How an Italian sculptor created the World Cup trophy that became an icon

The iconic FIFA World Cup trophy, to be lifted by either Spain or Argentina after the 2026 final, was conceived by Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga to capture the essence of athletic achievement. Gazzaniga aimed to represent three core sporting emotions within its spiraling form: the athlete's intense struggle, the overwhelming jubilation of fans, and the ultimate moment of victory.

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When he started to design the cup, he was sketching a huge number of drawings and finally started to develop the idea to have the world and this symbol that is like two DNA spirals, that are moving up.

FIFA commissioned a new design in 1970 after Brazil secured permanent possession of the original Jules Rimet Trophy by winning its third World Cup. Gazzaniga's design emerged victorious from an open competition, beating more than 50 other proposals. His son, Giorgio Gazzaniga, recalled that his father sketched numerous drawings before developing the concept of the world embraced by two DNA-like spirals, symbolizing upward movement.

Gazzaniga, who worked for G.D.E. Bertoni Srl and designed other prestigious trophies like the UEFA Cup, passed away in 2016. His winning design features two figures ascending towards a globe. Giorgio explained that his father envisioned the design to represent "the world, which stands above all else; there is the athlete's exertion, there is the athlete's movement within the metal... and the athlete's body is rough, rugged, for it has suffered, had to fight, and struggled for victory."

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There is the world, which stands above all else; there is the athlete's exertion, there is the athlete's movement within the metal, and the athlete's body is rough, rugged, for it has suffered, had to fight, and struggled for victory.

The elder Gazzaniga further intended the upward-reaching arms of the figures to symbolize the wings of Victory, encompassing not only the triumph of the athlete but also the shared elation of the fans. The original prototype and wax cast, along with many of Gazzaniga's drawings, are preserved by his family. The official trophy stands 36 centimeters tall and is crafted from 18-carat gold.

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That victory is expressed through arms that resemble the wings of Victory, capturing not only the athlete's triumph but also the jubilation of the fan.