Six men, including Paul Pogba’s own brother Mathias, are facing trial in Paris this week, accused of blackmail, attempted extortion, and kidnapping the French footballer.
The case, which has shocked the world of football, revolves around an alleged plot to extort millions of euros from the Juventus midfielder and France national team star.
The accusations also shed light on a family feud, involving childhood friends and a brotherly rivalry that has turned criminal.
The Blackmail Plot Unfolds
The trial, which began on November 26, 2024, at the Paris criminal court, is the culmination of a bizarre and disturbing chapter in Paul Pogba’s life.
The footballer claims that in March 2022, he was ambushed by a group of childhood friends from his hometown of Roissy-en-Brie, just outside Paris. According to Pogba, he was forcibly taken by two hooded men carrying assault rifles and held at gunpoint.
The group allegedly demanded €13 million ($13.5 million) for “services rendered,” accusing the midfielder of failing to financially support them despite his newfound wealth.
Pogba said that he had already given them €100,000, and even paid for a shopping spree at a high-end Adidas store on Paris’ prestigious Champs-Elysées, which amounted to more than €57,000.
The footballer was reportedly pressured on multiple occasions: at the France national team’s training center in Clairefontaine, at his home in Manchester, and even at Juventus’ training ground. These actions were allegedly part of a larger scheme to extort money from Pogba.
This shocking case began to unravel publicly in 2022, when Mathias Pogba, Paul’s older brother, released a series of videos across social media platforms in August, claiming to have explosive revelations about his brother’s life.
Although the details were vague, Mathias hinted at serious wrongdoing, including accusations that Paul had cast a spell on his national teammate Kylian Mbappé.
The public outburst escalated the tension between the brothers, and Mathias’ involvement in the case quickly became clear.
The Role of Mathias Pogba
Mathias Pogba, a former professional footballer with limited career success, is accused of playing a pivotal role in the blackmail plot.
He is alleged to have been involved in pressuring Paul to meet the extortion demands, despite not being physically present during the kidnapping. Mathias faces charges of attempted extortion, kidnapping, and participating in a criminal gang.
In a twist, Mathias has claimed that he was merely a “puppet” in the entire affair. In an emotional video released before the trial, he expressed his hope that the bond between him and his brother could be restored, despite the gravity of the situation.
“I hope our bond will be strengthened again,” Mathias said, making an emotional appeal to reunite with his younger brother. However, the strained relationship between the two has left many questioning whether reconciliation is possible.
The Allegations and Denials
All six men charged in connection with the case deny the allegations. They claim that they themselves were victims, insisting that the hooded men who allegedly held Paul Pogba at gunpoint were the true perpetrators of the extortion plot.
These mysterious figures, who have never been identified, are said to have been the ones who forced Pogba to hand over money.
The accused individuals face charges ranging from extortion and kidnapping to the formation of a criminal gang.
However, the defense claims that their clients were simply trying to pressure Pogba into paying a debt owed to them, rather than engaging in a criminal conspiracy. The court will ultimately have to determine the credibility of these defenses as the trial progresses.
Paul Pogba’s lawyers have steadfastly supported their client, describing the entire ordeal as an attempt to exploit the footballer’s success for financial gain. His legal team, led by Pierre-Jean Douvier, has declined to comment on the case ahead of the trial.
However, in previous statements, Pogba’s representatives have called the situation an egregious betrayal by individuals who were supposed to be his trusted friends and family.
The Aftermath: Pogba’s Career Crisis
The trial is not the only challenge that Pogba has faced in recent years. Earlier in November 2024, Juventus announced that they had canceled Pogba’s contract following his suspension for doping violations.
This follows a failed drug test in August 2023, which led to his suspension from football until March 2025. Pogba’s career has been marred by these controversies, which have compounded the emotional and financial toll of the blackmail ordeal.
Despite the setbacks, Pogba has remained resolute in his public statements. In September 2023, he opened up about the toll the situation had taken on him, acknowledging the betrayal by people he once considered family.
“Despite everything that’s happened, they’ll always have a place in my heart… they were like my family,” he said, reflecting the complex emotions he has had to navigate.
Family Feuds and Football Rivalries
The Pogba case highlights the difficulties that many professional athletes face in maintaining relationships with those who knew them before their rise to fame.
The financial pressures and fame that come with playing at the highest level can often create tensions within families, as well as among childhood friends.
The Pogba brothers’ case has put a spotlight on these struggles, showing how personal and professional rivalries can become toxic, leading to betrayal and criminal activity.
The situation is further complicated by Mathias Pogba’s actions, which have been widely interpreted as a calculated attempt to harm his younger brother’s reputation.
Some have speculated that Mathias may have been motivated by a mix of jealousy and financial desperation, given his own lack of success in professional football.
The Broader Impact on French Football
The “Pogba affair,” as it has come to be known, has sent shockwaves through the French football community. It serves as a stark reminder of the pressures faced by athletes, particularly those who rise to prominence at a young age.
The case has drawn comparisons to the world of gangsters and organized crime, due to the involvement of family members and childhood friends in the alleged plot. For many, it serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of wealth, fame, and family.
Football fans have been left grappling with the revelation that such a prominent player has found himself entangled in a criminal conspiracy involving his own brother.
The scandal has also reignited debates about the darker side of professional sports, where relationships can quickly be soured by the lure of money and power.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Justice
As the trial continues in Paris, the question of justice remains at the forefront. Will Paul Pogba receive the justice he seeks, or will this case further mar his already troubled career?
The outcome of the trial could have lasting repercussions not only for the players involved but also for the world of professional football as a whole.
The case may serve as a stark reminder that, for some, the pursuit of fame and fortune can lead to dangerous paths, where betrayal and greed can tear families apart.
For now, the world watches closely as the legal proceedings unfold, hoping for a resolution that brings closure to one of the most bizarre and shocking stories in recent football history.
