The Jules Rimet Trophy, originally named "Victory," but renamed in 1946 to honor FIFA's then-president Jules Rimet who was instrumental in initiating the World Cup, is surrounded by one of the most fascinating legends in the history of sports. This trophy, awarded to the World Cup winners from 1930 to 1970, is not just a piece of football history; it's a protagonist in a tale that involves mystery, theft, and unexpected discovery.
The Disappearance in England, 1966
The story reaches its most dramatic moment in 1966, just before the World Cup tournament held in England. On a quiet Sunday in March, while on display at a public exhibition in London, the trophy was stolen from its glass case, with no signs of the thief. The football world was in disbelief; the symbol of international football supremacy had vanished without a trace. The police launched a full-scale investigation, and even a ransom note was received, but to no avail.
A Canine Hero Emerges
The twist in the tale came just a week later, thanks to a four-legged friend named Pickles. While on a walk with his owner in South London, Pickles took an interest in a package hidden under a hedge. To his owner's astonishment, inside was the Jules Rimet Trophy. Pickles became an instant hero, hailed in newspapers and awarded a medal for his service to football. The trophy was back, but the story of its theft remained shrouded in mystery, with the thief never being caught.
The Final Disappearance
The legend doesn't end there. In 1983, the trophy was stolen once again, this time from the Brazilian Football Confederation's headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, where it had been kept since Brazil's third World Cup win in 1970, which allowed them to keep the trophy permanently. Despite extensive investigations, the trophy was never recovered and is believed to have been melted down by the thieves.
Legacy
The Jules Rimet Trophy's journeys, from its creation to its disappearance, add a layer of myth to the physical game of football. It symbolizes not just victory in sport but also the passion and fervor that football arouses worldwide. Its story is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the history of an object can be as captivating as the moments it was created to commemorate.