The Egyptian Premier League, in partnership with Thomas Lyte, has embarked on a journey of design, craftsmanship, cultural reflection and representation to create a trophy that embodies the spirit of Egyptian football.
A Royal Warrant holder as silversmiths and goldsmiths to the late Queen Elizabeth II, Thomas Lyte are world-renowned custom trophy designers and makers. Partnering with the Egyptian Premier League, Thomas Lyte exhibit a culmination of their wide-ranging, master-crafting expertise, to create a great symbol of pride for Egyptians and Egyptian football fans alike.
London-based goldsmiths and silversmiths, Thomas Lyte, in collaboration with Presentation Sports, were invited to take on the prestigious task of designing and crafting the new Egyptian Premier League Shield. Royal Warrant Holders and world-renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and experience in creating prestigious sporting trophies, Thomas Lyte are responsible for some of the world’s most iconic sporting trophies. This made them the ideal choice for this momentous project.
Thomas Lyte’s in-house design team carefully researched and discussed how to make the Shield a perfect representation of Egypt’s proud past, dynamic present, and it’s exciting future. The end goal was to create silverware that is timeless and meaningful, connecting deeply with players and football fans across the country.
Multiple manufacturing techniques were used in it’s craft, pushing the boundaries of master craftsmanship within silversmithing. Intricate engraving details are featured across a piece that utilised a wide range of the facilities available at Thomas Lyte’s London fine silver workshop. Standing at an impressive 95cm when standing on it’s plinth, the Shield’s craftsmanship and quality ensure this imposing, iconic trophy will stand the test of time.
Thomas Lyte’s dedication to merging traditional techniques and modern methodology was crucial to the manufacturing process. The making approach saw the trophy reach every corner of our workshop. Processes, not limited to, expert metal spinning and precision piercing were joined by 3D design, printing and electroforming to ensure a transcendent approach, featuring millennia of artistic influences.
In the early stages of the design process, lasting several months, the focus was on creating a trophy that truly reflects Egypt’s love for football. The design team carefully researched and discussed how to make the trophy a perfect representation of Egypt’s proud past, dynamic present, and it’s exciting future. The end goal was to create silverware that is timeless and meaningful, connecting deeply with players and football fans across the country.
The new EPL shield showcases a highly modern design, incorporating elements that reference deep-rooted Egyptian culture dating back thousands of years. Key features include the wings of Maat, the goddess of truth, justice, and fair play, as well as a sun dial that symbolises Egypt’s strong connections to cosmology. The design also contains intricate motifs inspired by ancient Egyptian art and architecture, with a football placed at its heart.
The Egyptian Premier League (EPL) began in the 1948-49 season, following a rich history of competitive football in Egypt since 1903. Currently the EPL consists of 18 professional teams who play each other both at home and away, with a total of 34 matches making up the League season.
For over half a century, EPL winners would lift the old trophy, as the top honours for the Egyptian Premier League. This shield is set to be retired and replaced with Thomas Lyte’s new design, to be presented for the first time at the end of the 2023-24 season.
Thomas Lyte’s global influence continues to grow within the footballing community. Featuring trophies from around the world, Thomas Lyte are official suppliers of The Emirates FA Cup, makers of the African Football League trophy, and designers and makers of the SAFF King’s Cup.
In addition, Asian football, in particular, is fully adorned with Thomas Lyte-designed and made trophies. The AFC Champions League Elite and AFC Asian Cup are just two of a non-exhaustive, continent-wide family of major asian football trophies made by Thomas Lyte. You can browse our full trophy gallery here.
Our team make the conceivable possible, while preserving traditional skills, pioneering modern methods, and promoting authentic British craft across the globe. Combining the latest technologies with centuries of knowledge, Thomas Lyte’s silver workshops in London, England house world-class facilities for an elite team of designers and makers, masters of their craft. Learn about 3D printing, electroforming and other new technologies that our team have introduced to our sustainable handcrafting process.
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Materials. 24-carat gold plate, Sterling Silver, Resin
Workshop Processes. Casting, Spinning, Piercing, 3D Printing, Electroforming, Filing, Sanding, Polishing, Plating and Engraving
Thomas Lyte are the esteemed designers and makers of the Egyptian Premier League Shield.
Take a glance at these fast facts about the Egyptian Premier League’s new trophy.
