Some of the world’s most iconic sports trophies have vanished, leaving behind mysteries and unsolved tales. These awards symbolize the pinnacle of achievement, yet somehow, they went missing—whether through theft or curious circumstances. Their disappearances shocked fans and sparked intense investigations. Here are some of the most famous trophies that mysteriously went missing over the years.
Claret Jug (Golf’s Open Championship)
The Claret Jug, awarded to the winner of golf’s Open Championship, is one of the sport’s most recognizable trophies. In 2017, a replica jug was stolen from the British Golf Museum in St Andrews, Scotland. Thieves smashed a display case and took off with the prize in a well-coordinated heist. Known for its intricate design, the Claret Jug holds deep historical value and is coveted by golf champions worldwide. Although it wasn’t the original, the replica represented a unique piece of golfing history. The incident highlighted the lengths some would go to possess even a replica of this prestigious trophy.
Borg-Warner Trophy (Indianapolis 500)
The Borg-Warner Trophy, awarded to the winner of the Indianapolis 500, once vanished under strange circumstances. In 1986, it went missing from a storage facility where it was being held between races. This trophy, which features the faces of every Indy 500 winner, is a symbol of speed and excellence. Crafted from sterling silver and standing over five feet tall, it’s one of the most prestigious awards in motorsport. While it was eventually recovered, the temporary loss left many fans puzzled. Its disappearance highlighted the challenges in safeguarding such large, valuable trophies.
Stanley Cup (NHL)
The Stanley Cup, North America’s oldest professional sports trophy, has a history of strange disappearances. In 1907, members of the Montreal Wanderers took it on a celebratory tour around the city, only to misplace it. At one point, they left it in a photographer’s studio and later forgot it on a frozen canal. Although it was recovered each time, the cup’s unpredictable journey only added to its storied legacy. Unlike other trophies, the Stanley Cup is constantly circulated, leading to more opportunities for mishaps. These incidents have since become part of its unique mythology.
Jules Rimet Trophy (FIFA World Cup, permanently lost in 1983)
The Jules Rimet Trophy, which was awarded to the World Cup winner until 1970, was permanently lost in 1983. After being awarded to Brazil for winning the World Cup three times, it was displayed at the Brazilian Football Confederation headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. Thieves broke into the building, bypassed security, and stole the trophy, which has never been recovered. While a replica was created to honor its legacy, the original remains missing. This incident deeply saddened the football world, as the trophy symbolized decades of global competition and glory.
Kentucky Derby Trophy (Churchill Downs)
The Kentucky Derby Trophy, awarded annually at Churchill Downs to the winner of the most famous horse race in America, once mysteriously went missing. In 1975, the valuable trophy vanished from the home of Peter Fuller, the owner of the winning horse, Dancer’s Image. Made of solid gold and adorned with intricate designs, the trophy holds significant value both financially and sentimentally. It was a massive shock for Fuller and racing fans, as it is a one-of-a-kind creation each year. Though it has never been recovered, this theft remains a memorable story in the history of horse racing.
Heisman Trophy (O.J. Simpson’s stolen trophy)
O.J. Simpson’s Heisman Trophy, awarded to him in 1968 for being the best player in college football, met a strange fate. In 1994, it was stolen from Simpson’s Los Angeles home during a burglary, sparking media interest and a police investigation. The Heisman Trophy, cast in bronze and representing the pinnacle of college football achievement, is a valuable and iconic piece. Despite efforts to locate it, the trophy was never found, leaving it as one of the most high-profile missing sports awards. Its disappearance adds another layer of mystery to Simpson’s already controversial legacy.
Wimbledon Trophies (Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Singles)
The Wimbledon Trophies, awarded to champions of the prestigious tennis tournament, once suffered a bizarre mishap. In 1984, replicas of both the Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Singles trophies were stolen from the All England Club’s storage area. These trophies, with their intricate designs and deep-rooted significance, are highly valuable and cherished symbols of victory. The theft was a blow to the club, which prides itself on its strict traditions and high security. While the originals remained safe, the missing replicas became part of Wimbledon’s storied history, emphasizing the value of these coveted trophies.
Lombardi Trophy (Super Bowl)
The Lombardi Trophy, awarded to the winning team of the Super Bowl, briefly went missing after the New York Giants won it in 2012. Following the victory, the team’s equipment manager accidentally left the trophy on a cart at the airport. Known for its sleek design and crafted in sterling silver, the trophy is named after legendary NFL coach Vince Lombardi and symbolizes American football greatness. After a frantic search, the trophy was quickly recovered without any permanent damage. Although it was only lost for a short time, the incident highlighted the importance of safeguarding sports’ most prized possessions.
Copa Libertadores Trophy (South American football)
The Copa Libertadores Trophy, awarded to the best football club in South America, once went missing under mysterious circumstances. In 2012, the prized trophy was stolen from the headquarters of the Argentine Football Association. Featuring detailed engravings and a unique design, the trophy is a highly coveted award symbolizing dominance in South American football. The theft shocked fans across the continent, as the Libertadores is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world. Although replicas were made, the original remains a valuable piece of sports history that has never been recovered.
This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.
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