Paul Pogba, one of football’s biggest stars, is at the center of a shocking blackmail trial in Paris. The case involves six men, including Pogba’s older brother Mathias and three of his childhood friends. They are accused of attempting to extort 13 million euros from Pogba, holding him at gunpoint, and harassing him over money.
The trial stems from events in March 2022, when Pogba says he was tricked by childhood friends. He claimed they later held him at gunpoint and demanded millions for “services rendered.” Pogba explained to investigators that these men blamed him for not helping them financially despite his success.
He revealed that he had been pressured multiple times—in France, at his home in Manchester, and even at Juventus’ training ground. Pogba admitted to paying 100,000 euros under duress and settling a 57,000-euro bill they racked up at an Adidas store in Paris.
Mathias Pogba, Paul’s own brother, added fuel to the fire by posting videos on social media in 2022. In these videos, he promised shocking revelations about Paul and even accused him of using witchcraft against France teammate Kylian Mbappé. Paul’s lawyers dismissed the accusations, calling them part of ongoing threats and attempts at extortion.
This trial is yet another challenge for Paul Pogba, whose career has been rocky since France’s 2018 World Cup victory. Injuries plagued him after his move back to Juventus from Manchester United in 2022. More recently, his contract with Juventus was terminated due to a doping suspension, banning him from playing until 2025.
In a previous interview, Pogba shared how deeply these personal issues have affected him. “Money changes people,” he said, “It can destroy families and start wars.”
The accused deny the allegations, claiming they had a friendly relationship with Pogba and that any financial help was voluntary. As the trial unfolds, the football world watches closely, shocked by the betrayal and complexity of the case.
Paul Pogba’s story is a painful reminder of how success can sometimes attract the wrong kind of attention, even from those closest to us. The outcome of this trial could provide some closure for the troubled football star.
