Silvio Gazzaniga
Silvio Gazzaniga (23 January 1921 – 31 October 2016) was an Italian sculptor from Milan. He studied art and metalwork in Milan and, after World War II, began making medals, cups and decorations. In 1953 he started working with Bertoni Milano as artistic director and master sculptor.
Gazzaniga’s most famous work is the FIFA World Cup Trophy. After Brazil won the 1970 World Cup and kept the original trophy, FIFA needed a new prize. Fifty-three designs were submitted from artists around the world, and Gazzaniga’s design was chosen. The trophy was created in Milan in 1971 using the lost-wax casting method and cast in solid 18-carat gold. It is 36.8 cm tall, weighs 6,175 grams, and sits on a base with two green malachite bands. The base is engraved with the names of winning teams and the languages of the countries.
Following the World Cup trophy, Gazzaniga designed other major trophies, including the UEFA Cup (1972) and the UEFA Super Cup (1973). He also produced the Baseball World Cup trophy (2001) and many medals for various sports.
He received several honors, including the Ambrogino d’Oro from the city of Milan in 2003 and an International Award for medal design in 2011. He was married to Elsa for more than 60 years and had two children, Gabriella and Giorgio. He enjoyed design, sports cars, aircraft, and nature photography, which inspired his work.
Gazzaniga’s World Cup Trophy remains his most enduring legacy, symbolizing the joy and glory of football’s greatest prize.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 13:11 (CET).