Trophies are more than just metal and marble, as they symbolise glory and legacy and are the pinnacle of achievement in sports. Here are the top 10 most iconic trophies in sports history. Some trophies are instantly recognisable even to casual fans, while others have stories that span generations. Some of these trophies are the most expensive in the world. 10. The Larry O’Brien NBA Championship Trophy – Basketball Named after former NBA commissioner Larry O’Brien, this sleek gold trophy is awarded each year to the winner of the NBA Finals. Standing at nearly two feet tall, it is a symbol of excellence in the world’s top basketball league. With global stars like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry lifting it, the Larry O'Brien Trophy is now deeply etched into basketball history. 9. The Webb Ellis Cup – Rugby Union Awarded to the Rugby World Cup winners, the Webb Ellis Cup is named after William Webb Ellis, who is believed to have invented rugby. Introduced in 1987, the trophy is a golden masterpiece of tradition. Teams like the All Blacks (New Zealand) and the Springboks (South Africa) have hoisted it in memorable finals, making it the ultimate prize in international rugby. 8. The Ashes Urn – Cricket Though it’s one of the smallest trophies in sport, the Ashes Urn carries enormous emotional weight. Created in 1882 after England lost to Australia at The Oval, this 11cm urn symbolises one of the fiercest rivalries in cricket. While it is not the official trophy awarded today, the original urn still embodies the pride and passion of the England–Australia cricket series. 7. The Green Jacket – The Masters (Golf) Unlike most trophies, the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, awards a green blazer instead of a traditional cup. But this jacket is one of the most coveted items in sports. Worn by golfing legends like Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer, it represents tradition, class, and mastery in one of golf’s toughest competitions. 6. The Lombardi Trophy – American Football (NFL) The Vince Lombardi Trophy is given to the winner of the Super Bowl each year. Named after the legendary Green Bay Packers coach, this sterling silver trophy is handcrafted each year by Tiffany & Co. It is a symbol of triumph in one of the most-watched sporting events globally. The sight of confetti raining down as players lift the Lombardi is an unforgettable moment in sports. 5. The Stanley Cup – Ice Hockey (NHL) Perhaps the most physically impressive of all, the Stanley Cup is a towering silver trophy awarded to NHL champions. What makes it unique is that it’s not remade each year. Instead, names of winning players, coaches, and staff are engraved onto it, creating a growing monument to hockey greatness. With origins dating back to 1893, the Cup is steeped in tradition and stories. 4. The FIFA World Cup Trophy – Football (Soccer) Few trophies are as instantly recognisable as the FIFA World Cup Trophy. Made of 18-karat gold and standing just over a foot tall, it has been the reward for football’s best national team since 1974. Held every four years, it’s been lifted by legends like Pelé, Maradona, Zidane, and Lionel Messi. The World Cup Trophy represents the dream of every young footballer. 3. The Olympic Gold Medal – Multi-sport (Olympics) It may not be a “trophy” in the traditional sense, but the Olympic gold medal is perhaps the most globally respected symbol of sporting excellence. Every four years, athletes across dozens of sports battle for this simple yet powerful item. From Jesse Owens to Usain Bolt to Simone Biles, gold medal winners become legends overnight. 2. The Wimbledon Trophy – Tennis For over a century, the Wimbledon Gentlemen’s and Ladies Singles Trophy has been the crowning prize at the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world. Carried on a silver plate and engraved with the words “The All England Lawn Tennis Club Single Handed Champion of the World”, this 18-inch trophy has been kissed by Federer, Djokovic, Serena Williams and Sampras, among others. 1. The UEFA Champions League Trophy – Football (Soccer) Known affectionately as “Big Ears” due to its large handles, the UEFA Champions League trophy is arguably the most iconic club football prize in the world, and it has been the target of Europe’s elite for decades. The final is watched by hundreds of millions worldwide, and the moment a captain lifts this silver beauty remains one of sport’s most powerful images.