Baku: In an incident that stirred much controversy in football circles, former France international Benjamin Mendy has sold his official replica of the 2018 World Cup trophy that he won with France in Russia. 62,200 US dollars, the equivalent of around 54,000 euros, according to Goal.com.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, parting with the most valuable achievement of any footballer's career is hardly usual, and the decision may strike some as shocking. Yet the 32-year-old left-back put the trophy up for sale as part of "The Football Global Auction, Part Two", organised by the famous American auction house "Goldin", which specialises in sports memorabilia.

This was not the original trophy, which FIFA keeps, but the official identical replica that FIFA and the French Federation grant every world champion player as a personal keepsake.

French network "RMC", citing the "Sportune" platform, reported that the sold replica came with a certificate of authenticity signed in Benjamin Mendy's own handwriting, proving its origin.

An engraving on the replica commemorates the Moscow final and France's 4-2 win over Croatia. It also shows slight signs of use and a small crack in its base, confirming that Mendy had displayed and kept it in his possession throughout the past years.

Bidding proved fierce. The number of bids reached 38 before the auction closed on 25 July 2026, just a few days after Spain won the 2026 World Cup title.

Mendy did not stop at the trophy. In the same auction he offered up the 2018 world champion ring, the luxurious ring that Paul Pogba gifted to all his France team-mates after the triumph in Russia.

Rare football items filled the "Goldin" auction, among them cards and memorabilia belonging to legends and stars such as Pel©, Lionel Messi, and Lamine Yamal.