the anticipation continues to mount.

Is the World Cup trophy real, solid gold?

Officially, the World Cup trophy is described as ‘solid’ gold. It is 36.5cm tall and is made of 6.175kg or 30,875 Carats of 18 karat (75%) gold. It has a base of 13cm in diameter which features two strips of malachite.

As for the stolen Jules Rimet trophy, that was made of gold-plated sterling silver. It was 35cm tall and weighed 3.8kg.

How much is the World Cup trophy really worth?

Are the World Cup winners allowed to keep the trophy?

The winners of each edition of the World Cup do receive a bronze replica of the trophy but are not allowed to keep the official one. The bronze replica is at least gold-plated, despite not being solid gold.

Fans can view the World Cup trophy at the FIFA World Football Museum in Zurich, Switzerland from time to time, but it also tours the world for ceremonies and appearances at draws and official events.

The only example of a team keeping the World Cup trophy came back in 1970 when Brazil won their third title because this was a quirky stipulation from the founder of the tournament, Jules Rimet.

Do the World Cup winners also receive medals?

Yes, they do! So while the winning team may only receive a bronze replica that is gold-plated, the individual players and key members of staff are all presented with their own medals.

It all comes at the iconic presentation ceremony – usually atop a garish podium – as the World Cup champions are presented with the official trophy and their medals. Although it does need to be said, the players are usually far more excited about the trophy, of course.

While both teams will still be frustrated at not being involved in the tournament showpiece on Sunday, Croatia and Morocco played out a very competitive third-place play-off at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Two goals in the opening 10 minutes left things level in a breathless start to the contest, and it was Croatia who responded three minutes before half-time with the winning goal.