The World Cup final is soccer’s biggest prize. Billions watch it. (No really, it’s billions, although China and India play a big part in that). But if you’re wondering whether the winners also get championship rings like NBA or NFL champions, the answer is surprisingly simple:

No, FIFA doesn’t hand out championship rings.

That might sound strange to American sports fans. After all, rings are practically part of the trophy presentation in leagues like the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL. In soccer,, though, the tradition has always been different.

What do World Cup winning players get instead of rings?

The main prize is a winner’s medal, which is presented to the players, coaches and key members of the victorious team after the final. This year, a certain shrinking-violet president is hoping to play a big role in that.

Of course, they also get their hands on the famous FIFA World Cup Trophy during the celebrations. That’s the image everyone remembers: the captain lifting the trophy while teammates jump around in the background and confetti and fireworks rains down.

I know what you’re now thinking: does the winning team get to keep the trophy? Actually, it’s a no to that as well, not the original one, anyway. FIFA retains that and displays it in its museum. Instead, the champions receive a gold-plated replica to take home.

Why don’t World Cup winners get rings?

It really just comes down to tradition. Winners medals are the ultimate symbol of success in the game. Ask players whether they’d rather have that or a giant diamond ring and most would probably stop laughing after a few minutes before choosing the medal.

A World Cup winning medal carries a certain magic. There are only a handful of players on the planet who can ever say they earned one.

In the coming weeks we’ll find out the latest group of sporting history makers, but, unlike those of the Seahawks and Knicks, they’ll have lighter hands and heavier necks.

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