Benjamin Mendy sells 2018 World Cup winners’ medal for about €54,000

Benjamin Mendy has sold the gold medal he received as part of France’s 2018 World Cup-winning squad for approximately €54,000 at a United States sports memorabilia auction.

The former France and Manchester City defender offered the medal through an American auction house specialising in sporting collectables, according to French newspaper L’Equipe.

The medal reportedly has a crack in its base, along with minor signs of corrosion. The buyer also received a certificate of authenticity signed by Mendy.

Mendy was included in the France squad that won the World Cup in Russia in 2018, as the country claimed the tournament for the second time in its history.

His involvement in the competition was limited. He played 40 minutes against Denmark in France’s final group-stage match, while remaining on the substitutes’ bench for the rest of the team’s campaign.

France finished top of their group before progressing through the knockout stages and eventually defeating Croatia in the final in Moscow. Mendy was part of the squad that collected the winners’ medals, although he did not feature in the latter stages of the tournament.

The 32-year-old has played for Polish club Pogon Szczecin since September 2025. He has won 10 caps for France during his international career.

A left-back, Mendy began his senior club career with Marseille before moving to Monaco. He later joined Manchester City, where he played in the Premier League and competed in domestic and European competitions.

His time at Manchester City was affected by legal proceedings after he was charged with rape and other sexual offences. Mendy was acquitted of the allegations against him in July 2023.

The sale of the medal marks the latest development in the former France international’s career, which has included a World Cup triumph, a move to one of England’s leading clubs and a return to football after the legal case.

Mendy’s medal was sold with its condition disclosed, including the damage to the base and the light corrosion described by L’Equipe. The signed authenticity certificate accompanied the item as part of the transaction.