Football: "It took up too much space in the cupboard," Benjamin Mendy justifies the sale of his 2018 World Cup trophy

The former French international parted with one of the greatest mementos of his career, his 2018 World Cup winner's trophy, at an auction.

Eight years after winning the World Cup with France, Benjamin Mendy has parted ways with one of the most symbolic and prestigious items in a footballer's career. The 32-year-old defender sold his official replica of the 2018 World Cup winner's trophy for $62,220 (approximately €54,000) at the "Global Football Auction Part 2," an auction held in the wake of the 2026 World Cup, reports Sportune.

The trophy, accompanied by a certificate signed by Benjamin Mendy, mentions France's victory at the World Cup held in Russia in 2018. An exceptional souvenir for collectors, as it refers to the second world title of Les Bleus, obtained against Croatia (4-2).

It's my haircut, I'll do what I want with it.

Criticized for his actions, the player defended the sale via his Snapchat account late Friday night. "Is this my trophy or yours? Actually, it's mine. It's my trophy. I can do what I want with it. Besides, it was taking up too much space in the closet," he wrote on social media before adding insult to injury. "And by the way, I still have this to sell," he added, posting a photo of the trophies as proof.

A fresh start after several turbulent years

This sale comes at a more stable time for Benjamin Mendy. After reviving his career in Poland, the former Manchester City full-back recently extended his contract with his club, attempting to regain consistency after several extremely difficult seasons.

Sidelined for months following rape and sexual assault allegations in England, Benjamin Mendy was ultimately acquitted by the British courts after two trials. Since then, the 2018 World Cup winner has been working to rebuild his career, away from the media spotlight that accompanied his years at Manchester City and with the French national team. The sale of this trophy thus marks a new chapter in the unique journey of a player whose trajectory has profoundly changed since his World Cup victory in Russia.