The Pogmentary, a new documentary series starring Paul Pogba, is available to view on Amazon Prime.
It follows the French midfielder for over a year, chronicling his last months at Manchester United as well as the decision-making process that took place behind the scenes with the major players involved. But it also provides insight into Pogba's personal life, his background, and what motivates him.
What occurred in the first episode?
The first episode's pre-amble begins with an epic narration: 'Wherever he goes, he is shiny...like a walking star.' 'Some individuals are tough to love, but Paul is simple to love,' we are informed right away.It's all quite self-aggrandizing, but what else would you expect from a show commissioned with such a clear goal?
Pogba's experiences are brought to life through animated images, including his departure from France at the age of 16 to join Manchester United and the death of his father.
We also meet his family, including his wife and boys, as well as two other significant figures in his life: Mino Raiola – the episode is eventually dedicated to the late agent, who died in April – and lawyer Rafaela Pimenta.
Pogba's future at United is a hot topic early on, and the club's last home game of the 2020/21 season — a 1-1 draw against Fulham – is discussed.
Pogba is obviously trying to show that he has a kind side away from football, and at one point visits Manchester city centre to hand out food packs to homeless people, emphasizing how a tiny gesture from him can make a big difference to someone in need.
What did we discover?
Pogba and, presumably, his other customers saw Raiola as a father figure. As if they were his kids, he talked about acting in their best interests. While Raiola has always been the public face, Pogba loves Pimenta's contribution and refers to her as his "business mom."
Pogba honestly believed he would be departing United in 2021, with Fulham perhaps being his final home game. It's also evident that he doesn't believe the club did enough to keep him, and that he only began to work hard — to steal a term from Love Island – once he realized he could be going. Was it too late at that point? "At order to feel significant in their club, players must feel important," he explains.
Pogba, on the other hand, made it obvious that he wants to showcase his affection for United. He said things like, "You can't say no to Manchester," and "This club will always be in my heart."
Raiola said that he had held negotiations with Juventus, who he claimed could no longer afford Pogba – despite the fact that he is apparently poised to return to the club – as well as PSG, Real Madrid, and Barcelona.
Pogba's initial departure from United was also discussed, which Raiola said stemmed from the club's lack of respect for the player, who was only a teenager at the time.
Pogba wants to work in movies or television once he retires from football.
Finally, having been transformed by the early death of his own father, Pogba wants his boys to be proud of their father and to feel that he has been there for them.
Quote of the day
"Even Jesus was not universally adored...
He was crucified."
2nd Episode
What went wrong?
The second episode follows the same broad timeline as the first in terms of start and end times. It's early summer 2021, and Pogba has completed his club season and is now preparing for Euro 2020 with France.
After his international pops up on FaceTime, he works on his fitness at home with his personal trainer, and his strong bond with Antoine Griezmann is developed. Pogba said of their initial connection, "He's a bit wild like me, so there was a connection."
The episode revolves on the subject of family. Pogba and his wife, Zulay, send their children to London to ride horses.The footballer also discusses religion and visits Roissy-en-Brie, a Paris neighborhood where he grew up, to open a pitch named after him.
We meet his mother, who is visiting her homeland of Guinea for Ramadan.
The uncertainty over his club's future hangs large in the backdrop.
What did we discover?
Pogba adores representing France. It appears to drive him more than anything else in sports, as the episode begins with his memories of scoring in the 2018 World Cup final victory.
We discovered that the French team, like the rest of the world, was taken aback by Karim Benzema's unexpected return to the squad in time for Euro 2020. Pogba and Griezmann discussed it, and it's been alleged that even captain Hugo Lloris was unaware of it until it happened.
Pogba's life has been shaped by his faith. He grew up with parents of many faiths and was raised as a Christian who attended church, but his conversion to Islam began when he first prayed with friends and experienced something he had never felt before.
There is a strong belief that religion has improved his life. Pogba has revealed that his religion has 'calmed' and 'appeased' him.
Pogba's mother is also said to have sewn his name onto his first official football shirt, but ran out of light blue thread after the P A U and did the L in dark blue instead.
Overall, episode two is a lot softer and more intimate.
Quote of the day
"It helps me forget about the pressures of stardom. It transforms me into a human being."
What occurred in Episode 3?
If episode two focused on Pogba's life outside of football and behind closed doors, episode three returned the focus to football and the transfer controversy that loomed over him.
Zulay and his family spent Euro 2020 in Miami, however his mother and older brother Mathias attended France's knockout match versus Switzerland.
Pogba travelled to Miami to reconnect with his wife and children after France was eliminated from the competition after blowing a 3-1 lead and losing on penalties. Mathias was a panelist on the Spanish network El Chiringuito, thus he still had a call with them.
PSG transfer rumors, which were rife in France, took center stage. Despite media reports to the contrary, Pogba reiterated that no deal was ever close to being reached. Raiola then phoned to discuss the player doing what is best for his career and family, as well as for his business and brand.
The countdown to the transfer deadline begins now that Euro 2020 is gone. There are still 60 days left.
What did we discover?
Pogba's career began with a setback when, at the age of 12, he was rejected by the prestigious French football academy of Clairefontaine. He claims that it encouraged him to pursue a career as a professional notwithstanding.
Raiola would never rule out continuing to engage with Manchester United in the transfer market, but he was willing to chat with other clubs, including PSG, as soon as it was permissible.
During a phone discussion with a buddy following France's Euro 2020 elimination, Pogba openly toyed with the possibility of PSG, citing the club's 'dream larger' motto.
Pogba and Raiola both express their dissatisfaction with his current situation at United, saying, "The French squad gets the true Pogba...
There's a stumbling issue with Manchester."
Pogba would contemplate relocating to the United States in the long run due to the 'American style of thinking.' However, he looked to be somewhat uncomfortable on the beach with Zulay in Miami at one point since people seemed to recognize him.
Quote of the day
"I'd love to see him at Paris Saint-Germain...the king is returning," says one fan.
Finally, some thoughts
The Pogmentary has some enjoyable moments. It's extremely nice to see elements of Pogba's personal life that are generally kept behind closed doors, like as his interactions with his wife and children.
However, you get a sense of monotony. Even though the episodes evolve in time, the same core themes appear over and over. What you see in episode one will be repeated in episode five, but no more progress will be made.
The attempt to generate some 'will he, won't he' suspense about a prospective move in the summer of 2021 appeared foolish - the countdown to the transfer deadline served no purpose - since we already knew nothing would happen.
If Pogba intended to'set the record straight,' he hasn't done himself any favors with Manchester United supporters. His legacy at the club is one of'should have done more,' and his comments about a 'nothing' contract offer, while perhaps frustrating from his perspective of wanting to feel wanted, come across as incredibly out of touch, especially given his own comments about humble beginnings and teaching his children the value of money.
Overall, The Pogmentary has a manufactured feel about it. The animated cut scenes with voiceovers look fine, but they're pushing a bit too hard to sell a certain story, and it all comes off as a little too pushy to promote the 'Pog' brand.
When will Amazon release Pogmentary? What is the best way for me to watch?
Pogmentary was released via streaming on June 17, 2022, more than a year after the documentary's makers initially announced it.
To watch the show on Amazon, you'll need a membership, which costs £7.99 per month/£79 per year in the UK and $12.99 per month/$119 per year in the US. Free trials are available, but there are some restrictions.
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