Six individuals, including Paul Pogba’s elder brother Mathias and three childhood friends, are on trial in Paris for alleged blackmail, attempted extortion, and kidnapping of the Juventus and France midfielder. The case, which began on Tuesday, underscores the darker side of professional success and the complexities of maintaining personal relationships.
A Brother Betrayed
The accusations against the group are grave. They are alleged to have demanded €13 million from Pogba in 2022, citing “services rendered” during his rise to stardom. The saga took a sinister turn when Pogba claimed he was held at gunpoint by two hooded men armed with assault rifles. The incident reportedly took place in Roissy-en-Brie, the Paris suburb where Pogba and Mathias grew up.
Adding to the drama, Mathias Pogba posted a series of cryptic videos on social media in August 2022, promising “explosive revelations” about his younger brother. In one clip, Mathias accused Paul of casting an evil spell on his France teammate, Kylian Mbappé.
The videos, coupled with threats and attempts at extortion, prompted Pogba to file criminal complaints in both Italy and France. His lawyers described the ordeal as the work of a criminal gang targeting Pogba’s wealth and success.
The Allegations
Pogba recounted to investigators how he was allegedly ambushed by childhood friends in March 2022. The group reportedly pressured him at various locations, including the French national team’s training center in Clairefontaine, his home in Manchester, and Juventus’ training grounds. Despite the demands, Pogba said he paid them only €100,000 and settled a €57,000 bill they incurred at an Adidas store in Paris.
French police described the accused as a “criminal team” intent on extracting money from Pogba after he cut them off financially in early 2022.
While the five men are charged with extortion, kidnapping, and forming a criminal gang, Mathias Pogba faces charges of attempted extortion and criminal conspiracy. Notably, Mathias was not present during the alleged kidnapping but is accused of pressuring his brother to pay the demanded sum.
Mathias’ Defense
Mathias Pogba has maintained his innocence, claiming he was manipulated into participating in the scheme. “I was just a puppet,” he said in an emotional appeal months before the trial. He expressed hope for reconciliation, stating, “Despite everything, I hope our bond will be strengthened again.”
Mathias’ lawyer, Mbeko Tabula, has refrained from commenting until the trial concludes.
Fallout for Paul Pogba
The trial comes at a challenging time for Paul Pogba, whose career has been marred by injuries and controversies. Earlier this month, Juventus terminated his contract following a doping suspension that sidelines him until March 2025. The allegations and trial add to his woes, overshadowing his once-illustrious career.
A Broader Reflection
The “Pogba affair” highlights the precarious balance professional athletes must maintain between success and personal relationships. Pogba’s testimony underscores his struggle with betrayal by those he once considered family.
“Despite everything that’s happened, they’ll always have a place in my heart… they were like my family,” Pogba said during a joint interrogation in September 2023.
As the trial unfolds, it sheds light on the perils of fame and the complex dynamics of loyalty, competition, and financial expectations in close relationships. Whether justice will mend the strained ties between the Pogba brothers remains to be seen.
