Paul Pogba is one of France’s most dynamic players. (Getty)
Paul Pogba is one of the most exciting young players in soccer. His family has been there to see him become one of the most recognizable players in the world.
Paul plays for France while spending most of his time in Italy’s Serie A league for Juventus. His parents are both from Guinea while he was born in France. Last season, he had eight goals and 12 assists for Juventus. In the midst of Euro 2016, he has been linked to numerous teams including Manchester United.
From his immigrant parents to his professional soccer playing twin brothers, there is a lot to learn about the Pogba family.
Here’s what you need to know.
1. Paul’s Twin Brothers Play for the Guinea National Team
Soccer brings the Pogba family together. (Getty)
While Paul has opted to play for France, his twin brothers play for Guinea. According to FIFA.com, Guinea is where their parents immigrated from to France. Florentin and Mathias play for their parents home country. Soccer has deep roots in the Pogba family. Florentin explained the brothers mindset to FIFA.
“We had a burning desire to win. We told ourselves that if a sport could take us places, we’d do everything we could to get there. Football opened its doors to us, and we decided to give it a real go. We knew that we had the mental, physical and technical abilities to play professionally,” Florentin told FIFA.com.
2. His Mother, Yeo Moriba, Was Accused of Taking a House From Manchester United
Yeo Moriba was hurt by the Manchester United allegations. (Getty)
During Paul’s time playing in England for Manchester United, the team was accused of purchasing a house for his mother, Yeo Moriba. Paul and his family have denied the allegations. Yeo spoke with The National about the allegations.
“I was shocked. They wrote that I was given a house over there, but that was wrong. I was accused of selling my child,” she told The National.
Paul currently plays for Juventus but Manchester United is interested in bringing him back to the club. According to the Bleacher Report, they will have to convince his mother it is a good move after Paul had a difficult first stint with the team.
3. Paul & His Brothers Credit Their Father For Their Love of Soccer
The Pogba brothers learned to play soccer from their father. (Getty)
The Pogbas have credited their father, Fassou Antoine, with introducing them to the beautiful game. Paul’s brother, Florentin, spoke with FIFA.com about their dad’s influence on the three of them playing soccer professionally.
“Our father played football as well. He’s the one who encouraged us to get involved in sport. He would take all three of us to the park to work on free-kicks, penalties, passes and more. He made us love the game, and although he never played professionally, he passed on his dream. Our mother played too. The fact that all three of us became professionals is a great source of pride for them, and for us,” Florentin told FIFA.com.
4. While He Plays for France, Paul Has Not Forgotten His African Heritage
Paul was born in France and opted to play for his home country. However, with his parents ties to Guinea, Africa remains close to his heart. He spoke with beIN Sports 1 (via Modern Ghana) about balancing his love for the two countries.
“Already playing in the France team is a dream that [came] true. I started the under 16 years and now I’m with team A, it is a pride. I do not forget the people who would like [to] be in our place. When I wear this shirt I do not forget where I come from, my roots. I am very happy, very moved. Wearing this jersey is a chance for all of us. There are young people who want to be in our place. May God do it for everyone,” he told beIN Sports.
5. Paul Brought His Mother to the 2015 Ballon d’Or Awards
Paul’s mother, Yeo, is proud of her son. (Getty)
While most players brought their significant others to the Ballon d’Or Awards, Paul showed up with his mother. It is unclear whether this is a clue that Paul is single or simply a night he wanted to honor his mother.
He has been quiet about his dating life. His previous girlfriend attended his 2014 World Cup matches, but the couple has not been spotted together in quite some time. Paul’s Instagram posts are only soccer or family related.