Some people would say that football is all about goals, while others think that the spectacle matters the most. Some of them actually want something more tangible, like a medal or a trophy, to commemorate the team or a player winning a competition. Trophies are an integral part of football as are players, stadiums, and even memorable balls used to play it.
In some cases, the trophies have become synonymous with competitions, making them recognisable on first glance, like the World Cup trophy or the Champions League title, for instance. But how much are these trophies worth? In actual money that is.
Today we want to explore the story behind the most expensive football trophies in the world and talk about their monetary value as well as the importance of having one in your trophy cabinet.
The Unrivalled FIFA World Cup Trophy (£16 million)
The FIFA World Cup trophy is the ultimate prize in football. Its value extends far beyond its material worth. The current trophy, first presented in 1974, is a modern marvel. Italian artist Silvio Gazzaniga designed this iconic award. It depicts two human figures holding up the Earth. This imagery captures the global spirit of the tournament perfectly. The trophy stands 36.8 centimetres tall. It weighs 6.1 kilograms, made out of 18-carat gold. A base of malachite adds to its distinctive appearance.
The estimated value of the FIFA World Cup trophy is a staggering £16 million. This valuation makes it the most expensive football trophy by a considerable margin. The sheer amount of gold is a primary factor in its high price. However, its true value lies in its symbolism. Winning the World Cup is the pinnacle of a player’s career. Legends of the game have lifted this famous piece of art. Its global recognition and historical importance contribute to its immense worth.
The original World Cup trophy had a fascinating and troubled history. Known as the Jules Rimet Trophy, it was an elegant golden statuette. Brazil earned the right to keep it permanently after their third victory in 1970. Unfortunately, the trophy was stolen in 1983 from the Brazilian Football Confederation headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. It remains lost and the mysterious disappearance adds a layer of intrigue to the World Cup’s history. The current trophy remains under tight security.
South America’s Prestigious Copa Libertadores Trophy (£6.8 million)
The Copa Libertadores is South America’s premier club competition with the trophy being a symbol of continental supremacy. The passion and intensity of the tournament are legendary and the trophy itself reflects this fiery spirit. It is a stunning piece of silverware with a unique design. A globe sits atop a decorative tower. The names of all the winning clubs are engraved on its wooden base, a feature that makes the trophy a living record of the competition’s history.
The value of the Copa Libertadores trophy is estimated at around £6.8 million. The trophy is primarily made of sterling silver, featuring bronze and silver-plated elements. Its considerable size and weight contribute to its material worth. The trophy has undergone several modifications over the years. Each addition has added to its character and historical significance.
The trophy is repaired and expanded from time to time, due to names of winning teams etchd on it constantly. The trophy travels across the continent for finals and promotional events and is a centre of attention, drawing huge crowds.
The Historic FA Cup (£1 million)
The FA Cup is the oldest national football competition in the world. Its trophy has a rich and storied past. The current version is actually the third iteration of the famous cup, with the original, known as the ‘little tin idol’, stolen in 1895. A second, larger trophy was used until 2014. The current FA Cup is an exact replica of the 1911 design, crafted from sterling silver.
The value of the FA Cup trophy is approximately £1 million. However, its historical importance is what truly sets it apart. The competition is famous for its ‘magic’ with lower league teams getting the chance to compete against giants. This David vs Goliath narrative creates unforgettable moments. Winning the FA Cup is a major honour for any English club. The trophy itself is a powerful symbol of that achievement.
The design of the FA Cup trophy is instantly recognisable. Its elegant shape and two handles have become iconic. This tradition is a highlight of the English football calendar. Some of the greatest players in the history of the game held this trophy. Its timeless appeal continues to capture the imagination of fans.
Europe’s Premier Prize: The UEFA Champions League Trophy (£12,000)
The UEFA Champions League is the pinnacle of European club football. Its trophy, affectionately known as ‘Old Big Ears’, is an iconic symbol of success. The current design was first introduced in 1967. Jürg Stadelmann, a Swiss jeweller, created this masterpiece with a height of 73.5 centimetres and weighs of 7.5 kilograms. It is made of sterling silver with the distinctive large handles being the origin of its famous nickname.
The UEFA Champions League trophy’s value stands at around £12,000. While this may seem modest compared to other trophies, its prestige is immeasurable. The prize money for winning the competition is substantial. But the real value lies in the honour of becoming a European champion.
A rule change in 2009 meant that the original trophy no longer stays with the winning club. Instead, they receive a full-size replica. The original remains in UEFA’s possession. This policy ensures the preservation of the historic trophy, even though five clubs were allowed to keep the previous version of the trophy permanently. These were Real Madrid, Ajax, Bayern Munich, AC Milan, and Liverpool.
The Golden Ball: The Ballon d’Or (£500,000)
The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious individual award in football, presented annually to the world’s best player. The trophy itself is a work of art, depicting a golden football resting on a pyrite base. The French jewellery company Mellerio dits Meller created this stunning award. The process of making the trophy is meticulous, involving two brass plates soldered together to form a sphere. The ball is then filled with a tar-like material and coated in fine gold.
The Ballon d’Or trophy has an estimated value of around £500,000. Its material worth is significant due to the gold plating. However, its true value comes from its exclusivity. Only the very best players in the history of the game have won it. The list of winners reads like a who’s who of footballing royalty and receiving this award solidifies a player’s place among the greats.
The design of the Ballon d’Or has remained largely unchanged since its inception in 1956. This consistency has added to its iconic status with the trophy being instantly recognisable to football fans everywhere. It represents individual brilliance and dedication. The image of a player holding the golden ball aloft is a powerful one and is a testament to their skill and hard work over the previous year.
Italy’s Top Prize: The Serie A Trophy (£55,000)
The Serie A trophy, known as the ‘Scudetto’, is awarded to the champions of Italy’s top football league. The current trophy is a tall and possesses a spiralling design. The sculptor Ettore Calvelli created it in 1960. The trophy is 58 centimetres high and weighs 8 kilograms, made of gold-plated silver and features a base of blue sodalite. The names of the winning teams are inscribed on the trophy’s rings, which gives it a modern and dynamic look.
The value of the Serie A trophy is approximately £55,000. Its value comes from its precious metal content and artistic design. The trophy is a symbol of domestic dominance in one of Europe’s toughest leagues. Winning the Scudetto is a significant achievement for any club and the trophy is proudly displayed by the champions throughout the following season, making it a constant reminder of their success.
A unique aspect of the Serie A trophy is its name. ‘Scudetto’ translates to ‘little shield’. This name originates from the small shield that the champions of Italy wear on their kits. This tradition dates back to the 1920s with the trophy itself being a physical representation of this shield of honour.
Germany’s Meisterschale (£45,000)
The Bundesliga trophy, known as the ‘Meisterschale’, is a unique and impressive award. It is not a cup but a large silver plate. This design sets it apart from many other football trophies. The Meisterschale was created in 1949 to replace the Viktoria trophy, which was lost during the Second World War. The plate is adorned with tourmalines, rock crystals, and a large nephrite with the names of all German champions since 1903 engraved on its surface.
The Meisterschale has an estimated value of around £45,000. The plate has already become larger twice to make space for more champions. This constant updating makes it a growing piece of history, making the trophy a heavy and substantial award. It requires two people to lift it comfortably, which only adds to the spectacle when celebrating the title.
A quirky fact about the Meisterschale is its nickname, the ‘salad bowl’. This nickname comes from its plate-like shape.
