In a recent interview with FIFA’s official website, former football star Ricardo Kaká discussed his achievements in his successful career playing with Brazil. Out of all the many awards and accolades he received during his tenure as a champion, Kaká explained that his most unforgettable experience was holding aloft the FIFA World Cup Trophy.
From rare metal to engraved crystal, trophies are a favoured prize for a wide range of major sporting events. In 1971, rather than commissioning an artist, a competition was held inviting sculptors, trophy makers and designers to come up with a brand-new look for the World Cup Trophy. The entries saw 53 designs submitted from designers in seven countries across the world. However, one stood above the rest.
Rather than simply sending sketches, Silvio Gazzaniga, who studied in Milan, sent a chalk model that allowed the competition judges to not just see his design but feel what it was like to hold it. Little did he know that the concept he came up with to woo the judges back in the 70s would be felt many years later by Kaká in 2002.
The former Brazilian footballer commented to FIFA:
“The most unforgettable moment was when I got to hold the trophy, look at it and say ‘We did it. We are world champions.’ Really, this is my biggest moment.”
Recognised as being among the finest football players of his generation, in 2007 he won the FIFA World Player of the Year trophy and has competed in three FIFA World Cup tournaments.
