Brazilian Artisan Turns World Cup Dreams Into Reality

A Brazilian metallurgist turned one inspiring moment into three decades of spreading joy to soccer fans around the world.

Jarbas Meneghini Carlini watched Brazil win its fourth World Cup in 1994 and knew he had to own a trophy. When he discovered the iconic prize wasn't for sale, the 58-year-old decided to craft his own in his Rio de Janeiro workshop.

Today, Carlini hand-makes each replica from plaster molds and paint, creating trophies that range from $1 miniatures to $100 centerpieces. He sells them to fans and tourists at the famous Maracanã soccer stadium, but his work has traveled much further than that.

Soccer legends including Pelé, Jorginho, and Ronaldinho have all received Carlini's handcrafted trophies. His creations have spread across Brazil and reached fans in countries around the globe, each one carrying the same dream of victory.

The trophies mirror the original design with two stylized figures reaching upward to support a globe. Instead of 18-carat gold, Carlini uses plaster to keep his replicas affordable for everyday fans.

"Yet it brings the same sense of wonder, as if it were made of gold," Carlini said from his Campo Grande workshop. He believes the emotion comes from a universal desire to be the best at something meaningful.

Sunny's Take

Carlini understands what makes his customers light up when they hold his trophies. "Everyone wants to be a world champion, everyone wants to be the best," he explained, watching fans pose for photos with his creations.

Over three decades, the artisan has expanded his craft to include other soccer treasures. He now makes replicas of the older World Cup trophy used from 1930 to 1970, the Copa Libertadores trophy, and golden soccer balls, gloves, and boots.

World Cup years bring extra excitement to his business. With the 2025 tournament approaching in June, Carlini has prepared 200 trophies and expects to sell up to 600 if Brazil claims its sixth World Cup title.

Brazil hasn't won since 2002, despite holding the record with five championships. But Carlini remains hopeful that his country's famous joyful playing style will return them to glory.

"That's what we should use in the next World Cup to become champions: use joy, use artistry," he said, a philosophy that clearly guides both Brazil's game and his own life's work.