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Case Studies / SAFF King's Cup Trophy

FUSING THE MAGIC
OF SPORT
& ROYAL PRESTIGE

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) have commissioned the magnificent new trophy for the iconic Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Cup (also known as the King’s Cup), which has been designed and handcrafted by world-renowned gold and silversmiths, Thomas Lyte.

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DESIGNERS + MAKERS

Designers and Makers of the King’s Cup Trophy

A Royal Warrant holder as silversmiths and goldsmiths to the late Queen Elizabeth II, Thomas Lyte are world-renowned custom trophy designers and makers. Pairing with SAFF (Saudi Arabia Football Federation), Thomas Lyte were commissioned to craft a true masterpiece, embodying rich cultural history and modern design.

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Who designed and made the King’s Cup trophy?

Thomas Lyte are esteemed custom trophy designers and makers. The majestic King’s Cup trophy is the latest stunning addition of master-craftsmanship to join our illustrious trophy cabinet. The trophy now sits amongst some of sport’s best-known and most-revered pieces of silverware.

This update of the classic King’s Cup design replaces it’s predecessor, which held it’s place for 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 throughout the trophy’s design.

“The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Cup project has been a journey of artistic and engineering excellence for all, reflecting the values of tradition, perseverance, and achievement that the tournament represents to so many in Saudi Arabia.”

Kevin Baker, CEO and Founder of Thomas Lyte
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The new King’s Cup trophy

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.

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The King’s Cup history

Founded in 1957, closely following the formation of SAFF, the King’s Cup tournament was designed to embody a fusion of the magic of sport and royal prestige, now holding 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 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.

Other Thomas Lyte trophies from the Middle East

In addition to designing and making this iconic new trophy, Thomas Lyte is proud to have designed and hand-crafted many of the region’s other major prizes including silverware for the AlUla Camel Cup, the Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Cup and the International League T20 trophy, among others.  Our fine silver workshops also produced the AFC Asian Cup men’s and women’s trophies and the AFC Champions League trophy.

You can browse our full trophy gallery here.

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Meet the Makers

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.

Our Process

King’s Cup illustration
  • Year Crafted. 2024
  • Height. 54cm
  • Weight. 9.32kg
  • Craft time. 480hrs

Materials. Sterling silver, 24-carat gold plating + malachite

Workshop Processes. Casting, Spinning, Filing, Sanding, Chasing, Polishing, and Engraving

DESIGNERS AND MAKERS OF THE

SAFF King’s Cup Trophy

Thomas Lyte are proud to be the entrusted designers and makers of the SAFF King’s Cup trophy.

Take a glance at these fast facts about the new King’s Cup trophy.

  • What is the King’s Cup trophy made from?
    Hallmarked sterling silver with 24-carat gold plating, featuring malachite and marble.
  • How old is the King’s Cup trophy?
    The trophy was designed and crafted by Thomas Lyte in 2024, replacing it’s 30 year-old predecessor.
  • Where is the King’s Cup held?
    The competition is held across Saudi Arabia, however the Saudi Arabia Football Federation is situated in Riyadh.
  • What is special about the King’s Cup trophy?
    The trophy weighs exactly 9.32kg, in tribute to the formation date of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 1932.
  • What does SAFF stand for?
    SAFF is the acronym for the initials of the Saudi Arabia Football Federation.
  • What is the King’s Cup officially known as?
    The SAFF King’s Cup is also known as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Cup.
The Details