Paul Pogba made an emotional return to football, officially joining AS Monaco on a free transfer. In a video which has surfaced online, Pogba was crying while signing a two-year contract that will keep him at the club until June 2027. The deal signals the start of a new chapter after returning to football following doping ban.
Once regarded as one of the brightest midfield talents in world football, Pogba’s journey has been anything but straightforward. From his early days at Manchester United’s academy to global stardom with Juventus and France, the 31-year-old has experienced the full spectrum of professional highs and personal setbacks.
Paul Pogba's doping ban story
Pogba had been facing a four-year suspension after testing positive for the banned substance dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), known to enhance testosterone levels. However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) recently reduced the ban to 18 months. The ruling cited evidence that DHEA primarily affects female athletes, contributing to the reduced sentence and clearing Pogba for a return to the pitch.
Paul Pogba's football journey
Pogba’s career took off at Juventus, where he thrived in a world-class midfield alongside Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio, and Arturo Vidal. During his first spell in Turin, he won four straight Serie A titles, multiple domestic cups, and played a key role in the team’s run to the 2015 UEFA Champions League final.
His blockbuster return to Manchester United in 2016 for ÂŁ89 million made headlines, but his performances were often inconsistent. Despite flashes of brilliance, Pogba struggled to meet expectations and was frequently in the spotlight for off-field issues. Still, he added a Europa League title and two League Cup victories to his resume before departing in 2022.
Following a second stint at Juventus plagued by injuries, Pogba now finds himself at Monaco with a chance to reboot his career. Known for his creativity, power, and technical ability, the World Cup winner is hoping to put past challenges behind him and make a meaningful impact in Ligue 1.
At the international level, Pogba’s achievements remain undeniable. He played a pivotal role in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph and later lifted the UEFA Nations League in 2021, cementing his status as one of his generation’s most decorated midfielders.
