Benjamin Mendy has sold the official replica of the 2018 World Cup trophy he received after France won the tournament, responding to criticism with a sarcastic message on social media.
The replica was offered through Global Football Auction Part 2, organised by US-based sports memorabilia auction house Goldin. It sold for $62,000, equivalent to about €54,000.
Mendy addressed the reaction to the sale on Snapchat, questioning why his decision had attracted so much attention.
“Is this my trophy or your trophy? In the end, it belongs to me, and I can do whatever I want with it,” the former France defender said.
He added, sarcastically, in comments reported by French broadcaster RMC: “Besides, it was taking up far too much space inside the cupboard.”
Mendy then suggested that the replica World Cup might not be the only piece of silverware he is willing to sell.
“And by the way, I still have more trophies for sale,” he said.
Mendy was part of the France squad that won the 2018 World Cup in Russia, beating Croatia in the final. He also 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.
During his spell with Manchester City from 2017 to 2023, Mendy won eight trophies. Those honours included four Premier League titles.
He made 10 international appearances 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 found him not guilty of all the charges against him.
Mendy had been away from football for more than two years because of the case and the period he spent in custody. He eventually returned to the game with French club Lorient.
The defender later moved to Swiss side Zurich before joining Polish club Pogon Szczecin. He remains under contract with Pogon Szczecin until June 2027.
The sale of Mendy’s replica trophy comes after a period in which his football career has been overshadowed by legal proceedings and his absence from the pitch. His comments indicate that he regards the memorabilia as personal property and is prepared to decide for himself what happens to the honours he has collected during his career.