Winning the FIFA World Cup is the greatest achievement in international soccer, but the champions do not permanently keep the original World Cup trophy.
The winning team is allowed to lift and celebrate with the authentic FIFA World Cup Trophy during the post-match ceremony. However, the original trophy is returned to FIFA shortly after the celebrations conclude.
How Long Does the Winning Team Keep the World Cup Trophy?
World Cup champions typically have possession of the original trophy only during the official presentation ceremony and immediate post-match celebrations.
The winning captain lifts the trophy on the field, while players, coaches and staff are allowed to pose for photographs and celebrate with it. Once the official ceremony and related media events are completed, FIFA takes back the original trophy.
This means the champions do not take the authentic trophy home permanently or keep it in their national federation’s museum.
What Trophy Do the World Cup Champions Keep?
The winning country receives a permanent gold-plated replica known as the FIFA World Cup Winners’ Trophy.
This replica can be displayed by the national soccer federation in its headquarters, museum or trophy collection. It looks similar to the original trophy but is not made from the same solid-gold materials.
The authentic FIFA World Cup Trophy remains the property of FIFA.
Can a Country Ever Keep the Original World Cup Trophy?
Under the current rules, no country can permanently keep the original FIFA World Cup Trophy, regardless of how many times it wins the tournament.
The current trophy was introduced for the 1974 World Cup and was designed to remain permanently under FIFA ownership. Even if a country wins three or more World Cups, it does not earn the right to keep the original trophy.
This differs from the rules surrounding the previous World Cup trophy.
Why Did Brazil Get to Keep the Jules Rimet Trophy?
The original World Cup prize was known as the Jules Rimet Trophy.
Under the former rules, the first country to win the World Cup three times would be allowed to keep the trophy permanently. Brazil achieved that milestone after winning the tournament in 1958, 1962 and 1970.
As a result, Brazil was awarded the Jules Rimet Trophy permanently after the 1970 World Cup.
When FIFA introduced the current World Cup Trophy in 1974, it changed the rules so that the original trophy could never again be permanently awarded to a national team.
Who Owns the FIFA World Cup Trophy?
FIFA owns the original World Cup Trophy.
The trophy is made of 18-karat gold and features two human figures holding up the Earth. It is presented to the champions during the World Cup final ceremony before being returned to FIFA for safekeeping.
Only a limited number of people are generally permitted to touch the original trophy, including former World Cup winners and certain heads of state.
Do Players Get Individual World Cup Trophies?
Players do not receive individual replicas of the main FIFA World Cup Trophy.
However, members of the winning team receive World Cup winners’ medals. The national federation may also produce commemorative items or replicas for players, coaches and staff, but these are not the official original trophy.
The permanent gold-plated Winners’ Trophy is normally retained by the winning national federation.
Where Is the Original World Cup Trophy Kept?
When it is not being used for official FIFA events, trophy tours or the World Cup final, the original trophy remains under FIFA’s control.
It is commonly displayed at the FIFA Museum in Zurich, Switzerland, although it may also travel around the world as part of official promotional tours before a World Cup.
FIFA maintains strict security and handling rules because of the trophy’s financial, historical and symbolic value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do World Cup champions take the trophy home?
The champions may celebrate with the original trophy during the presentation ceremony, but they do not keep it permanently. FIFA takes it back after the official celebrations.
How long do players hold the original World Cup trophy?
Players generally have access to the original trophy during the post-match ceremony, team photographs and immediate celebrations following the final.
What does the winning country receive?
The winning federation receives a permanent gold-plated replica called the FIFA World Cup Winners’ Trophy.
Can a team keep the trophy after winning three World Cups?
No. The current World Cup Trophy always remains the property of FIFA, regardless of how many titles a country wins.
Did Brazil keep the original World Cup trophy?
Brazil permanently received the Jules Rimet Trophy after winning its third World Cup in 1970. That rule does not apply to the current FIFA World Cup Trophy.
Final Answer
World Cup champions keep the original FIFA World Cup Trophy only during the official presentation and immediate post-match celebrations. FIFA then takes the authentic trophy back.
The winning national federation receives a gold-plated replica that it can keep permanently. Unlike the former Jules Rimet Trophy, the current World Cup Trophy can never be permanently awarded to any country.