In Rio, artisan crafts World Cup trophies while hoping Brazil gets a real one

Jarbas Meneghini has produced more than 3,000 plaster replicas of the FIFA World Cup trophy from his workshop in Rio de Janeiro, aiming to help fans show their support as Brazil chase the real prize in North America this July.

The 58-year-old craftsman said the idea for his business came after watching then-Brazil captain Dunga lift the trophy at the 1994 World Cup final.

“I saw Dunga holding the trophy and said I would buy one, but you can’t find it anywhere,” Meneghini said. “So I decided to make it myself using the technical skills I learned doing metalwork.”

Today, he handcrafts plaster replicas that are exported to 17 countries across the Americas and Europe. The trophies are made using molds, with some finished in gold paint and others coated in a polished chrome look.

Operating near Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Maracanã Stadium, Meneghini also sells the replicas directly to tourists and local football fans.

“I make thousands of trophies from the same mold,” he said. “Some are painted, and others I make more special with chrome — they stand out more, and you can see yourself reflected in them as you kiss them.”

Production typically increases with each World Cup cycle, fueled by renewed optimism among supporters.

Although Brazil has won more World Cup titles than any other nation, the country has not lifted the trophy since 2002. However, another opportunity is approaching.

Meneghini has already produced around 600 trophies ahead of this year’s tournament, which will be hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States and kicks off on June 11. That marks a significant increase from the 100 to 200 replicas he previously made ahead of past World Cups.

“Brazil have gone a long time without winning it,” he said. “Hope is in our hearts again.”

-Reporting by Sergio Queiroz; Writing by Gabriel Araujo; Editing by Rosalba O’Brien / Reuters