Benjamin Mendy (foto: Getty Images)
Benjamin Mendy has responded to criticism after auctioning his official 2018 World Cup trophy replica, insisting he has every right to sell his own memorabilia.
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Benjamin Mendy has sparked fierce debate after selling his official replica of the 2018 FIFA World Cup trophy, prompting criticism from supporters and a blunt response from the former France international.
The 32 year old, who was part of France's World Cup winning squad in Russia, auctioned the replica through American auction house Goldin, where it reportedly sold for approximately €54,000.
The sale quickly generated strong reactions on social media, with many fans questioning why a player would part with one of the most prestigious mementos of his career.
Mendy, however, made it clear he had no regrets.
"Was it my trophy or yours? In the end, it's mine, and I can do whatever I want with it."
He also joked about the reason behind the sale.
"It took up too much space in the cupboard."
The former Manchester City defender then suggested the World Cup replica might not be the last item to leave his personal collection.
" By the way, I have a few other trophies I've won that I could put up for sale."
Mendy was part of the France squad that defeated Croatia in the 2018 World Cup final, adding football's biggest prize to a career that had already seen him win the Ligue 1 title with Monaco.
In 2017, he joined Manchester City in a transfer worth almost €60 million, making him the world's most expensive full back at the time.
During his spell in England, Mendy won eight major trophies before his career was dramatically interrupted by legal proceedings.
In 2021, he was charged with multiple sexual offense allegations.
After a lengthy legal process, Mendy was acquitted of all charges in July 2023. The case, however, kept him away from professional football for more than two years.
Since returning to the game, the defender has represented Lorient and FC Zurich, before joining Polish club Pogon Szczecin, where he is under contract until the summer of 2027.
Mendy earned 10 senior caps for France, with his final international appearance coming in 2019 against Albania.