Juventus star Paul Pogba has become embroiled in an extraordinary saga involving claims of blackmail and other threats, following a bizarre video posted on social media by his elder brother, Mathias.
Reports in France from the AFP news agency, and others, suggest that French police have opened an investigation, after the World Cup-winning midfielder claimed he was the subject of an extortion attempt by an “organised gang”.
Pogba’s France teammate Kylian Mbappe has also been dragged into the story, after he was mentioned by Mathias in the video. The elder Pogba promised to make “great revelations” about his brother, and also reveal “very important things” that involved the Paris Saint-Germain superstar.
Here, The Sporting News breaks down what we know so far about an extraordinary narrative that is actually hard to believe.
What are the Paul Pogba blackmail claims?
Pogba’s elder brother, Mathias, released a video on Instagram and other social media on Saturday — with versions in English, French, Spanish and Italian — in which he promised he would soon make a series of “great revelations” about the Juventus playmaker.
“The French, English, Italian and Spanish public, as well as my brother’s fans — and even more so the French team and Juventus, my brother’s teammates and his sponsors — deserve to know certain things,” he said in the video.
“In order to make an informed decision if he deserves the admiration, respect and love of the public.
“Whether he deserves his place in the French team and the honour of playing in the World Cup. If he deserves to be a starter at Juventus.
“If he is a trustworthy person, that any player would want to have at his side.”
Following publication of the video, Paul Pogba released a statement — also signed by his agent Rafaela Pimenta, his mother and his lawyers — which said the posting of Mathias’ videos were “unfortunately no surprise”.
“They are in addition to threats and extortion attempts by an organised gang against Paul Pogba,” read the statement.
“The competent bodies in Italy and France were informed a month ago and there will be no further comments in relation to the ongoing investigation.”
AFP and other sources in France reported confirmation on August 29 of that official police investigation.
Paul Pogba kidnap claims
According to a report in France Info, as part of the police investigation Paul Pogba has told French authorities that he was threatened by childhood friends and two hooded men, armed with assault rifles.
The publication also suggests that he was dragged by the gang into a Paris apartment in March and threatened.
The Juve midfielder is said to allege that the gang is demanding 13 million euros from him for ‘services provided’ over the years, which it is claimed includes armed protection.
How are Kylian Mbappe, witch doctor involved in the Pogba case?
While no specific claims involving Mbappe have yet been made directly, Mathias Pogba ended his video by referencing the PSG forward.
“I will also tell you very important things about Kylian Mbappe… and there will be elements and many testimonies to confirm my words,” he said.
Mbappe was also mentioned in one of a series of tweets Mathias posted following the video’s release, in which he also mentioned a ‘marabou’ (witch doctor) and took further aim at his brother — although again, no explicit claims were made directly.
Mathias wrote on Twitter: “Kylian, now do you understand? I have nothing negative against you, my words are for your good, everything is true and proven, the marabou is known! Sorry to this brother, a so called muslim deep in witchcraft, it’s never good to have a hypocrite and a traitor near you!”
Who is Mathias Pogba?
Mathias Pogba is the 32-year-old older brother of Paul, and is a twin with Pogba’s other brother, Florentin.
He is a professional player himself, and has appeared for a number of clubs across Europe, including Wrexham, Crewe, Partick Thistle, Pescara and Sparta Rotterdam.
Mathias is a former Guinea international, with five caps for the African nation between 2013 and 2017.
Paul and Mathias have always appeared close over the journey of their football careers. The duo were pictured together celebrating France’s 2018 World Cup triumph after Les Blues won the trophy in Russia, a tournament the younger Pogba played in.
They also reportedly attended a charity event together in March, just before the alleged kidnap attempt cited by France Info.
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