Benjamin Mendy puts World Cup replica up for $62,200 US auction

Benjamin Mendy, a member of the France (Francia) squad that lifted the World Cup (Copa del Mundial) in Russia (Rusia) 2018, placed his replica trophy up for sale in a US‑based auction, where the winning bid reached $62,200, roughly €54,000.

When economic crises hit, owners sometimes part with their most prized possessions, and the news emerged in the last hours that the former Les Bleus defender chose to do just that.

The sale was conducted by Goldin, an auction house based in the United States (Estados Unidos), and the lot attracted a single winning offer of $62,200.

According to Sportune, the replica measures about 38 cm tall, 15 cm wide and 10 cm deep, bears a commemorative inscription of the title and even shows a crack in its base.

Authenticity was guaranteed by a certificate signed by the player, which accompanied the auction lot.

The piece was offered as part of the “Global Football Auction Part 2”, organized DE Global Football Auction Part 2, an event that also featured memorabilia from Lionel Messi and Pelé and drew strong interest from collectors.

Mendy’s career has been marked by off‑field turmoil: a 2021 trial in the United Kingdom over serious allegations led to a two‑year absence and a brief prison stint, after which he was acquitted and attempted comebacks at Lorient and Zurich without lasting impact.

He now plies his trade with Pogoń Szczecin in Poland’s top division, continuing his professional journey after the high‑profile auction of his World Cup (Copa) replica.