Marcel Desailly faces court to confirm if he is father of 10-year-old daughter

In France, Marcel Desailly is embroiled in a court case concerning the paternity of his ex-partner's daughter, Victoria, born in March 2014. Reports indicate that since 2021, Desailly has refused to acknowledge paternity, prompting a legal dispute with Cosma Batista de Alcantara, whom he dated from 2010 to 2018. In March of this year, a DNA test confirmed that he is the father, which could result in Desailly being obligated to pay approximately £4,148 (€5,000) monthly in alimony. However, he claims to be struggling financially and has reportedly not been able to meet this potential obligation due in part to tax sanctions he has faced for evading income tax between 2011 and 2019. Desailly's financial difficulties have garnered skepticism from Batista de Alcantara, who has claimed that despite his assertions of financial ruin, he has historically claimed not to have any money. Le Parisien has noted that he has not received dividends from any companies since 2009, raising doubts about his financial claims and his professional future. Desailly's income has reportedly been limited since losing his contract with beIN Sports, further complicating his circumstances. The tax payments he is required to make each month add pressure to an already strained financial situation, and he has been unable to support his daughter adequately. Throughout their relationship, Desailly reportedly had moments of financial assistance for Victoria, but Batista de Alcantara emphasized that it was not enough to cover necessary expenses such as tuition for the French school where she currently studies in Spain. As the court date approaches, the emotional impact on Victoria has also become a concern, as she does not understand her father's absence from her life and suffers from it. Batista de Alcantara expressed sadness for her daughter, indicating that the ongoing legal battle adds to the family tension. Desailly, despite his struggles, claims that he has previously utilized his wealth for charitable efforts in Ghana, where he founded an academy. In interviews, he has stated that helping others through charity work is more fulfilling than focusing solely on a coaching career. His public statements indicate that he seeks to present a legacy of helping young people in Ghana, contrasting sharply with his personal circumstances and the paternity dispute unfolding in French courts. As the situation develops, fans and observers reflect on the complexities of a public figure navigating legal issues while striving to make a positive impact through philanthropy.