Six men, including Mathias Pogba—the brother of Juventus and French football star Paul Pogba—are on trial in Paris, accused of blackmail, attempted extortion, and holding the player at gunpoint in a case that has stunned the football world.
The Accusations
The trial revolves around claims that the accused attempted to extort €13 million ($13.5 million) from Paul Pogba. Among the defendants are three of his childhood friends and his older brother, Mathias Pogba.
The charges stem from incidents in March 2022, where Pogba alleges he was lured by friends from his childhood neighborhood in a gritty Paris suburb, only to be abducted and threatened by two masked men armed with assault rifles. According to Pogba, the attackers demanded millions, accusing him of failing to support them financially despite his success.
Pogba claims he paid €100,000 to appease the group and later covered over €57,000 in bills they accrued at an Adidas store in Paris. He further alleges that threats and financial demands were made at various locations, including the French national team’s training facility, his Manchester home, and Juventus’ training ground.
Family Betrayal
Mathias Pogba’s involvement deepens the sense of betrayal in this case. In August 2022, Mathias posted a video on social media promising to reveal damaging secrets about his younger brother. In one such post, he accused Paul Pogba of casting “evil spells” on fellow French teammate Kylian Mbappé—an allegation Paul Pogba denies.
Paul Pogba’s legal team dismissed the claims as part of a broader campaign of threats and extortion. His lawyers stated that Mathias pressured the Pogba family to ensure payment of the €13 million demanded by the alleged criminal gang.
Mathias, however, was not present during the alleged abduction and denies any wrongdoing. His lawyer has refrained from commenting during the trial, but he is charged with attempted extortion.
A Career in Crisis
The trial is the latest chapter in a turbulent period for Paul Pogba, whose once-bright career has been plagued by injuries, professional setbacks, and legal troubles.
After helping France secure the 2018 World Cup with a crucial goal in the final against Croatia, Pogba struggled with persistent injuries. He returned to Juventus in 2022 after leaving Manchester United but has since faced doping allegations. Earlier this month, Juventus terminated his contract, and he is suspended from football until March 2025.
Pogba recently reflected on the impact of these events, saying:
“Money changes people, it’s the truth, it can destroy a family, start a war.”
Legal Defense and Complexity
Lawyers for the accused have portrayed their clients’ relationships with Pogba as friendly, claiming they often joked and chatted with him. They deny any criminal intent, with one lawyer arguing that any financial support Pogba provided was voluntary.
The accused also claim they were victims of the masked gunmen who threatened Pogba, though these individuals remain unidentified.
Trial and Outcome
The Paris court will hear charges of extortion, kidnapping, and forming a criminal gang against five of the defendants. Mathias Pogba faces separate charges of attempted extortion.
The trial, which opens a window into the darker sides of fame, wealth, and familial bonds, is expected to reveal further details about the alleged conspiracy.
As the case unfolds, it marks a cautionary tale about the complexities of success and the personal vulnerabilities that often accompany public stardom.
