Paul Pogba has made a return to professional football by signing a two-year contract with Ligue 1 club AS Monaco, the club confirmed on Saturday.
The French midfielder, a 2018 FIFA World Cup winner, has seen limited action over the last three years due to multiple setbacks—including injuries, a suspension for doping, and being the victim of a high-profile extortion plot.
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Pogba tested positive for banned substances in August 2023 while playing for Juventus, leading to an 18-month suspension. Though the ban officially ended in March 2025, Juventus had already severed ties with the player.
Now aged 32, Pogba is set to compete in France’s top division for the first time in his senior career.
“I am determined to get back on the pitch, mentally ready, physically ready, it’s just a matter of time,” he said in a recent interview with French television.
Pogba, began his football journey with Le Havre before joining Manchester United’s academy in 2009. His early stint with the English giants saw limited playing time, prompting a move to Juventus in 2012.
During his time in Turin, he won four straight Serie A titles, cementing his reputation as one of the world’s top midfielders. In 2016, Pogba made headlines with a then-world record €105 million ($123 million) transfer back to Manchester United.
However, persistent injuries plagued his second spell in England, and he returned to Juventus three years ago in a bid to revive his career. His efforts were again hampered by physical setbacks and off-field controversies.
In 2024, Pogba’s brother, Mathias, was sentenced to three years in prison—two of which were suspended—for his role in an attempted €13 million extortion scheme targeting the football star.
Despite these challenges, Pogba’s international career remains impressive, with 11 goals in 91 appearances for France. He notably scored in the 2018 World Cup final, helping secure France’s 4–2 victory over Croatia.
Monaco, Pogba’s new club, will compete in next season’s UEFA Champions League following their third-place finish in Ligue 1 last term. His arrival is expected to bolster their midfield as they prepare for European and domestic challenges.
