Religion plays a central role to the life of many footballers 
around the world, and many choose to publicly display their 
faith during their celebrations or via social media.
Muslim footballers Sadio Mane and Mohammed Salah made 
the sujood (prostration) an iconic celebration, demonstrating 
gratitude to God, whilst Brazilian icons Kaka and Neymar openly 
demonstrate their faith in Jesus through headbands and t-shirts. 
In this year’s premier league season, a short break in play was 
given to allow Muslim players to break their fast during the Muslim 
holy month of Ramadan.
This demonstrates that sport is 
not just about entertainment 
but about identity, values and 
beliefs that underpin peoples’ 
lives. Open expression 
of this contributes to 
a celebration of the 
diversity of faith and 
no-faith in the 
world today.
Mr Khan
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Faith in
FOOTBALL
JULES 
RIMET 
STILL 
GLEAMING
When millions tune in for the FIFA World 
Cup final, the moment everyone waits 
for is the same: the captain lifting the 
trophy. Today’s iconic design is instantly 
recognisable, but football’s original prize 
had a story far more dramatic – one shaped 
by war, mystery and even a heroic dog. 
The first World Cup trophy debuted in 
1930, when the tournament itself was still 
an ambitious experiment. Driven by FIFA 
president Jules Rimet, the competition aimed 
to unite nations in the wake of the First World 
War. The trophy, designed by French sculptor 
Abel Lafleur, reflected that ambition. It 
depicted Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, 
holding a cup aloft. Made of gold‑plated 
silver and set on a deep blue stone base, 
it stood modestly at 35 centimetres tall. 
Uruguay, hosting the inaugural tournament, 
became its first winners. 
The trophy’s existence was soon threatened 
by global conflict. During the Second World 
War, fears grew that it might be stolen or 
melted down. In a remarkable act of courage, 
Italian official Ottorino Barassi hid it in a 
simple shoebox beneath his bed, keeping it 
safe until peace returned and international 
football resumed. 
Renamed the Jules Rimet Trophy in 1946, 
it became the ultimate symbol of footballing 
success, lifted by some of the greatest 
teams in history. Yet its strangest chapter 
came in England in 1966. On display ahead 
of the World Cup, the trophy was stolen, 
leaving the country stunned. A week later, 
it was unexpectedly discovered by a dog 
named Pickles, who found it wrapped in 
newspaper under a car in South London. 
Pickles became an overnight sensation – 
and England went on to win the tournament, 
lifting the recovered prize at Wembley. 
There was, however, a final twist. Rimet 
had promised that any nation winning the 
tournament three times could keep the 
trophy forever. Brazil achieved this in 1970, 
led by Pelé, and took possession of the 
original. But in 1983 it was stolen again – this 
time disappearing for good, widely believed 
to have been melted down. 
Although the original trophy is lost, its legacy 
remains. It witnessed the birth of the World 
Cup, survived a world war, and became 
part of football folklore. More than a prize, 
it represented hope, resilience and the 
enduring power of the global game. 
Mrs Donoghue
© Cosmin Iftode | Dreamstime.com
10

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