The trial of six individuals, including Mathias Pogba, the elder brother of French football star Paul Pogba, is set to begin on Tuesday, November 26, at the Paris court. The accused face charges of attempting to extort €13 million from the 2018 World Cup winner in a case that has cast a shadow over his illustrious career.
Paul Pogba alleges that in March 2022, he was held captive in an apartment in the Paris region by armed men demanding payment for years of alleged protection since the start of his career.
The group reportedly included Mathias Pogba and several childhood friends, with Mathias allegedly playing a central role in the extortion attempt.
The situation escalated when Mathias posted videos on social media accusing his younger brother of neglecting family obligations. These accusations reignited public interest and drew the attention of investigators, leading to the current trial.
The trial, expected to last several weeks, delves into the strained relationships within Paul Pogba’s inner circle. If convicted, the accused could face sentences of up to 20 years in prison.
The case unfolds as Paul Pogba contends with other challenges in his career. In August 2023, he tested positive for testosterone, leading to a lengthy suspension by Italy’s anti-doping court. While his ban was later reduced due to a lack of intent, Pogba confirmed his departure from Juventus, where his contract was set to expire in June 2026.
Also, read; NAACP Launches $200M Fund to Bridge Racial Equity Gap and Empower Underserved Communities
Reflecting on his time at Juventus, Pogba shared an emotional statement:
“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. 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, who became the most expensive soccer player in history when Manchester United signed him for €105 million in 2016, also hinted at a fresh start. Injuries had limited his appearances during his second stint at Juventus, but he remains optimistic about the next chapter of his career.
“I am looking forward to stepping out on the pitch with my next club,” Pogba added.
From his critical role in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph to his record-breaking transfer and subsequent struggles with injuries and controversies, Paul Pogba’s career has seen extraordinary highs and dramatic lows. As the trial unfolds, it marks yet another pivotal moment in the life of a player whose journey continues to captivate fans and critics alike.
