Brazilian Craftsman Turns Plaster Into World Cup Dreams

For most people, hoisting the FIFA World Cup trophy is an impossible dream reserved for elite athletes. But in a workshop in western Rio de Janeiro, 58-year-old Jarbas Meneghini Carlini is making that moment possible for anyone.

The former metallurgist started his unusual business in 1994 after watching Brazil's captain Dunga lift the trophy following the team's fourth World Cup victory. Carlini wanted his own but couldn't buy one anywhere, so he decided to make them himself.

Now he crafts hundreds of replica trophies by hand from plaster molds, painting and finishing each one in his Campo Grande workshop. The trophies range from tiny $1 versions to detailed $100 replicas, all depicting the iconic design of two human figures reaching upward to support a globe.

"Everyone wants to be a world champion, everyone wants to be the best," Carlini explained. He sells most trophies to fans and tourists at the nearby Maracanã soccer stadium, but he's also gifted them to Brazilian soccer royalty including Pelé, Jorginho, and Ronaldinho.

His creations have traveled across Brazil and around the world. Though made from plaster rather than 18-carat gold like the original, Carlini says his trophies spark the same sense of wonder in people who hold them.

Sunny's Take

What makes Carlini's work special isn't just the craftsmanship. It's watching ordinary fans pose for photos with his trophies, their faces lit up with genuine joy. Parents buy them for kids dreaming of soccer glory, tourists grab them as the ultimate Brazilian souvenir, and even legends who've won the real thing treasure his handmade versions.

Over the years, Carlini has expanded his collection to include replicas of the old World Cup trophy used from 1930 to 1970, the Copa Libertadores trophy, and golden balls, gloves, and boots. World Cup years bring booming business, and with the 2026 tournament starting in June across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, he's prepared 200 trophies.

If Brazil wins its sixth title and ends a 24-year championship drought, Carlini expects sales could hit 600. Brazil holds the record with five World Cup victories, but the country hasn't claimed the trophy since 2002.

Carlini hopes Brazil will rediscover its famous joyful playing style and spectacular moves like the bicycle kick. "That's what we should use in the next World Cup to become champions: use joy, use artistry," he said.

Until then, he'll keep crafting dreams one plaster trophy at a time.