Selhab Mammadov: The selection of the Geneva monument for the FIFA Peace Prize was unexpected

The bronze statuette prepared for the "peace prize" presented to US President Donald Trump during the draw ceremony of the 2026 World Championship held in Washington has caused great interest both in world football and in Azerbaijan.

It was later revealed that the statuette is a mini-copy of the famous "Thoughts and Dreams" monument by Selhab Mammadov and Ali Ibadullayev. The original of this work is currently located in Geneva - in front of the UN headquarters.

Idman.Biz received an exclusive statement from one of the authors of the monument - People's Artist, Vice-Rector of the Azerbaijan State Academy of Arts and First Deputy Chairman of the Union of Artists Selhab Mammadov regarding the issue.

"FIFA appealed to all football federations to submit their options for this new nomination, the statuette of the peace prize. The monument we created together with Ali Ibadullayev also caught their attention. I think they chose it because the work reflects the organization's values and fits perfectly with this nomination. The monument symbolizes the globe and also the football; people from different countries and continents hold it together. Along with the copy of the monument, they also ordered us to prepare a medal and a commemorative badge. Because the winner of the nomination will be presented not only with the statuette, but with the entire set," said Selhab Mammadov.

"Of course, I am very happy that we have left our mark on world football in this way and that the work of Azerbaijani sculptors was chosen for such an important award. Seven years ago, when our four-meter monument was erected in front of the UN, we never imagined that it would be needed by FIFA one day. Frankly, I did not expect such a big hype around this award," the People's Artist added.