Mendy’s personal 2018 World Cup trophy sold as French defender cashes in on title memento

Former France international Benjamin Mendy has sold his personal 2018 World Cup trophy for $62,200 (around €54,000) at a US sports memorabilia auction, parting with one of the most prestigious symbols of his career.

The 32-year-old left-back, who was part of the France squad that lifted the trophy in Russia, put the item up for sale in the “Goldin Elite Auction: World Football – Part 2”, run by American auction house Goldin, which specialises in high-end sporting collectibles.

The piece sold is not the original World Cup trophy retained by FIFA, but the official replica awarded by FIFA and the French Football Federation to each member of the victorious squad as a personal keepsake.

According to French outlet RMC, citing the specialist platform Sportion, the trophy was accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by Mendy himself, confirming its origin.

The replica features an inscription commemorating the Moscow final, in which France defeated Croatia 4-2, and shows minor signs of wear, including a small crack on its base. Those details were highlighted as evidence that the trophy had been displayed and kept by Mendy over the years since the triumph.

Bidding interest and World Cup timing

The auction drew sustained interest, with 38 separate bids lodged before the lot closed on 25 July 2026 – just days after Spain were crowned World Cup winners in 2026.

Mendy did not limit his participation to the trophy alone. He also put up for sale his 2018 World Cup champions’ ring, a luxury item gifted to every member of the France squad by Paul Pogba following their success in Russia.

Goldin’s event featured a broad range of rare football memorabilia, including cards and items linked to iconic figures such as Pele, Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal.

Career highs and a halted trajectory

A product of Le Havre’s academy, Mendy rose to prominence with Marseille and Monaco before securing a high-profile move to Manchester City in the summer of 2017 for €58m, a fee that made him the most expensive defender in the world at the time.

His career came to a standstill in 2021 when he faced rape charges, leading to a two-year suspension from football and a period in pre-trial custody. He was fully acquitted of all charges in July 2023.

Following his acquittal, Mendy sought to rebuild his career with Lorient and Zurich but was unable to re-establish himself at those clubs.

Poland move offers fresh start

His next opportunity arrived in Poland, where he signed for Pogon Szczecin in September 2025. The move marked a new chapter after several turbulent years, and he has since extended his contract by a further year, with the club having finished ninth in the league last season.

Explaining his decision to choose the Polish league in comments made in November 2025, Mendy said: “كان لنهج ادارة نادي بوغون دور محوري، وكان من الضروري بالنسبة لي ان احظى بالوقت الكافي لاستعادة لياقتي، شعرت بالراحة هناك منذ اللحظة الاولى.

“وعندما عرض علي المدربون مقاطع فيديو لملعبنا وجدول المباريات والاجواء العامة، فوجيت. الناس الذين ليسوا في بولندا لا يدركون مدى جمال كرة القدم البولندية”.

The sale of his World Cup trophy and championship ring adds a new and highly visible twist to a career that has combined major sporting success with significant off-field upheaval.