Every May, as the English Premier League (EPL) season draws
to an electrifying close, all eyes turn to one glittering symbol of triumph,
the Premier League trophy.
For players, fans, and clubs alike, it represents months of
sweat, endurance, heartbreak, and unrelenting brilliance.
It is the moment when dreams are realized and legends are
born.
Beyond its polished silver gleam and global prestige, the
Premier League trophy carries layers of history, artistry, and meaning that
mirror the very spirit of English football.
Footballers grow up dreaming of lifting it, while millions
of fans across continents long to see their captains raise it high, ribbons
flowing in club colors.
The trophy is more than a piece of silverware; it is the
ultimate symbol of glory, dominance, and footballing perfection.
Standing proudly at 76 centimetres and weighing about 25 kilograms, it is a masterpiece of British design and craftsmanship.
Created by
Asprey London, the luxury jeweller behind other iconic sporting trophies such
as the FA Cup and Rugby World Cup, the Premier League trophy is built to evoke
both pride and power.
Its design is deeply symbolic. The trophy draws inspiration
from the “Three Lions” emblem that has represented English football for
generations.
Two lions form the trophy’s handles, while the third comes
to life when the captain of the winning team hoists it aloft in celebration.
Crowning the top is a golden crown, a mark of authority and
prestige, while its malachite base, made from a green semi-precious stone,
symbolizes the lush color of the football pitch.
Few fans realize that there are two identical Premier League
trophies.
One remains with the reigning champions throughout the
season, while the second is used by the league for promotional and official
events, or as a backup on the final day of the season when the title race goes
down to the wire.
When two teams are still in contention, both trophies are
sent to different stadiums so that the rightful champions can celebrate
instantly when the final whistle blows.
Once the season’s winner is confirmed, the club’s name is
engraved on the silver base, an indelible mark in football history.
Alongside the trophy, the Premier League awards 40 winners’
medals to players, coaches, and staff.
To qualify, a player must make at least five league
appearances, though clubs may request additional medals in special cases.
The trophy presentation ceremony has become one of the most
anticipated moments in world sport. Whether at home or away, the atmosphere is
electric, a crescendo of music, confetti, and raw emotion.
Ribbons in the team’s colors hang from the handles: blue for
Manchester City, red for Liverpool, or gold for Leicester City’s unforgettable
triumph in 2016.
Since the Premier League’s formation in 1992, only seven
clubs have managed to lift the iconic trophy: Manchester United, Arsenal,
Chelsea, Manchester City, Blackburn Rovers, Leicester City, and Liverpool.
Manchester United remains the most successful, having lifted
it 13 times under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson.
In recent years,
Manchester City’s dominance under Pep Guardiola has symbolized the new era of
tactical evolution and technical mastery defining modern English football.
Lifetime Chance
Guinness, the official beer of the Premier League, will host
the trophy on Saturday, October 25, and Sunday, October 26, at Bar Next Door,
Kiambu Road, Nairobi.
The event marks the start of an exciting Guinness Matchday
Weekend, designed to bring together Kenya’s vibrant football community for two
days of live EPL screenings, interactive fan zones, and analysis from the
Guinness Matchday Committee, a team of football experts and enthusiasts who
dissect every pass, goal, and drama from the league.
“We remain committed to offering our consumers premium
football experiences,” said Joy Murugi, Guinness Brand Manager.
“The presence of the
trophy at the Guinness Matchday serves not just to elevate the experience but
to recognize the passion of Kenya’s football fans who have been at the heart of
the Premier League’s global following.”
Beyond the spectacle, the event will celebrate Kenya’s deep
football culture. Attendees can expect engaging activities, giveaways, and a
chance to take photos with the actual Premier League trophy, a dream come true
for lifelong fans of the world’s most watched league.
The Premier League enjoys immense popularity across Africa,
but few countries follow it as passionately as Kenya.
According to Google Workspace Sports Analytics (2024), Kenya
ranks second in Africa in EPL viewership at 86%, behind only Mauritius (91%).
Nations such as Uganda and Malawi trail closely behind,
highlighting the continent’s shared love for English football.
For millions, the Premier League trophy represents more than
victory, it symbolizes perseverance, excellence, and the universal language of
football.
From last-minute goals to season-defining saves, every touch
of the ball writes a new chapter in its storied legacy.
As Kenyan fans prepare to see the trophy in person, the
occasion captures more than nostalgia; it embodies the unbreakable bond between
global football and its most passionate supporters.
Each May, as the final whistle blows and captains raise the
gleaming silverware toward the sky, the chase for the Premier League trophy
becomes something greater than a race for points, it becomes a quest for
immortality.
