Benjamin Mendy sells World Cup replica for $62,000 after hitting back at critics

Benjamin Mendy has sold his official replica of the 2018 World Cup trophy for $62,000 (£49,000; about €54,000), and responded sarcastically to criticism of the decision.

The former France defender put the trophy up for auction as part of Global Football Auction Part 2, organised by United States-based auction house Goldin, which specialises in sports memorabilia. The replica eventually sold for $62,000.

Mendy, who was part of the France squad that won the World Cup in Russia in 2018, addressed the reaction on Snapchat.

“Is this my trophy or your trophy? In the end, it belongs to me and I can do whatever I want with it,” he said.

He then added, sarcastically, according to French broadcaster RMC: “Besides, it was taking up far too much space inside the cupboard.”

Mendy also suggested that more of his football memorabilia could be sold in the future.

“And by the way, I still have more trophies up for sale,” he said.

The replica was linked to France’s World Cup triumph in 2018, when Didier Deschamps’ side defeated Croatia in the final. It was one of several major honours won by Mendy during his career.

He won the French league title with Monaco in 2017 before joining Manchester City in a transfer worth €58m, which made him the most expensive defender in the world at the time.

Mendy spent six years with Manchester City, from 2017 to 2023, and won eight trophies during that period. His honours included four Premier League titles.

He also won 10 international caps for France and was included in the squad that lifted the World Cup in Russia, although his international career was limited in comparison with many of his fellow tournament winners.

His playing career suffered a major setback in 2021 when he faced several allegations of rape and attempted rape. In July 2023, a court found him not guilty of all the charges against him.

Mendy had spent more than two years away from football because of the case and a period in custody. He returned to the game with French club Lorient before later moving to Swiss side Zurich.

He subsequently joined Polish club Pogon Szczecin, where he remains under contract until June 2027.

The sale of the trophy replica has prompted debate because of its connection to France’s historic World Cup victory, but Mendy made clear that he regarded it as his personal property and said he was free to decide what happened to it.