The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) proudly unveils the new King’s Cup trophy, a masterpiece crafted with precision by the esteemed English Luxury Goldsmiths and Silversmiths, Thomas Lyte.
This exquisite creation marks a significant milestone in the long history of one of Saudi Arabia’s most revered sporting events.
The new King’s Cup trophy represents the epitome of artistry and craftsmanship, and is an update of the classic Kings Cup design which has existed over the past 30 years.
Entrusted with the honour of crafting a new prize for the tournament, officially known as “The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Cup,” Thomas Lyte has drawn inspiration from Arabic and Islamic gold and silverware, paying homage to Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage.
Crafted from hallmarked 925 sterling silver and plated in 24ct gold, the trophy exudes a majestic aura and reflects over 480 hours of meticulous work by some of the world’s most skilled luxury goldsmiths and world-renowned sporting trophy makers, serving as a fitting symbol for the ultimate achievement in Saudi football.
Standing at a height of 54cm, the trophy is further adorned with the royal crest, featuring the Kingdom’s royal symbol of two crossed swords and a palm tree, underscoring the tournament’s royal association and honouring the monarchy’s pivotal role in the nation’s identity. Additionally, the name of the tournament, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup, now flows in stunning calligraphy around the trophy collar, significantly debossed and highly polished against a hand-textured satin background.
Central to its design is the use of green malachite veneer, a choice inspired by the profound significance of the colour green in Saudi Arabia. This vibrant hue is not only a prominent feature of the national flag, symbolising Islam and the country’s state religion, but it also represents prosperity and the verdant oases and coral reefs that punctuate the nation’s landscape and shoreline.
The overall effect of the new design is one of modernity, that respects and incorporates details from the original trophy. With meticulous attention to detail, the new design for the King’s Cup trophy continues to capture rich symbolism of historical, and cultural significance. Weighing precisely 9.32kg, the trophy’s weight pays tribute to the formation date of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, September 1932.
Kevin Baker, Founder and CEO of Thomas Lyte
The trophy was officially unveiled in Riyadh in a ceremony attended by clubs’ representatives, athletes, and media, along with Thomas Lyte Founder and CEO Kevin Baker (pictured above).
Founded in 1957, closely following the formation of SAFF, the King’s Cup tournament embodies a fusion of the magic of sport, royal prestige, and holds a legendary status in the realm of Saudi football. As the premier knockout competition in Saudi Arabia, the annual tournament brings together top clubs from the nation’s top two football leagues in a thrilling showcase of talent and skill.
With a legacy of iconic moments and historic victories, the King’s Cup holds a special place in the hearts of football fans across the kingdom; to win the competition, and lift the prestigious trophy is the highest honour.
Thomas Lyte
Unmatched in the world of sporting trophies, Thomas Lyte excels in transforming bespoke commissions into iconic masterpieces; producing silverware as legacy items that will be coveted for generations. The English luxury brand not only produce exquisite silverware but also weave compelling narratives around their creations, capturing the essence of the athletes’ dreams and aspirations. Each piece is crafted to endure the test of time, showcasing unmatched durability and timeless design.
Thomas Lyte is a Royal Warrant holder as Goldsmiths and Silversmiths to The Late Queen Elizabeth II and is renowned for designing, crafting and restoring some of the world’s most prestigious trophies, including the Emirates FA Cup, the AFC Asian Cup, The ICC World Test Championship Mace, the Rugby World Cup and the ATP Finals Trophies. Thomas Lyte remains at the forefront of excellence in craft, consistently raising the bar for craftsmanship and innovation in the creation of bespoke commissions with precious metals.
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