Why Deepika Padukone was invited to FIFA World Cup final, what she said

Lionel Messi-led Argentina won the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar on Sunday night (December 18). Before the start of the final, which was a thriller, Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone created history at the venue of the summit clash – Lusail Stadium in Al Daayen.

Ahead of the Argentina-France final, Deepika was on the pitch to unveil the FIFA World Cup trophy in front of 80,000-plus spectators.

Also read: All winners of FIFA World Cup 2022 awards & prize money details

Deepika was invited to unveil the trophy made of 18-carat solid gold. She along with Spain’s World Cup winner Iker Casillas showcased the trophy before Argentina and France took to the field.

Why Deepika was invited

Deepika is the first Indian to have received the honour to unveil the coveted FIFA World Cup trophy. The moment arrived for her amid the ongoing controversy over her ‘Besharam’ song from her upcoming movie Pathaan, which also stars Shah Rukh Khan.

Since Deepika is one of the brand ambassadors for France’s high-end luxury fashion house and company Louis Vuitton. She was picked for the trophy unveiling by the fashion brand. The trophy is kept in a specially-designed Louis Vuitton trunk.

Also read: Full coverage of FIFA World Cup 2022

Sharing a video from the ceremony in Qatar, Deepika wrote on her Instagram account that she “couldn’t have asked for more”.

“From unveiling the FIFA World Cup Trophy to witnessing one of the greatest games in sporting history, i truly couldn’t have asked for more…,” she said.

Deepika faces flak for her dress

Though it was a moment to cherish for Deepika and all Indians, there were some on social media who criticised the actor’s dress which she wore for the trophy unveiling ceremony.

Some wanted her to showcase Indian culture and tradition, others termed her attire as “atrocious” and were “confused”.

Her white shirt with a statement brown jacket and black tulle skirt was designed by Louis Vuitton. She wore high-heeled boots.

Louis Vuitton’s association’s FIFA World Cup

Over the years, Louis Vuitton has presented a selection of its bespoke trunks designed for the world’s most prestigious sporting trophies.

According to the company, “Louis Vuitton trophy trunks perpetuate the Maison’s long tradition of creating elegant and ingenious cases for travellers to transport their most precious belongings. Allowing the trophies to be safely transported and displayed, each trunk is handcrafted in Asnieres, just outside Paris, by Louis Vuitton’s master artisans.”

As part of its partnership with FIFA, Louis Vuitton has specially designed trunks for the 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 FIFA World Cups.

The Trophy Trunk has been carefully crafted to protect the sought-after trophy’s 6.175 kilograms of 18-carat gold and malachite.

“A gracious and intelligent means of transporting and displaying football’s greatest prize, this elegant case continues Louis Vuitton’s 160-year association with legends: from royalty, writers, explorers to the most recognizable trophy in the world,” the company said.

Louis Vuitton has designed trophy travel cases for various other top sports events including the Davis Cup (tennis), Rugby World Cup, Formula One Monaco Grand Prix, NBA’s Larry O’Brien trophy, America’s Cup (sailing), and others.