Milan Honors Silvio Gazzaniga, Designer of the FIFA World Cup Trophy

On April 5, 1971, a FIFA committee chaired by Stanley Rous launched an international competition for a new World Cup trophy after Brazil kept the original Jules Rimet trophy following its third win. Among 53 artists worldwide, the winner was Italian sculptor and goldsmith Silvio Gazzaniga (Milan, 1921–2016). His design features two stylized athletes holding up the globe, symbolizing "the joy and greatness of the athlete at the moment of victory." Gazzaniga, known for his prolific medallic art spanning 80 years, also created trophies for Italy's 150th unification anniversary in 2011, including the Coppa Italia, Giro d'Italia, and Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix. The FIFA trophy, made of 18-karat solid gold with malachite bands, stands 36 cm tall and weighs just over 6 kg. Unlike its predecessor, it is intended to remain itinerant until at least 2038. Milan recently unveiled a commemorative plaque at Via Alessandro Volta 7, near Brera, marking Gazzaniga's former studio on his birthday. The plaque was inaugurated by sports councillor Martina Riva alongside Gazzaniga's children, Gabriella and Giorgio. A rare plaster prototype was also displayed. The actual trophy is now kept in a Louis Vuitton trunk vault at FIFA headquarters in Zurich, accessible only to winners, heads of state, and the FIFA president.