In a raw and revealing interview, former Manchester United and Juventus star Paul Pogba has opened up about the dark side of massive wealth, sharing a piece of financial advice from his late father that he only understood after his career hit turbulence.
Pogba’s reflection offers a stark warning about asset management, the “entourage effect,” and the volatility of social circles when the cash flow stops.
The $100m Lesson: Father’s Warning
Reflecting on the moment he received his first major contract payout at Manchester United, Pogba recalled his initial euphoria. However, his father’s reaction was grounded in financial realism rather than celebration.
“I went to see my father, and he told me: ‘Son, don’t waste your money, when the party is over, the guests will leave, and everything will be left behind.'”
At the time, Pogba admits he didn’t grasp the gravity of the statement. Like many young athletes who experience sudden liquidity events, he assumed the lifestyle—and the people surrounding it—would last forever.
The “Doping Ban” Reality Check
Pogba’s career faced a massive crisis following his suspension. It was during this period of professional isolation that his father’s words became reality. The “guests”—friends who enjoyed the benefits of his high net worth—disappeared once the fame faded.
“I didn’t understand these words until I got into trouble,” Pogba confessed. “I realized that many friends who used to come around all the time no longer bothered to check on me.”
The “Asset Protection” of Family
For readers and investors, Pogba’s story highlights a critical principle in life planning: the difference between liabilities (fake friends) and assets (family).
“The only people I have now are my immediate family,” he concluded.
This sentiment resonates with behavioral finance studies, which show that sudden wealth often attracts opportunistic relationships. For high-net-worth individuals, distinguishing between genuine support systems and financial parasites is the hardest part of success.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale
Paul Pogba’s journey from the most expensive transfer in history to a man reflecting on solitude is a powerful case study. It serves as a reminder that financial literacy isn’t just about investing in stocks or real estate; it’s about investing in the right people before the “party ends.”
