The UEFA European Championship culminates in a moment of pure elation as the winning captain lifts the coveted Euro Cup Trophy, officially known as the Henri Delaunay Cup. This prestigious silverware represents the pinnacle of achievement in European international football, a prize that embodies history, legacy, and the dreams of nations. Iker Casillas of Spain had the honor of being the first captain to raise the redesigned trophy in 2008, marking a new chapter for this iconic symbol of footballing excellence. The updated trophy is a fitting evolution of the original, created to better reflect the grandeur of the modern European Championship.
The story of the Euro Cup trophy begins with Henri Delaunay, a visionary figure in European football. As the former president of the French Football Federation and UEFA’s first General Secretary, Delaunay championed the idea of a pan-European international football tournament. Though he passed away in 1955, before the first tournament in 1960, his dream lived on, and the trophy was named in his honor. The original Henri Delaunay Cup was designed by the esteemed Arthus-Bertrand company in 1960, becoming instantly recognizable as the symbol of the UEFA European Championship.
To match the growing stature and global appeal of the European Championship, the trophy underwent a significant redesign. The second iteration of the Henri Delaunay Cup is noticeably larger and more imposing than its predecessor. It stands 18cm taller and weighs 2kg more, crafted from gleaming sterling silver. While significantly updated, the trophy retains the classic design elements of the original, ensuring its historical connection remains strong. This evolution was undertaken to create a more impactful visual centerpiece for what had become one of the world’s premier sporting events.
Pierre Delaunay, Henri’s son, played a crucial role in bringing his father’s vision to life by undertaking the responsibility for the original trophy’s creation. The updated version continues to honor this familial link to the competition’s inception. Subtle yet significant modifications were made to enhance the trophy. The base was enlarged to provide greater stability, a practical improvement on the original design. Furthermore, instead of engraving winning nations onto the plinth, the names are now elegantly inscribed on the back of the trophy. The modern Henri Delaunay Cup now weighs 8kg and measures 60cm in height, a testament to its enhanced presence.
Interestingly, the creation of the modern trophy moved from the original goldsmith, Chobillon, to the renowned Asprey London. Asprey, with its rich heritage in crafting prestigious silverware and jewelry, including a historical connection to the America’s Cup trophy via their sister company Garrard, was entrusted with producing this updated symbol of European football supremacy. UEFA’s decision to commission Asprey reflected a desire to elevate the trophy’s quality and visual impact, ensuring the Euro Cup trophy truly stood as a fitting emblem for the continent’s premier football competition.
