Unveiling the Top 12 Most Expensive Football Trophies and Their Estimated Values in 2024

The value of a football trophy is influenced by various factors, including its size, material, engraving, and any additional embellishments. Typically, larger trophies crafted from high-quality materials like metal or crystal tend to be more expensive. Intricate engravings and special decorations, such as gemstones, can also contribute to the overall cost of the trophy.

Below, I present a list of the 12 most valuable football trophies, highlighting their estimated worth.

12. English Premier League trophy - $10,000 

Competition: English Premier League

Materials: Silver, silver gilt, and malachite

Height: 104 centimetres Weight: 25 kilograms

Current champions: Manchester City FC 

Undoubtedly, the Premier League trophy stands as the most esteemed prize in English football. Its design draws inspiration from the iconic 'Three Lions' emblem representing English football. Crafted from a combination of silver, gilded silver, and malachite, a semi-precious gemstone found in Africa, the trophy exudes elegance. The incorporation of malachite, with its green hue, symbolizes the playing field itself.

Interestingly, the Premier League maintains two copies of the trophy simultaneously. One is awarded and retained by the victorious team, while the other serves as a replica, ensuring that in the event of two teams achieving identical results (such as points, goal difference, and head-to-head matches), both can rightfully hold the esteemed honor.

11. UEFA Champions League - $15,000 

Competition: UEFA Champions League

Material: Sterling silver Height: 73.5 centimetres

Weight: 7.5 kilograms

Current champions: Real Madrid FC 

Throughout its history, the UEFA Champions League trophy has undergone various changes in terms of names, designs, and versions. The current iteration represents the fifth updated design. In the 1968/1969 season, UEFA implemented a rule that would permanently award the trophy to any club that triumphed in the competition for three consecutive seasons.

Clubs such as Barcelona, Liverpool, Milan, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Ajax Amsterdam have all secured the trophy and proudly display it in their respective trophy rooms. However, the rule was abolished starting from the 2008-2009 season. The original version of the trophy remains under the ownership of UEFA, and the winners are presented with a replica to commemorate their achievement.

The design of the UEFA Champions League cup was conceived by Jürg Stadelmann near the then UEFA headquarters in Berne. Notably, the trophy has acquired the nickname 'Ol' Big Ears' due to the distinctive large handles that resemble the shape of human ears. This nickname has become an endearing and recognizable attribute of the prestigious trophy.

10. Bundesliga Meisterschale - $57,102 

Competition: Fußball-Bundesliga

Materials: 71.98-carat tourmaline, silver, and gold

Weight: 11 kilograms

Current champions: Bayern

The Bundesliga Meisterschale serves as the prestigious award bestowed upon the champions of Germany's top-tier football league. Its origins trace back to 1964 when FC Köln became the first recipient at the conclusion of the inaugural first-division league competition. The trophy took the place of the Viktoria statue, which was lost during the upheaval of World War II.

Renowned art professor Elisabeth Treskow designed and crafted the Bundesliga shield at the Kölner Werkschulen. Resembling a shield, the trophy proudly displays the engraved names of all the German league winners since 1903, commemorating their triumphs.

In 1981, a significant addition was made to the trophy—a silver ring—allowing for the inclusion of additional team names through engravings. Presently, the Meisterschale has enough room for the names of titleholders up to 2027. The trophy holds an insurance value of €50,000 (approximately $57,102) and is widely regarded as the most valuable trophy in the world.

9. Serie A trophy - $66,000 

Competition: Serie A TIM

Materials: Sodalite and gold Height: 58 centimetres

Weight: 8 kilograms

Current champions: AC Milan 

The Serie A trophy represents the ultimate prize awarded to the victor of Italy's premier football league. Often mistakenly referred to as the "Scudetto," the cup itself possesses a distinctive funnel-shaped design. In truth, the term "Scudetto" translates to 'little shield' and originally referred to the badge worn by players in title-winning clubs since the 1920s.

The Serie A cup, initially known as the Trophy of the Champions of Italy, was crafted by the esteemed sculptor Ettore Calvelli in 1960. The trophy features a base made of blue sodalite, a precious stone, and a gold ring adorned with depictions of athletes at its center.

The current iteration of the trophy proudly displays the names of all the teams that have triumphed in the league since the 1960-1961 season. Weighing in at 8 kilograms, the trophy underwent a recent makeover, resulting in a height of 58 centimeters.

8. Africa Cup of Nations trophy - $150,000 

Competition: Africa Cup of Nations

Material: Gold plating

Height: 60 centimetres

Weight: 8 kilograms

Current champions: Senegal 

The original trophy for the Africa Cup of Nations was named the Abdelaziz Abdallah Salem Trophy in honor of the first president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). In 1978, Egypt was granted the privilege of permanently keeping the original trophy.

The second version of the trophy, known as the Trophy of African Unity, was awarded from 1980 to 2000. This cylindrical trophy featured an engraved African map and Olympic rings on the top.

After Cameroon's national team won the Africa Cup of Nations three times, they were granted permanent ownership of the Trophy of African Unity.

The third and current iteration of the trophy was designed in Italy and features a gold-plated finish. The Africa Cup of Nations trophy was first awarded to the Cameroon national team in 2002, symbolizing their victory in the prestigious tournament.

7. UEFA Super Cup trophy - $470,000 

Competition: European Super Cup

Materials: Gold Height: 58 centimetres

Weight: 12.2 kilograms

Current champions: Real Madrid 

The UEFA Super Cup is an eagerly anticipated annual football match that brings together the champions of the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League. The trophy awarded to the victorious team is crafted from silver and showcases a prominent golden UEFA logo, accompanied by the inscription "UEFA Super Cup." The trophy's base is composed of elegant marble, adding to its visual appeal.

As an enduring symbol of triumph, the trophy bears the names of all previous winners engraved upon it, serving as a testament to the rich history of the competition. Each year, a new champion's name is added to the illustrious list.

6. La Liga trophy - $600,000 

Competition: UEFA Materials: Sterling silver

Height: 60 centimetres

Weight: 15 kilograms

Current champions: Real Madrid 

The La Liga trophy stands as one of the most prestigious and valuable cups presented to the winner of the Spanish football league bearing the same name. Created by the talented Spanish artist Manuel Ramos in 1928, this trophy exhibits exquisite craftsmanship and artistic design.

The trophy itself showcases three figures holding a globe, adorned with a crown on top and the Spanish flag. It proudly bears the inscription "La Liga" and "Real Federación Española de Fútbol," emphasizing its significance and connection to the esteemed national football federation.

As an embodiment of excellence, the La Liga trophy holds immense allure and is fervently sought after by the teams competing in the league. It symbolizes the pinnacle of achievement in Spanish football, representing the dedication, skill, and determination required to claim victory in one of the world's most competitive leagues.

5. Ballon d'Or trophy - $805,439 

Competition: Best individual football player

Material: Brass and gold

Height: 28 centimetres

Weight: 12 kilograms

Current holder: Karim Benzema 

The Ballon d'Or, meaning "golden ball" in French, is widely considered one of the most prestigious individual awards in football. The trophy was first introduced in 1956 by the France Football magazine and has since become an iconic symbol of individual excellence in the sport.

The creation of the Ballon d'Or trophy is entrusted to the renowned French jeweling house, Mellerio dits Meller. The intricate process involves multiple stages, including engraving, polishing, writing, and jeweling.

To begin, two brass hemispheres are joined together using a blowtorch to form a spherical shape. This sphere is then passed on to a skilled carver who fills the interior with tar. By using a hammer and chisels, the carver meticulously creates the lines that mimic the seams of a football. Afterward, the tar is removed, and the "ball" is brought to a goldsmith for further work, including polishing and engraving.

During the engraving stage, the trophy is adorned with the FIFA Ballon d'Or logo. Subsequently, it undergoes a process of being coated with molten gold, adding a layer of precious metal. This final touch gives the trophy its distinctive golden appearance.

While the exact value of the Ballon d'Or trophy remains uncertain, it has been estimated at £600,000 (around $805,439) since Cristiano Ronaldo sold his trophy for that amount at a charity auction. The Ballon d'Or is not only a symbol of recognition and accomplishment for top footballers but also a remarkable work of art crafted with precision and artistry.

4. The FA Cup trophy - $1.18 million

Competition: The Football Association Challenge Cup

Material: Sterling Silver

Height: 61.5 centimetres

Weight: 6.3 kilograms

Current champions: Liverpool 

The FA Cup is indeed one of the most prestigious competitions in English football. The current FA Cup trophy is supplied by Thomas Lyte, a renowned British company specializing in silverware and trophies. This trophy is actually the third version of the FA Cup, with the first one being created in 1911.

The current FA Cup trophy is a faithful replica of the original 1911 cup. Its development involved an intricate process that included polishing, hand engraving, hand chasing, and casting, among other techniques. It required approximately 250 hours of skilled craftsmanship to complete.

The trophy was commissioned in 2013 and was first awarded to Arsenal FC after their victory over Hull City in the final. The Football Association (FA) has documented the remarkable process used to create the FA Cup, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail involved in its production.

Prior to the 1911 design, the FA Cup trophy was much smaller and earned the nickname "little tin idol." Interestingly, the original "little tin idol" trophy was stolen from a shop in Birmingham, resulting in the need for a replacement. At the time of the theft, Aston Villa FC was the holder of the cup and was subsequently fined $25 to cover the cost of creating a replica.

3. UEFA Europa League trophy - $4.5 million 

Competition: UEFA Europa League

Materials: Silver and marble

Height: 65 centimetres

Weight: 15 kilograms

Current champions: Eintracht Frankfurt 

The UEFA Europa League cup holds a notable distinction as one of the most valuable international trophies in Europe. Weighing in at 15 kilograms, it is also one of the heaviest trophies in the region. Unique among many European competition trophies, the Europa League cup does not feature handles.

The trophy was designed and created in 1972 by a man named Bertoni. Since its inception, it has been awarded annually to the winner of Europe's esteemed second-tier club competition, the UEFA Europa League.

The Europa League cup is predominantly made of silver, giving it a distinguished appearance. It rests upon a base made of yellow marble, adding to its visual appeal and providing a solid foundation for the trophy.

2. Copa Libertadores trophy - $8.5 million 

Competition: Copa Libertadores de América

Materials: Silver, bronze, and plywood

Height: 60 centimetres

Weight: 2.7 kilograms

Current champions: Flamengo 

The Copa Libertadores de América trophy is awarded annually to the winner of the prestigious Copa Libertadores competition, which is the premier club football tournament in South America.

The original version of the trophy had space for only 18 winners' badges, but it was later redesigned to accommodate more badges as the competition grew. The top part of the trophy is predominantly made of sterling silver, giving it a lustrous appearance. However, a small figure at the very crest of the trophy is made of silver-coated bronze.

The pedestal of the trophy is crafted from plywood sourced from hardwood timber, providing a sturdy and elegant base for the cup.

Winners of the Copa Libertadores de América are traditionally allowed to keep the actual cup until the draw for the following season takes place. At that point, the winning club receives a replica of the trophy and returns the original cup. However, if a team manages to win the tournament for three consecutive seasons, they are granted the privilege of keeping the trophy permanently.

1. FIFA World Cup trophy - $20 million 

Competition: FIFA World Cup

Materials: 2 layers of malachite and 18-carat gold

Height: 36.5 centimetres Weight: 6.175 kilograms

Current champions: Argentina 

The FIFA World Cup trophy is indeed one of the most valuable and sought-after trophies in the world of football. Created in 1974 by the esteemed Italian artist Silvio Gazzaniga, this iconic trophy is bestowed upon the winning team of the FIFA World Cup, the premier international football tournament held every four years.

The FIFA World Cup trophy is crafted with meticulous attention to detail and features an exquisite design. It is made of semi-precious malachite and 18-carat gold, rendering it a stunning display of luxury and artistry. The trophy depicts two athletes triumphantly raising their arms while holding the globe, symbolizing victory on a global scale.

With a current estimated value of $20 million, the FIFA World Cup trophy is considered one of the most expensive trophies in the world of sports. Its significant worth reflects its historical importance and the grandeur associated with the World Cup tournament.

The base of the trophy serves as a canvas for engraving the names of the winning countries alongside previous champions, immortalizing their achievements in football history. Each victorious team becomes a part of the trophy's rich legacy, adding to the enduring allure of this coveted award.

Before the creation of the current trophy in 1974, FIFA awarded another trophy known as the Jules Rimet Cup. The Jules Rimet Cup had its fair share of controversy, including thefts, hiding during World War II, and ultimately being permanently awarded to Brazil after their third World Cup victory in 1970.

While the winning teams do not keep the original FIFA World Cup trophy, they are typically presented with a gold-coated replica of the iconic cup as a symbol of their achievement and triumph on the global stage.

The FIFA World Cup trophy remains an iconic symbol of excellence in football, representing the pinnacle of success for national teams from around the world.