Football, like any sport, is driven by victories and trophies. Success in the sport is often measured by the number of trophies won by clubs, players, or managers.
Lionel Messi holds the record for the most trophies by any footballer with an astounding 44 titles. Meanwhile, Egyptian club Al-Ahly boasts the most trophies by any club, with a remarkable 128 trophies.
However, instead of debating player, manager, or club achievements, here we’ll focus on the 10 most expensive football trophies globally.
10. Premier League Trophy
The Premier League, one of the oldest and most-followed football leagues globally, has seen some of the greatest players lift its trophy. Crafted from silver, gilded silver, American gemstones, and malachite, this prestigious trophy costs an estimated $10,000.
9. UEFA Champions League Trophy
Regarded as the pinnacle of European club football, the UEFA Champions League trophy is a symbol of excellence. Real Madrid has won this trophy a record 15 times. Composed entirely of silver, it is valued at approximately $15,000.
8. Bundesliga Meisterschale
Created in 1964 by art professor Elisabeth Treskow, the Bundesliga Meisterschale is awarded to Germany’s top football team each season. The first winners were FC Koln in 1964, and Bayer Leverkusen are the current holders. The 11-kg trophy features silver, gold, and a 71.98-carat tourmaline, with an estimated value of $57,102.
7. Serie A Trophy (The Scudetto)
Also known as the Serie A trophy, this award is given to the top Italian team each season. Designed by artisan Ettore Calvelli in 1960, Juventus holds the record with 36 titles. The 8-kg trophy is valued at $66,000.
6. African Cup of Nations (AFCON)
With a rich history, the AFCON trophy is one of the most prestigious awards on the African continent. Egypt holds the record with seven titles. The AFCON trophy is estimated to be worth $150,000.
5. Ballon d’Or
Awarded to the best player in the world, the Ballon d’Or is football’s most prestigious individual honor. Lionel Messi holds the record with eight titles. The materials for the trophy cost about €3,000, but its value can reach up to €500,000 due to its significance.
4. FA Cup Trophy
The FA Cup, the oldest competition in English football, is highly regarded. Arsenal holds the record for the most FA Cup titles. Made of sterling silver, the FA Cup trophy is valued at approximately $1.18 million. Manchester United is the current holder, having won the 2023–24 final.
3. UEFA Europa League Trophy
The Europa League trophy is the second-tier prize for European club football and one of the heaviest in the sport, weighing over 15 kilograms. Featuring silver and a yellow base, its estimated value is $4.5 million.
2. Copa Libertadores Trophy
Copa Libertadores is South America’s most prestigious club football competition. Introduced in 1960, the trophy is made of sterling silver with silver-coated bronze, valued at $8.5 million.
1. FIFA World Cup Trophy
The FIFA World Cup trophy is the most prestigious award in football. Contested every four years, it features the best national teams globally. Weighing 6.1 kg and made of 18-carat gold, the trophy was designed by Italian artist Silvio Gazzaniga in 1974 and is valued at $20 million. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, are the current holders.