The Jules Rimet Trophy, named after FIFA's first president, was awarded to the winner of the FIFA World Cup from 1930 until 1970, when Brazil won it for the third time and earned permanent possession. After its retirement, the trophy was on display at the Brazilian Football Confederation's headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. On December 19, 1983, thieves broke into the headquarters and executed a precise heist, stealing the iconic trophy, which was made of solid gold and encrusted with semi-precious stones. This theft shocked football fans around the world and raised concerns about the security of valuable sports memorabilia across the globe.

The Brazilian authorities launched an extensive investigation to recover the trophy, enlisting the help of various law enforcement agencies. Despite their efforts, the trophy remained missing for more than a year, casting a shadow over Brazil's rich football history. The incident highlighted vulnerabilities in the preservation and security protocols for precious sports artifacts, leading to increased dialogue surrounding the protection of national treasures.

Interestingly, the Jules Rimet Trophy was never recovered. In 1984, a dog named Pickles discovered the trophy when it was wrapped in an old blanket in a garden in London. The discovery was a relief for many, but the trophy had been damaged and was later restored. However, the trophy was ultimately replaced by a replica due to the theft, and the original trophy itself is a symbol of a lost era in football history.