The iconic FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy landed in Sandton last week for a brief visit to the country.
- This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fans to see the legendary trophy up close at Mall of Africa.
- The FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy has been an emblem of glory that has defined football history since 1974.
- Visa, the official payment technology partner of FIFA, brought the solid gold trophy to South Africa as part of its global tour.
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Since replacing the Jules Rimet Trophy in 1974, the FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy has symbolised the pinnacle of football achievement. Designed by Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga, the 18-carat gold masterpiece stands 36.8 cm high and weighs 6.175 kg. The design features two stylized players lifting the globe, encapsulating the joy and triumph of victory.
This trophy has been lifted by football legends such as Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, and Bastian Schweinsteiger, solidifying its place as a beacon of greatness. However, the original trophy is no longer permanently displayed by winning teams; instead, they receive a meticulously crafted replica. This tradition began in 2006 to preserve the trophy’s condition, ensuring its legacy endures for generations.
Sport has the power to inspire and unite people like little else. Soccer, the beautiful game, is not just about the goals scored or the matches won. It’s about the hard work, teamwork, and hope that unite nations.
// Country Head for Visa South Africa, Lineshree Moodley
Lineshree also reflected on South Africa’s hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a moment etched into the nation’s collective memory.
The pride of the nation was activated the moment Siphiwe Tshabalala scored that opening goal. Whether you were a soccer fan or not, you couldn’t help but feel personally invested in South Africa’s journey.
// Country Head for Visa South Africa, Lineshree Moodley
Visa’s sponsorship of FIFA events goes beyond financial investment. The company has revolutionised the fan experience across more than 40 FIFA tournaments since 2007 by providing seamless and secure payment solutions.
The FIFA World Cup brings billions of dollars in economic impact globally. From ticketing and transport to e-commerce and small businesses, it ignites transactions everywhere. Our role is to remove the friction from these processes, making them effortless for fans and businesses alike.
// Country Head for Visa South Africa, Lineshree Moodley
In celebration of the event, Visa is offering fans an exciting incentive. By using a Visa card for five or more transactions, there’s a chance to win a pair of tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across North America. This unique opportunity allows South African fans to be part of the action on football’s grandest stage.
Since its debut, the FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy has been engraved with the names of 12 victorious teams, with Germany leading the pack with three wins (1974, 1990, 2014). Eight European and four South American nations have claimed the trophy, showcasing the global appeal and competitive spirit of the tournament.
For millions of football enthusiasts, the trophy embodies childhood dreams of greatness. Few players achieve the honour of lifting it, but for fans, simply seeing the trophy is a moment of magic.
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