The FIFA World Cup is one of the most anticipated events in the sports world. Every four years, countries from around the globe compete to become the world champion. Winning the World Cup is not only a moment of glory for the winning team but also a symbol of national pride. However, one commonly questioned aspect of the trophy is whether the champion team gets to keep it permanently or not.
The trophy awarded to the World Cup winners is known as the FIFA World Cup Trophy. The original trophy, known as the Jules Rimet Trophy, was named after the FIFA President who initiated the tournament. From 1930 to 1970, teams that won the World Cup were awarded the Jules Rimet Trophy, until Brazil won it three times and took it home permanently. Since then, a new trophy was introduced in 1974, which is now presented to the winning team.
Contrary to popular belief, the World Cup trophy is not awarded permanently to the winning team. The trophy remains the property of FIFA, and the champion team only gets to keep it until the next tournament. The current trophy, officially called the FIFA World Cup Trophy, is made of 18-carat gold and weighs approximately 6.1 kilograms. It is handed over to the winning team during the award ceremony following the final match, but they must return it before the next tournament.
Although the champion team does not get to keep the original trophy, they are provided with a replica, commonly referred to as the Winner's Trophy. This replica is an exact copy of the original, made of the same materials and maintaining the same design. The winning team, along with the players and coaching staff, can take turns to have the trophy in their possession for a certain duration. It serves as a symbol of their achievement and a source of inspiration for future generations.
Although the World Cup trophy must be returned, winning the tournament comes with various other benefits and privileges. The champion team receives a gold medal for each member of the squad, representing their victory. Additionally, they are given a monetary prize by FIFA as recognition for their achievement. The players also gain immense recognition, both on an individual and team level, and often become national heroes in their home countries.
While winning the World Cup is undoubtedly a remarkable feat for any national team, the trophy remains the property of FIFA and must be returned after each tournament. Nonetheless, the winning team is bestowed with a replica of the trophy, immortality in the history of the game, and numerous other privileges that come with being crowned the world champion. The FIFA World Cup Trophy continues to symbolize the pinnacle of success in the world of football and serves as a unifying force for nations across the globe.
