Benjamin Mendy has sold the official replica of the 2018 World Cup trophy he received after France won the tournament, prompting widespread debate over his decision.
The replica was offered at Global Football Auction Part 2, organised by US-based sports memorabilia company Goldin. It eventually sold for $62,000, equivalent to about €54,000.
Mendy responded to criticism on Snapchat, defending his decision to sell the item.
“Is this my trophy or yours? In the end, it belongs to me, and I can do whatever I want with it,” he said.
The former France international then made light of the situation, according to French broadcaster RMC.
“Besides, it was taking up far too much space inside the cupboard,” he added.
Mendy also suggested that the World Cup replica might not be the only piece of memorabilia he is prepared to sell.
“And by the way, I still have more trophies up for sale,” he said.
The defender was part of the France squad that won the 2018 World Cup in Russia, defeating Croatia in the final. That triumph was one of several major honours collected during his career.
Mendy won Ligue 1 with Monaco in 2017 before joining Manchester City in a transfer worth €58m. The move made him the most expensive defender in the world at the time.
He spent six years with Manchester City, from 2017 until 2023, and won eight trophies during that period. His honours included four Premier League titles.
Mendy also won 10 caps for France and was included in the squad that lifted the World Cup in 2018.
His career suffered a major setback in 2021 when he faced several allegations of rape and attempted rape. In July 2023, a court cleared him of all the charges brought against him.
Mendy had been absent from football for more than two years because of the legal case and a period in custody. He eventually returned to the game with French club Lorient.
The left-back later moved to Swiss side FC Zurich before joining Polish club Pogon Szczecin. He remains under contract with Pogon Szczecin until June 2027.
The sale of the replica has drawn attention because of Mendy’s status as a World Cup winner, although the item was not the original trophy presented to the champions. Mendy’s comments indicate that he regarded the replica as his personal property and felt entitled to decide how it should be used.
France’s victory in 2018 was Mendy’s most significant international achievement, while his time at Monaco and Manchester City brought further domestic success. His decision to auction the memorabilia has nevertheless become the latest talking point surrounding the defender, who returned to professional football after a lengthy absence.
