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The affair had the effect of an explosion, shaking the world of football as rarely in 2022 and putting the spotlight on the problematic entourage of some champions. Six relatives of former French international Paul Pogba, including his older brother, have been on trial since Tuesday afternoon 26 November in the Paris criminal court for attempting to extort 13 million euros from the footballer through various means. Some are childhood friends, others met him in the shared neighborhood of La Renardière, in Roissy-en-Brie (Seine-et-Marne), and the last is his older brother, Mathias, by three years the eldest and he himself a second good level footballer.
All six will have to appear until December 3 for their involvement in a case that combines blackmail, pressure and even kidnapping with the aim of extorting 13 million euros from the midfielder, who at the time of the events was playing for Manchester United and then to Juventus Turin.
The story came to light at the end of August 2022 with a video broadcast on social networks by Mathias Pogba in four languages (French, Italian, English and Spanish), in which he promised revelations about his younger brother. “All this risks being explosive” Mathias had declared, without further details. This enigmatic video was followed by another in which big brother accused Paul of having harassed Kylian Mbappé, his teammate with the Blues.
Hooded men armed with assault rifles
“Mathias Pogba’s recent statements […] Added to this are threats and attempts at extortion by an organized gang against Paul Pogba.Paul Pogba’s lawyers and his agent Rafaela Pimenta then said. The international, just reconfirmed at Juventus after six seasons at Manchester United, had in fact lodged a complaint in Italy in July 2022 before being heard in France a few days later.
He declared to investigators from the Central Office for the Fight against Organized Crime (OCLCO). “trapped by childhood friends” on the night of 19/20 March 2022, at the time he was still arriving in Manchester. These relatives would have kidnapped and kidnapped him under the threat of two hooded men armed with assault rifles, to ask him for 13 million euros for “service rendered”accusing him of not helping them financially since he became a professional player. Of the 13 million he claims to have paid the sum of 100 thousand euros.
During his hearings, Paul Pogba also said that he had been pressured by these friends at the Blues’ training center in Clairefontaine, in Manchester where he lived, and at the club’s training center in Turin. he declared that he had to pay a bill amounting to 57,227 euros spent by these same acquaintances in the Adidas store on the Champs-Elysées.
“I wanted us to resume a brotherly relationship and not an economic relationship”
Those close to the 2018 world champion have firmly denied these accusations. “It was a relationship of friendship, discussion, laughter and beyond that, yes, Paul Pogba perhaps gave them some advantages”Karim Morand-Lahouazi, lawyer of one of the five friends, tells me. In their defence they all claimed to have been victims of violence and pressure from the robbers who were never identified. “My client also found himself on the ground, with his hands at his head and the gun pointed at him”Me Morand-Lahouazi recalled.
In the trial which will open on Tuesday all five will be tried for extortion, kidnapping and criminal conspiracy. The sixth accused, Mathias Pogba, who was absent on the night of the kidnapping, is suspected of having committed that kidnapping “put pressure on his brother Paul and his family to guarantee the payment of the sum of 13 million euros”. He will be tried for attempted extortion and criminal conspiracy.
During the debates we will undoubtedly talk about the relationships between the two brothers. During a hearing before the investigating judge a few months ago, Paul Pogba told how the money had separated the two brothers, making Mathias financially dependent on him. “I wanted us to resume a brotherly relationship and not an economic relationship”he declared. A few months ago, before the same judge, Mathias had also declared: “I hope that our union will be reconsolidated”. The defendants, one of whom will appear in prison, face five to ten years in prison.
How can athletes protect themselves from exploitation by family and friends in the wake of fame?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Football Expert Dr. Isabelle Laurent
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. Isabelle Laurent! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today to discuss the explosive case surrounding Paul Pogba and his family. Let’s dive right in. What are your initial thoughts on the trial involving six of his relatives for attempted extortion?
Dr. Isabelle Laurent (IL): Thank you for having me. This case has certainly sent shockwaves through the football world. It shines a light on the darker sides of fame and success—the pressures and vulnerabilities that come with being a top athlete like Pogba. When friends or family become opportunists rather than supporters, it creates a toxic environment.
TNE: Absolutely. The accusations are startling—attempts to extort €13 million and even threats involving armed men. How do these actions reflect on the entourage of professional athletes?
IL: It speaks volumes about the influence and dynamics within an athlete’s circle. Many players come from humble beginnings and are often surrounded by childhood friends and family who feel entitled to a share of their success. However, when these relationships turn exploitative, it’s a tragic betrayal. In Pogba’s case, it appears that the boundaries of support and financial dependency became dangerously blurred.
TNE: We know Mathias Pogba released videos on social media hinting at ‘explosive revelations.’ How might social media complicate such situations for athletes?
IL: Social media adds a layer of volatility and public scrutiny that we haven’t seen in previous generations. It allows for the immediate dissemination of information, but also misinformation. When someone like Mathias Pogba threatens to reveal ‘truths,’ it not only pressures Paul but also places him in a hostile public spotlight. In a sport where image and perception are everything, this can be devastating.
TNE: The fact that Paul Pogba felt “trapped by childhood friends” during the alleged kidnapping raises a key issue. What can professional athletes do to mitigate risks like these?
IL: Building a reputable professional support network is crucial. It’s not just about hiring agents and financial advisors but building relationships with people who prioritize the player’s well-being. Athletes should also surround themselves with individuals who can provide honest feedback. Ultimately, establishing boundaries—financial and emotional—is key to navigating these pressures effectively.
TNE: The situation clearly illustrates a significant shift from familial bonds to an economic relationship. What insights can you offer regarding the psychological impacts of such experiences on athletes?
IL: The psychological toll can be profound. It can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and distrust. An athlete’s sense of safety is critical; if that’s compromised by betrayal from loved ones, it can affect performance on and off the field. Moreover, dealing with such trauma publicly can be exhausting, and many athletes might struggle with mental health issues as a result.
TNE: With this case still unfolding, what broader implications do you think it holds for the sports community?
IL: This trial highlights the need for better support systems within sports organizations—both for mental health and personal safety. Clubs should be proactive in educating athletes about the potential pitfalls of fame and the importance of carefully curating their inner circle. It’s vital for the integrity of the sport that athletes feel protected and valued beyond their on-field performance.
TNE: as a football expert, how do you see Paul Pogba’s career affected by this scandal moving forward?
IL: It’s hard to predict entirely, but this scandal could impact his public image and performance. Players often face immense pressure, and if Pogba doesn’t receive the right support, it could hinder his ability to focus on football. However, if he can navigate through this turmoil and regain control, it could lead to a significant comeback—a testament to his resilience.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Laurent, for your insights into this intricate situation. It’s been enlightening to explore the complexities surrounding Paul Pogba’s case with you today.
IL: Thank you for having me! It’s a critical discussion, and I appreciate the opportunity to shed light on these important issues.
