Paul Pogba opens up on family impact of brother's extortion conviction
Paul Pogba has spoken publicly for the first time about the personal toll of the extortion case involving his brother, Mathias, describing the profound impact it had on their mother. The AS Monaco midfielder made the comments during an appearance on Rio Ferdinand's podcast, breaking a long silence on the matter that culminated in his brother's criminal conviction.
Mathias Pogba was sentenced to one year in prison, with an additional two years suspended, for organized extortion and attempted extortion against his younger brother. The former Juventus and Manchester United star described the period as particularly difficult for their mother, Yeo Moriba. "Hearing all these stories, it was hard for her. Very hard," Pogba said. "But she was always there. When brothers argue, the first ones affected are the parents. So it was difficult for my mother."
The 31-year-old World Cup winner suggested he may have mishandled aspects of the family crisis. "I may have made a mistake. My brother knew he had made one. But in the end, she is our mother and we must make her happy," Pogba added. The case, which involved alleged threats and demands for money, cast a shadow over the latter part of Pogba's second stint at Juventus and preceded his return to France with Monaco.
Pogba's football career has been severely disrupted in recent years, with the off-field drama coinciding with a lengthy absence from the pitch. After more than two years without playing competitive football, he finally made his Monaco debut in late 2025. However, his comeback has been stuttering; a calf injury quickly followed that return, limiting him to just 51 minutes of Ligue 1 action so far this season.
The move to Monaco last summer was seen as a fresh start for the midfielder, allowing him to be closer to his family while attempting to resurrect his career in a familiar league. His limited minutes, however, highlight the physical challenges he still faces after such a prolonged period of inactivity and injury setbacks. Monaco, currently managed by Adi Hütter, took a calculated risk on Pogba's fitness and mentality, offering him a contract despite the obvious uncertainties.
For Pogba, the podcast interview represents a significant step in addressing a painful chapter directly. By focusing on the familial consequences rather than the legal details, he has shifted the narrative toward personal reconciliation. The footballing world will now watch to see if this emotional unburdening can coincide with a more sustained and successful return to the field for a player who was once among the world's most dominant midfielders.
