On Thursday evening, during the seventh and final day of the trial surrounding the extortion of French football star Paul Pogba, lawyer Daphné Pugliesi delivered her closing argument for her client, Roushdane K. Known as a reserved and uncooperative defendant, K. is the only one among the six accused still in pretrial detention. Pugliesi described him as "the whirlwind of my life," a phrase she used to highlight the long and complex relationship she has had with this client over twelve years.
The case dates back to March 2022, when Paul Pogba, then a midfielder for Manchester United and the French national team, was allegedly ambushed by childhood friends and associates. They demanded 13 million euros from him, citing supposed financial support he had promised years earlier. The extortion plot involved a night of intimidation, with Pogba reportedly held at gunpoint and forced to transfer money. Six men were eventually charged, with Roushdane K. identified as the alleged mastermind who orchestrated or ordered the execution of the scheme.
Throughout the trial, which began on November 26, K. remained largely silent. His lawyer acknowledged this difficulty: "He didn't give much," she admitted, expressing frustration. "So I'm angry." Yet Pugliesi sought to humanize him, describing him as a "funny and nice guy" in private who nonetheless finds himself entangled in impossible situations. She attributed his silence to fear, noting that he is afraid of the consequences and the intense media scrutiny.
K.'s demeanor in the courtroom was telling. Surrounded by a glass cage, he often stared darkly at journalists, his anger barely contained. He rubbed his forehead and smooth scalp, a gesture that reminded some observers of the iconic Colonel Kurtz from the film Apocalypse Now. His left hand, however, bore a more tangible mark of violence: he was shot during an attack by unidentified men around the time of the extortion. This injury, which nearly cost him the use of his hand, became a central point in his defense.
"In this case, the only blood spilled is his," Pugliesi argued. "He has almost lost the use of his hand. I don't know if he was trapped or put under pressure, but this bloodshed is already a punishment for him." This line of reasoning aimed to shift the narrative from a calculating criminal to a victim who may have been coerced or set up. However, K.'s criminal record, which began when he was 17, and his reputation as a "big brother" and informal mediator in the neighborhood, made the defense challenging.
The trial featured testimony from various witnesses and co-defendants, each trying to minimize their role while implicating others. The prosecution painted K. as the driving force behind the extortion, citing his contacts with the footballers and his ability to mobilize others. Yet the evidence remained largely circumstantial, relying on phone records and statements from individuals with their own motives to lie.
Pugliesi's closing argument was the last among the defense lawyers. She emphasized the lack of direct proof linking her client to the violent acts. "He is not a thug," she insisted, "but someone who got caught in a spiral of events he could not control." She pointed out that K. had not fled or hidden after the allegations emerged, and that he had voluntarily attended some police interviews, albeit with limited cooperation.
The atmosphere in the courtroom was tense. The presiding judge repeatedly asked K. to speak louder and repeat himself, as his answers were often mumbled or indecipherable. At one point, she warned him about the consequences of his silence. Yet K. remained defiant, refusing even to address the court when given the final opportunity to speak at the end of the trial. One by one, the other five defendants stood and expressed remorse or offered explanations. K. simply shook his head and was led back to his cell at Fresnes prison.
This lack of engagement frustrated his lawyer, but she understood it as part of his personality. "He has a fear of being misunderstood, or of saying something that will be used against him," she explained. "He would rather stay silent than say the wrong thing." This strategy, however, poses a risk: juries often look for remorse or cooperation, and silence can be interpreted as guilt.
The trial also highlighted broader issues within French football, including the pressure on players and the influence of childhood friends. Paul Pogba himself did not attend the trial, but his statements and the impact on his career were discussed. The extortion case has overshadowed his recent years, contributing to injuries and a decline in form. He has since moved to Juventus and then to a club in Saudi Arabia, but the legal saga continues to affect his public image.
As the proceedings concluded, the judge announced that the verdict would be delivered on December 19. The court will then decide whether Roushdane K. is guilty of organized extortion, kidnapping, and related charges. If convicted, he faces a long prison sentence given his criminal history and the severity of the allegations. His co-defendants, most of whom have been released under judicial supervision, await the same fate.
The defense's last hope rested on Pugliesi's ability to cast reasonable doubt. She argued that the prosecution's case relied heavily on the testimony of individuals who were themselves involved and had incentives to shift blame. "There is no forensic evidence, no confession, no direct witness linking him to the actual extortion," she said. "All we have are assumptions and suppositions." She also noted that the alleged mastermind did not benefit financially from the crime, as no money was ultimately transferred.
Outside the courtroom, the families of the defendants and a few journalists lingered. The case has drawn national attention in France, not only because of Pogba's fame but also due to the glimpse it offers into the dark side of wealth and loyalty. For Roushdane K., the outcome will determine whether he continues his path of incarceration or receives a chance at redemption. For now, all parties wait until December 19.
Source: L'Équipe News