When Brazil lifted their third World Cup title at the 1970 edition in Mexico, it was more than just another triumph, it marked the end of an era. By winning the title for a third time, Brazil earned the right to keep the iconic Jules Rimet Trophy forever. That historic moment created an unexpected challenge for world football. With the original prize – designed for the inaugural edition in 1930 – claimed, FIFA needed a new symbol of the game’s greatest achievement ahead of the 1974 World Cup. What followed was a global search for a design worthy of football’s grandest stage. Artists from seven countries submitted 53 different proposals, each attempting to capture the spirit and prestige of the World Cup. In the end, it was Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga whose vision stood above the rest – a design that would go on to become one of the most recognisable trophies in all of sport.

**Visit The Daily Star website to also read “The Iceman’s masterpiece: When Bergkamp painted history in three touches”.