Wednesday 14 May 2025, 02:00

Historic exhibition celebrates 120 years of international and South American football

  • Exhibition is being held in Paraguay as the country hosts the FIFA Congress for the first time

  • The FIFA 120th Year Anniversary collection includes original trophies and football memorabilia

  • The FIFA World Cup™, FIFA Club World Cup™ and FIFA Women’s World Cup™ trophies are on display

The rich heritage and culture of international and South American football is being celebrated at an exhibition in the Paraguayan capital Asunción to coincide with the 75th FIFA Congress, an event which the country is hosting for the first time. The historic exhibition which celebrates both FIFA’s 120th anniversary and CONMEBOL’s upcoming 110th anniversary features original trophies, football memorabilia and interactive experiences, and has been jointly organised by the FIFA Museum and the Museo CONMEBOL. It is taking place at the Sala Aduana of the Centro Cultural del Puerto de Asunción from 13 to 15 May 2025.

“We have a duty as FIFA to bring football all around the world. And, today, we are here in Paraguay,” said FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström, who – along with President of the Republic of Paraguay Santiago Peña, FIFA Vice-President and CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez and Paraguayan Football Association (AFP) President Robert Harrison and other football dignitaries – was given a guided tour of the exhibition. “(The people here) all have a favourite club and, of course, the national team,” he added. “So, to enable us to bring these trophies and this beautiful exhibition - this is what FIFA is about. And, you know, showing football and also the iconic things that football and FIFA have created. And, unfortunately, you can't always have the opportunity to see (these trophies) and to bring (them) here is something really special and something that we as an organisation are very proud of.” Paraguay's hosting of the 75th Congress on 15 May 2025 coincides with 100 years of FIFA membership, with the APF having joined at the 14th Ordinary Congress in Prague, Czechoslovakia, on 24 May 1925. FIFA and CONMEBOL, the two oldest governing bodies in international football, were established just 12 years apart - in 1904 and 1916, respectively - and the exhibition includes significant milestones in the history of both organisations.

The exhibition also looks forward to the inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup 2025, which will take place in the United States from 14 June to 13 July 2025. The trophy of the new competition, which is set to change the face of global club football, is one of the main attractions. “President Infantino wants a FIFA that’s more connected with people. And today marks a historic moment: the FIFA Museum is leaving Zurich to come closer to the fans. Not all of us have the chance – or the means – to travel to Zurich and witness these treasures in person,” said CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez. “A few lucky ones here may have held them in their hands, but most of us have only seen them on TV – if we’ve ever had that chance. Thanks to what FIFA has brought, and what CONMEBOL has contributed, these next three days will offer a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s a celebration of what happens when two giants join forces.”

Another visitor favourite is likely to be the FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy with the tournament coming to South America for the first time when it takes place in Brazil in 2027. Additionally, a replica of the Jules Rimet Trophy, including its original first base, will be on display, highlighting the FIFA World Cup 2030™ and its three centenary celebration matches in Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina. “I’m very excited. This is a day we’ve dreamed of for a long time,” said the President of the Republic of Paraguay, Santiago Peña. “This is a great opportunity for us to be again a place that unites not only South America, not only Latin America, but (which) unites the entire world. Having FIFA celebrating 120 years in this place is just amazing, it's a dream come true to all of us. So, we are very proud, and we hope that you're going to be able to enjoy the country, enjoy the people, the great music and the great food that we have in Paraguay.”

FIFA 120 YEARS ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION - OPENING CEREMONY