This invention provides a molding die in which increase of the surface roughness due to crystal growth of chromium oxide is restrained, and thereby allowing long term use without deteriorating surface roughness of a glass gob or a molded glass article. The invention also provides a method for manufacturing the molding die, a glass gob, and a molded glass article. A molding die is provided with a substrate having a molding surface and protective film containing chromium formed thereon, and the protective film has the X-ray diffraction peak intensity of (110) plane of chromium higher than the X-ray diffraction peak intensity of (200) plane.