In Rio, artisan crafts World Cup trophies while hoping Brazil get a real one
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Brazilian craftsman Jarbas Meneghini Carlini makes and sells handmade replicas of the World Cup trophy ahead of tournament.
PHOTO: REUTERS
RIO DE JANEIRO – Jarbas Meneghini has made more than 3,000 plaster replicas of the football World Cup trophy from his workshop in Rio de Janeiro to help fans root for Brazil in the hope of bringing home the golden original from North America in July.
The 58-year-old craftsman had the idea for his business after he saw then Brazil captain Dunga lift the trophy at the World Cup final in 1994.
“I saw Dunga holding the trophy and said I would buy one, but you can’t find it anywhere,” Meneghini said.
“So I decided to make it myself using the technical skills I learnt doing metalwork.”
He now produces plaster replicas by hand, exporting them to 17 countries across the Americas and Europe. The replicas are produced from moulds, with some painted in gold and others given a polished chrome finish.
Working near Rio’s famed Maracana Stadium, he also sells the trophies to tourists and local fans.
“I make thousands of trophies from the same mould,” he said.
“Some are painted and others I make more special, with chrome – they stand out more, you can see yourself reflected in them as you kiss them.”
Brazilian craftsman Jarbas Meneghini Carlini with handmade replicas of the World Cup trophy made by him in Rio de Janeiro.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Production rises with every World Cup cycle, driven by renewed hope among supporters.
While Brazil have won more World Cup titles than any other team, they have not lifted the trophy since their fifth in 2002. But a new opportunity is near.
Meneghini has already made 600 trophies ahead of the June 11-July 19 tournament hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States.
That represents a boost from the 100 to 200 replicas he used to make ahead of previous editions.
“Brazil have gone a long time without winning it,” he said. “Hope is in our hearts again.”
Coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to name his final World Cup squad on May 18.
Forward Luiz Henrique, one of Ancelotti’s key attacking options, said last week that the team must use that pressure of having not won the World Cup for 24 years as motivation when the tournament kicks off.
The 25-year-old winger, who plays for Russia’s Zenit Saint Petersburg, was just a baby when Brazil last won the global showpiece in 2002.
“Pressure is always a good thing. In football – and especially with the national team – pressure is ever present,” he said.
“We have to channel that pressure into motivation.” REUTERS, AFP