The trial of six individuals accused of attempting to extort football star Paul Pogba is set to begin Tuesday, November 26, at the Paris court. Among the accused is Mathias Pogba, the older brother of the 2018 World Cup winner with the French national team. All six face charges related to the alleged blackmail attempt in March 2022.
According to Paul Pogba, he was held captive in an apartment in the Paris area by armed men demanding €13 million for alleged protection services provided to him since the start of his career. The group reportedly included childhood friends and Mathias Pogba, who is accused of playing a key role in the incident.
The case came to light after Mathias Pogba posted videos on social media accusing his brother of failing to meet financial commitments to their family. These videos drew the attention of investigators and reignited the case.
The trial, which is expected to last several weeks, will explore the deep tensions within the footballer’s inner circle. Paul Pogba, currently sidelined by injury, will watch as his former confidants face charges that could carry prison sentences of up to 20 years.
In addition to the blackmail case, Pogba has faced other challenges in recent months. He tested positive for testosterone in August 2023, leading to a maximum ban by Italy’s anti-doping court. However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced his suspension, acknowledging that the positive test resulted from a supplement prescribed to him by a Florida-based doctor and lacked intent.
Pogba’s contract with Juventus, which was set to run until June 2026, was marred by injuries that limited him to just eight Serie A appearances during his second stint with the club.
“My time at Juventus has come to an end. It has been a privilege to pull on the shirt of the Bianconeri and to share so many special memories together,” Pogba said in a statement. “I cherish the memories we made. They live on. Even in the most difficult moments over the past year, your support was crucial, and I want to thank Juve fans around the world for their compassion.”
Pogba made history in 2016 as the most expensive footballer at the time when he joined Manchester United from Juventus for €105 million ($113 million). He played a key role in France’s 2018 World Cup victory before returning to Juventus as a free agent in 2022.
Looking ahead, Pogba expressed optimism about his future. “I am looking forward to the next chapter of my career and to stepping out on the pitch with my next club,” he said.
