Paul Pogba Blackmail Trial in Paris

In a shocking turn of events, six individuals associated with renowned Juventus and France midfielder Paul Pogba are set to face trial in Paris. The charges against them include blackmail, attempted extortion of millions of euros, and even holding Pogba at gunpoint. This case has sent ripples through the French football community, especially since three of the accused are childhood friends of Pogba, and one of them is his own brother, Mathias.

The backdrop of this trial is particularly troubling for Pogba, who is already grappling with significant professional challenges. Just this month, Juventus terminated his contract after he was suspended until March 2025 due to a doping violation. The accused group allegedly attempted to extort a staggering 13 million euros (approximately $13.5 million) from Pogba, claiming it was for “services rendered.”

Mathias Pogba, the footballer’s brother, was the first to publicly address the situation. In August 2022, he released a video on social media platforms in multiple languages, hinting at “explosive” revelations about his younger brother while keeping the specifics ambiguous. In a follow-up video, he even accused Paul of casting an evil spell on his France teammate, Kylian Mbappe. This bizarre claim only added to the drama surrounding the case.

Pogba’s legal team, including his agent Rafaela Pimenta, responded to Mathias’s videos by stating that they were part of a larger scheme involving threats and extortion from a criminal gang. In July 2022, Pogba had already filed criminal complaints in both Italy and France, indicating that he was taking the matter seriously.

According to Pogba, he was deceived by his childhood friends from Roissy-en-Brie, the neighborhood where he and Mathias grew up. He reported that in March 2022, he was ambushed and held at gunpoint by two masked men armed with assault rifles, who demanded the exorbitant sum of money. Pogba claimed that he had only given them 100,000 euros, despite their demands for much more. He also mentioned that he felt pressured in various locations, including the France national team’s training center and his homes in Manchester and Turin.

In a particularly troubling incident, Pogba revealed that he had paid over 57,000 euros for a bill incurred by these so-called friends at an Adidas store on the famous Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris. This situation raises serious questions about trust and loyalty, especially among those who are supposed to be close to him.

As the trial begins, it serves as a stark reminder of the darker side of fame and fortune. While Pogba has achieved great success in his career, this incident highlights the potential pitfalls that can accompany such a high-profile lifestyle. It is a cautionary tale for athletes and public figures about the importance of surrounding oneself with trustworthy individuals. The outcome of this trial will not only impact Pogba’s life but may also serve as a pivotal moment in the ongoing conversation about the pressures faced by professional athletes.