Benjamin Mendy defends decision to sell World Cup 2018 replica trophy

Former France national team defender Benjamin Mendy has strongly defended his decision to sell his official replica of the World Cup 2018 trophy telling critics he can do whatever he wants with his personal memorabilia.

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A defiant response to criticism

The 32 year old left back faced a wave of online criticism after his replica trophy went under the hammer at the US based Goldin auction house.

The item, which featured slight signs of wear and a crack in its base, ultimately sold for $62,200 (approximately €54,000) during the "Global Football Auction Part 2".

In response to the public backlash, Mendy took to his Snapchat account to silence his detractors with a direct statement.

"Is this trophy mine or yours? By the way, it is mine and I do whatever I want with it" he wrote.

Maintaining a sarcastic tone, the defender added:

"Besides, it was taking up too much space in the closet"

The memorabilia and career context

The auctioned item is the official FIFA replica granted to every member of the World Cup winning squad. While the original trophy remains with the governing body, these identical replicas serve as personal keepsakes for the players.

According to RMC Sport, Mendy also included a handwritten certificate of authenticity with the sale to prove its origin.

The World Cup 2018 triumph with Les Bleus remains the pinnacle of a playing career that includes 8 major club honours. Mendy won the Ligue 1 title with AS Monaco in 2017 before securing four Premier League titles during his time with Manchester City.

His career was heavily disrupted in 2021 by a lengthy legal battle involving multiple accusations of sexual offences. Mendy was completely cleared of all charges by July 2023.

Following an extended absence from professional football, he returned to the pitch with Lorient & FC Zurich before signing for Polish top flight club Pogoń Szczecin, where his contract runs until June 2027.

What happens next?

Despite the recent controversy, it appears Mendy is not finished parting with his career mementos. In his social media response, he hinted at the possibility of future sales, stating:

"And by the way, I still have more to sell"

Whether this includes other significant items, such as his World Cup winner's ring which was reportedly also listed, or further club medals remains to be seen.

Regardless of the public perception, the defender has made it emphatically clear that he remains unfazed by outside opinions regarding his personal possessions.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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