Six men, including three childhood friends and the brother of French football star Paul Pogba, go on trial Tuesday in Paris on charges of attempted extortion, kidnapping, and criminal conspiracy after allegedly demanding €13 million ($13.5 million) from the Juventus midfielder at gunpoint.
The case, which has rocked French football, reaches court as Pogba faces his own professional crisis, with Juventus recently canceling his contract following a doping suspension through March 2025. The trial exposes the dangerous intersection of wealth, fame, and childhood relationships in professional sports.
The scandal first emerged publicly when Mathias Pogba, the footballer’s brother, posted videos in August 2022 promising “explosive” revelations about Paul, including allegations that the World Cup winner had cast an evil spell on teammate Kylian Mbappe. Paul Pogba’s lawyers responded by revealing ongoing criminal investigations in France and Italy into what they called “threats and attempts at extortion as part of a criminal gang.”
According to police documents reviewed by AFP, Paul Pogba told investigators he was “tricked by childhood friends” from his hometown of Roissy-en-Brie in March 2022. The footballer described being held at gunpoint by two hooded men demanding €13 million for “services rendered,” claiming he had abandoned them financially after achieving professional success. Pogba acknowledged paying them €100,000 and covering a €57,000 shopping spree at a Paris Adidas store.
“Despite everything that’s happened, they’ll always have a place in my heart… they were like my family,” Pogba said during a September 2023 joint questioning with the defendants, highlighting the complex emotional dynamics underlying the case.
The defendants, who face charges including extortion, kidnapping, and forming a criminal gang, deny the allegations. They claim to be victims themselves of the unidentified hooded gunmen. Mathias Pogba, who was not present during the alleged armed confrontation, is specifically charged with attempting to pressure his brother and family to ensure payment.
“I hope our bond will be strengthened again,” Mathias said in recent months, describing himself as merely a “puppet” in the affair and appealing for reconciliation with his brother.
The trial is expected to examine not only the specific criminal charges but also broader issues facing professional athletes maintaining relationships with those who knew them before fame. Paul Pogba reported being pressured at multiple locations, including France’s national team training center, his Manchester home, and Juventus’ training ground.
