Benjamin Mendy has Auctioned and Sold His World Cup Trophy

Benjamin Mendy has done something many football fans never imagined.

The former France and Manchester City defender has sold his official replica of the 2018 FIFA World Cup trophy at auction for around €54,000 (£46,270). The trophy was sold through American auction house Goldin and came with a signed certificate of authenticity from Mendy.

The trophy was not the original FIFA World Cup. FIFA keeps the original trophy permanently, while members of the winning squad receive official replicas to keep.

Mendy's replica attracted dozens of bids despite showing signs of wear, including a small crack at its base. He also reportedly offered his 2018 World Cup winners' ring for sale.

The sale immediately divided opinion.

Many supporters argued that a World Cup trophy—replica or not—is priceless and should never leave a player's collection. Others defended Mendy, pointing out that it is his personal property and he has every right to sell it.

Mendy did little to calm the debate.

Responding to criticism, he reportedly said:

"Is this my trophy or yours? ... It's mine. I can do whatever I want with it... Plus, it was taking up too much space in the closet."

His comments only fueled more discussion across social media.

The controversy comes after several difficult years for the French defender. Following lengthy legal proceedings that ended with his acquittal, Mendy's career and finances changed dramatically. He has since rebuilt his career in Poland with Pogoń Szczecin, while previously selling other assets during his financial difficulties.

The bigger question now is not whether Mendy had the right to sell the trophy—he clearly did.

It is whether football's greatest personal souvenirs should ever become auction items.

For some fans, selling a World Cup trophy is unthinkable.

For Mendy, it was simply another possession he chose to part with.