The trial involving French football star Paul Pogba and his alleged extortionists, including his brother Mathias Pogba, has gripped the world of sports and shed light on the darker side of fame.
This high-stakes legal battle reveals a tale of betrayal, blackmail, and the pressures that come with being a global football icon.
At the center of the Paris criminal court case are six men, including three of Pogba’s childhood friends and his brother Mathias.
The accused allegedly attempted to extort €13 million from Pogba, claiming it was payment for “services rendered.”
The saga began in March 2022 when Pogba was reportedly lured to a location and held at gunpoint by two masked men armed with assault rifles.
The perpetrators demanded the exorbitant sum, accusing the footballer of failing to provide financial support.
Pogba claims he paid €100,000 to appease them but refused to meet their full demand.
Though Mathias was not physically present during the kidnapping, he is accused of pressuring his younger brother to pay the ransom.
Mathias made headlines in August 2022 after releasing a video promising “explosive” revelations about Paul. In the clip, he accused Paul of hiring a witch doctor to cast a spell on his France teammate Kylian Mbappé, a claim that Pogba has vehemently denied.
The videos, according to Pogba’s legal team, were part of an elaborate campaign to intimidate him and his family.
Pogba had already filed criminal complaints in both France and Italy before Mathias’ public outburst.
The six accused, including Mathias, face charges of extortion, kidnapping, and forming a criminal gang.
However, the defendants claim they, too, were victims of the masked men who allegedly threatened Pogba.
A police report describes the group as “a criminal team… intent on extracting €13 million from Paul Pogba.”
Despite this, lawyers for the accused argue their relationship with Pogba was once friendly, with occasional financial assistance, and deny involvement in any criminal activity.
The trial comes during a tumultuous period for Pogba’s career.
Earlier this month, Juventus terminated his contract following his suspension for doping, which will sideline him until March 2025.
For Pogba, who once commanded the world’s attention as a key player for France and Manchester United, the case represents a dramatic fall from grace.
The Pogba case highlights a growing concern about the vulnerability of high-profile athletes to extortion and betrayal. For many, fame and fortune come at a steep price, exposing them to exploitation, even by those closest to them.
As the trial unfolds, it remains to be seen whether justice will be served or if the revelations will further deepen the scars in Pogba’s personal and professional life. Regardless, this saga serves as a cautionary tale for the sporting world.