Juventus star Paul Pogba has been embroiled in an extraordinary saga involving blackmail, kidnapping and other threats allegedly involving his brother Mathias.
Pogba’s World Cup-winning team-mate Kylian Mbappe has also been dragged into the story, with allegations of witchcraft levelled at the former Manchester United midfielder.
The Sporting News breaks down the elements of an extraordinary narrative that is actually hard to believe.
Who is trying to blackmail Paul Pogba?
Pogba’s oldest brother Mathias released a video online in English, French, Spanish and Italian alleging the Juve playmaker placed a curse on Mbappe via a witchdoctor.
Mathias also alleges Pogba wanted to “really wanted to shut me up completely to lie and send me to prison.”
Following the publication of the video on Saturday night, Pogba released a statement – also signed by agent Rafael Pimenta, his mother and lawyers – which said the posting of Mathias’ videos “are 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.”
It is understood that the gang involved is alleged to include Mathias, Pogba’s childhood friends and other men.
Was Paul Pogba kidnapped?
According to a report in France Info, Pogba has told investigators that he was threatened by childhood friends and two hooded men armed with assault rifles.
The publication also states Pogba was dragged by the gang into a Paris apartment in March and threatened.
Pogba alleges the gang is demanding $13 million from him for ‘services provided’ over the years, which they claim includes armed protection.
Did Paul Pogba cast a spell on Kylian Mbappe via a witchdoctor?
It is alleged by Mathias that Pogba asked a witchdoctor in his family circle to cast a spell on his France team-mate and PSG star Kylian Mbappe.
No proof or motive for Pogba’s alleged witchcraft has been revealed by Mathias.
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.
Mathias is a Guinea international, with five caps for the African nation he was born in between 2013 and 2017.
He has played for a number of clubs across Europe including Wrexham, Partick Thistle, Sparta Rotterdam and Racing Murcia.
What is the relationship like between Paul and Mathias Pogba?
Paul and Mathias Pogba have always appeared close over the journey of their football careers with the duo pictured celebrating France’s 2018 World Cup triumph which the junior brother played in.
The two brothers also attended a charity event together in March – just before the alleged kidnap attempt occurred.
