CONCACAF Unveils New Gold Cup Trophy

The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football today presented for the first time the new CONCACAF Gold Cup trophy, at a press conference in Mexico City organized by Banco Santander, official sponsor of the event. This new Gold Cup will be awarded to the winner of the tournament at the Championship game on July 28th at Soldier Field in Chicago.

The new Gold Cup uses the original design of the trophy, which debuted in 1991, transforming its basic elements to lend a rejuvenated, modern imagery through a more brilliant finish that evokes the values of transparency and renewal of the new CONCACAF.

“We are extremely proud of the manner in which these subtle design changes to the Gold Cup have helped us to highlight important characteristics of the competition as well as the region as a whole,” said Enrique Sanz, General Secretary of CONCACAF. “On one hand, the history of the Gold Cup is referenced through the inscribing of the names of past champions on the base, while on the other hand we are reminded of the spirit of transformation and development of all the member associations of our Confederation, which every two years strive to raise this trophy.”

The new Gold Cup has been sculpted in metal with golden plating, and features larger handles than the previous version, formed at a more extreme angle to represent the accelerated growth and dynamism of competition which today characterizes soccer in CONCACAF.

“Through sponsorship of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Banco Santander consolidates its position as a promoter and the official bank of this continent’s most important tournaments for both clubs and national teams. In addition to Gold Cup, we sponsor Copa Libertadores, Copa Sudamericana, Recopa and Copa America,” said Marcos Martinez Gavica, Executive President of Santander Financial Group Mexico. “Our services make us a leading bank in Latin America and today, with our sponsorships, we’re the “Bank of Football.”

Santander is now the brand second-most affiliated with football in Latin America, which fills us with pride.”

One of the newer elements of the trophy is the curved base, designed with a series of “steps” where the names of tournament winners have been engraved, paying tribute to past champions of this national team tournament.

“It is a real pleasure to be able to participate as host of the unveiling of the new Gold Cup, as defending champions of the tournament,” said Justino Compeán, President of Mexican Football Federation. “The importance that this cup has for Mexico goes well beyond the commitment to defend the title, since, beginning this July, we’ll be looking for a ticket to the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup as well.”

“The responsibility that we have as the coaching staff of the Mexican National Team is to administer our players in the coming months to achieve the goals we’ve proposed for this year, which include qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a good showing at the Confederations Cup, and of course to claim once again the Gold Cup trophy,” said José Manuel de la Torre, Coach of the Mexican National Team. “I want to reiterate that our priority is to be the best team in CONCACAF, and confirm as much in each tournament in which we participate. That commitment brings with it the responsibility to represent Mexico and all of CONCACAF in the same way at the international level, always.”

The new trophy continues the process of positioning of the Gold Cup on the spectrum of international football, where it is becoming one of the more recognizable icons of our sport. As Gold Cup continues to prosper and increase in popularity, the trophy will continue to exemplify the excellence, history and future of the Confederation.

The new Gold Cup is 26 inches high and weighs 20 pounds. The name of the tournament is written in English and Spanish on the upper rim, and repeated all the way around the circumference. Inscribed in the interior of the trophy is the phrase “Forty Countries. One Confederation. One Goal.” This mantra represents the unity among member associations of the Confederation, and serves as a formal greeting to each country within the borders of CONCACAF, united by the same values, goals and passion for the game.