Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Not just the cup…what did the sale include?
In an incident that caused a lot of controversy in football circles, former France international Benjamin Mendy sold his official replica of the 2018 World Cup, which he won with France in Russia, for US$62,200, equivalent to around €54,000.
The choice may seem shocking to some, because it is not unusual to give up the most expensive achievement of any football player’s career, but the 32-year-old left back decided to put the trophy up for sale as part of the World Football Auction – Part Two, organized by the famous American auction house Golden, which specializes in sports items.
What exactly did Mandy sell?
What is being sold is not the original trophy held by FIFA, but an official replica given by FIFA and the French Federation to each world champion player as a personal souvenir.
According to the French “RMC” network on the “Sportion” platform, the copy sold was accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, signed by the handwriting of Benjamin Mendy himself, which proves its source.
The copy bears an inscription commemorating the Moscow final and France’s victory over Croatia (4-2). It also shows minor signs of use and a small crack on the base, confirming that it has been displayed and has been with him in recent years.
The auction witnessed remarkable competition as the number of bids reached 38 before it closed on July 25, 2026, a few days after Spain won the 2026 World Cup.
Not only did Mendy sell the trophy, he also put the 2018 World Cup ring on display at the same auction, which is the gorgeous ring that Paul Pogba gave to all his France team-mates after his coronation in Russia.
The auction, organized by Golden, included a large collection of rare football collectibles, including cards and memorabilia belonging to legends and stars such as Pele, Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal.
💰 Benjamin Mendy sold his World Cup at an auction for tens of thousands of euros.https://t.co/UZcnLOZv0t
— RMC Sport (@RMCsport) July 30, 2026
From world fame to Poland
Mendy, a Le Havre academy graduate who played for Marseille and Monaco, became the world’s most expensive defender when he moved to Manchester City for €58m in the summer of 2017.
His career came to a screeching halt in 2021 following allegations of rape, before he was finally acquitted of all charges in July 2023, following a two-year suspension and time spent in pre-trial detention.
After his acquittal, he attempted a comeback without much success with Lorient and Zürich before finding a fresh start in Poland, signing for Pogon Szczecin in September 2025, where he recently signed a one-year contract extension after his side finished ninth last season.
Mendy had justified his choice of the Polish League in previous statements in November 2025, saying: “Pogo’s approach to club management played a key role, and it was necessary for me to have enough time to recover my fitness. I felt comfortable there from the first moment.
When the coaches showed me the videos of our stadium, the game schedule and the general atmosphere, I was amazed. “People who are not in Poland don’t realize how beautiful Polish football is.”
