When Paul Pogba was hit with a four-year doping ban in early 2024, many wondered if we would ever see him play again. That question lingered until October, when the ban was reduced on appeal to 18 months. Suddenly, it was no longer about if but when and where he would return.
We got our answer in late June, when an emotional Pogba signed a two-year contract with AS Monaco. Standing in La Turbie, a quiet village above the French Riviera, the 32-year-old finally found a way back into the professional game.
He had not played since September 2023, but Monaco offered him a lifeline, though they were not the only club interested. There were whispers of potential moves to the United States, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and even other French teams. Marseille, for example, were keen but hesitated due to concerns over Pogba’s fitness.
Monaco took the leap. With his Juventus contract terminated, Pogba was available on a free transfer, an important factor in a time of financial strain for French football. Still, Monaco chief executive Thiago Scuro reminded everyone that free agents still have salaries.
Why Monaco Made the Move
Pogba’s signing marks a shift in strategy for Monaco. Traditionally focused on youth development, with academy talents like Maghnes Akliouche and Eliesse Ben Seghir breaking through, the club had grown too young according to Scuro. They needed balance.Pogba brings not just experience but leadership, and he is not the only seasoned player to join. Monaco also picked up former England defender Eric Dier this summer. Talks with Jordan Henderson did not work out, but the pursuit made it clear that Monaco wanted more mature heads in the dressing room.
Pogba’s return was in the works by mid-May, when he visited the club, met manager Adi Hütter, and spoke with the club president. Despite not featuring in Monaco’s preseason friendlies, he has already made a strong impression off the pitch, especially with the younger players.
When Will He Play?
Fans hoping to see Pogba on the opening day against his first club, Le Havre, will have to wait. Scuro shut down those hopes quickly. “He will not be on the pitch. We are being realistic. We expect a three-month process.”That timeline sets Pogba up for a return around October, more than two years since his last competitive game.
Monaco is not in a rush. They already boast one of the strongest midfields in Ligue 1 outside of Paris Saint Germain, so Pogba is not expected to carry the team. His presence is more of a bonus than a necessity.
More Than a Signing
Pogba’s return has already had a big impact beyond the field. Over half of Monaco’s shirt sales since his arrival bear his name. Social media buzz around the signing drew more than 400 million impressions.His charisma and star power are already lifting Ligue 1’s profile. League president Vincent Labrune praised the move, calling it a win not just for Monaco but for French football in general.
Of course, there are still questions. Even before the doping ban, Pogba’s career had been hampered by injury. He also dealt with serious off field issues, including an extortion attempt involving his brother, who was later sentenced to prison. Pogba believes that trauma took a toll on his game.
“It is all connected,” he said at his Monaco unveiling, where he got visibly emotional. “You rarely see me cry like that. But in that moment, everything came flooding back. My injury, the ban, the struggles. It was joy, but also relief.”
A New Chapter, A Familiar Dream
Now, Pogba is focused on the future. During his time away from football, he leaned on friends, mentors, and therapists to help him stay present.“I am more determined than ever,” he said. “I want my kids to see me play again. My dream is to score a goal and have them celebrate with my dab.”
He also has his sights on an international return. France boss Didier Deschamps lives just a short drive from Monaco’s training base, and with the 2026 World Cup being Deschamps’ final tournament, Pogba wants one last dance on the world stage.
Having once lifted the trophy in 2018, he knows what it takes. Now, with a clean slate and a club that believes in him, Paul Pogba is ready to prove he still has plenty to give.
