When it comes to memorable championship moments in recent football history, Messi's emotional kiss of the FIFA World Cup trophy in 2022 is undoubtedly at the top of the list (apologies to Mbappé fans). This is arguably the most coveted honor in world football, and now, we can hold a LEGO replica of it in our own hands. Today's Toy People review is all about set number 43020, the "FIFA World Cup™ Official Trophy"!
Before we dive into this LEGO set, let's talk about what the "LEGO-fication of the FIFA World Cup Trophy" means to football fans. The FIFA World Cup Trophy was designed by the late Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga. Its overall design depicts two human figures holding up the Earth, conveying the image of athletes lifting their victory (the Earth) high. This trophy, awarded by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to the champion team, is the permanent property of FIFA. The winning team gets to "keep" the trophy for two weeks before it must be returned to FIFA.
Furthermore, the trophy holds a certain mystique in the football world, an aura of being an "untouchable, supreme honor," which is even codified in official rules. According to FIFA regulations, the only people allowed to touch the trophy are the players of the current champion team, relevant personnel responsible for its safekeeping, and heads of state. This new LEGO release, designed at nearly a 1:1 scale, finally allows the vast community of football fans to experience the thrill and emotion of holding the trophy in their own hands.
According to FIFA data, the real trophy stands 36.8 cm tall and weighs 6.175 kg, including 5 kg of 18-karat gold. The green base is made of malachite. This LEGO version consists of 2842 pieces, and once assembled, it stands approximately 36 cm tall and weighs about 1.87 kg. While not as heavy as the 6 kg original, it still has a substantial, weighty feel. To capture the trophy's magnificent texture, LEGO has generously used a massive amount of gold-colored elements in its construction.
▼ The box features a predominantly white design. The front showcases the main subject, the "FIFA World Cup Trophy," with a green block of color behind it, likely representing the "26" for the next World Cup in 2026. The LEGO Editions series logo is in the bottom right corner.
▼ The back displays the hidden surprise concealed within the trophy.
▼ The bottom left corner shows what the real trophy looks like when held.
▼ The top of the box shows the 1:1 scale printed "FIFA World Cup" element.
▼ Let's open it up! The contents include one instruction manual and numbered bags from 1 to 20.
▼ Now, let's get building!
▼ The first step in constructing the trophy is to start from the base. Right away, we see an incredibly cool and meaningful detail: printed round tiles listing the champion countries and years. From Germany in 1974 to Argentina in 2022, the entire timeline of winning teams is visible.
▼ The malachite portion of the trophy's base is expertly represented using curved, dark green elements. After roughly assembling the base, you can get an initial sense of the overall size, and it feels great to hold.
▼ You can see that Technic elements are used internally to stabilize the entire structure.
▼ The assembly process generally involves constructing the internal frame first, then building up the exterior section by section.
▼ From this section alone, you can fully appreciate the luxurious feel provided by the gold elements.
▼ Now, let's take a look at this trophy from every angle!~
▼ In addition to the extensive use of two types of gold elements creating a stunning visual effect, the surface, constructed from various curved parts, perfectly captures the trophy's characteristic flowing lines. The dynamic, energetic form from Silvio Gazzaniga's design is excellently represented in this LEGO version.
▼ Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the design, with athletes raising their hands to hold the Earth!
▼ This gorgeous printed element must be priceless!
▼ The exquisite details built from gold elements.
▼ This creation doesn't just have a captivating exterior; the LEGO design team has also included a fun little Easter egg inside! One side of the trophy's upper section can be opened, revealing a miniature football pitch scene with a "26" backplate hidden inside the globe. There's also an exclusive LEGO minifigure for the FIFA World Cup 2026. And the best part? You get a minifigure-scale version of the trophy. It's absolutely fantastic!
▼ The minifigure comes with two interchangeable head pieces!
LEGO 43020 FIFA World Cup™ Official Trophy Review Summary:
For football fans, the FIFA World Cup Trophy is like a sacred relic. The ability to now build a LEGO version with your own hands is undoubtedly a deeply moving experience! And viewed as a LEGO model, this 36 cm tall trophy, built with a massive amount of gold elements that perfectly convey the beauty of designer Silvio Gazzaniga's flowing lines, is sure to be a fantastic collectible. It will absolutely be a stunning display piece in any home. Personally, I believe that in this era that prioritizes efficiency and speed, if you can find joy and satisfaction through building LEGO, then you are the ultimate champion.
LEGO 43020 FIFA World Cup™ Official Trophy
Recommended Retail Price: NT$6,399, Total Pieces: 2842
Now available at LEGO Certified Stores:
https://www.lcstw.com.tw/products/43020
