The legal proceedings revealed shocking details about the extortion attempt. According to Paul Pogba’s testimony, he was tricked by childhood friends in March 2022, who kidnapped him and held him at gunpoint. Two masked men armed with rifles demanded €13 million, claiming it was payment for past favors, but Paul only managed to pay €100,000. The court also convicted five other men associated with the plot, sentencing them to prison terms ranging from several years to eight years, alongside fines between €20,000 and €40,000. Among them, Roushdane K., identified as the mastermind, received the harshest penalty—eight years in prison. Mathias, who initially went public with the issue via a video promising “explosive revelations” about his brother, has maintained his innocence, asserting that he was manipulated into participating.

The case has not only highlighted the betrayal within Paul Pogba’s inner circle but also underscored the personal and professional challenges that athletes face when navigating relationships from their past. Mathias’s lawyer, Mbeko Tabula, expressed shock at the ruling and stated plans to appeal, arguing that his client acted under pressure. This saga has left an indelible mark on Paul Pogba, exposing how fame and wealth can sometimes attract harmful intentions even from those closest to you. It also serves as a cautionary tale about trust, loyalty, and the complex dynamics of navigating success and personal relationships.