Paul Pogba is on the verge of a sensational return to top-tier European football. The 2018 World Cup winner, who last played in September 2023, is currently in advanced negotiations with AS Monaco for a two-year contract. The move marks Pogba’s long-awaited return after an 18-month doping suspension, originally set for four years but reduced by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
At 32, Pogba plans to make his comeback in Ligue 1, with Monaco offering him a platform to relaunch his career and possibly return to the France national team setup ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Pogba’s Comeback Journey: Quick Overview
| Player | Paul Pogba |
| Age | 32 |
| Suspension Duration | Initially 4 years, reduced to 18 months |
| Suspension Ended | March 2025 |
| Last Match Played | September 2023 |
| Return Club (in talks) | AS Monaco |
| Contract Length | 2 years (option for extension) |
| Expected Return to Training | January 2025 |
| Eligible to Play From | March 2025 |
| Previous Clubs | Juventus, Manchester United |
| Other Offers Rejected | MLS, Saudi League, Brazil |
Pogba’s Doping Ban and Career Impact
Paul Pogba’s career took a massive hit when he tested positive for testosterone after a Serie A match against Udinese in 2023. The ban forced him out of action for nearly two years. However, CAS reduced the punishment from four years to 18 months after Pogba maintained his innocence, claiming he never knowingly consumed banned substances.
Despite contemplating retirement, Pogba used this time to focus on recovery and mental strength. He trained rigorously in Miami with a personal coach and appeared in private friendlies to maintain match fitness.
Why Pogba Chose Monaco
Pogba rejected offers from leagues like MLS, Saudi Pro League, and even Brazil’s Corinthians. His priority remained Europe. Now a free agent after parting ways with Juventus, Monaco has emerged as his top destination. The club offers several advantages:
- Ligue 1’s physical demands are less intense than Serie A or the Premier League.
- Monaco is qualified for the UEFA Champions League.
- Pogba sees Monaco as a strategic club to help him re-enter the French national team fold.
- The location offers familiarity and cultural closeness to France.
Though Olympique de Marseille also expressed interest, Monaco’s project aligned better with Pogba’s long-term ambitions.
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Monaco’s Perspective on Pogba Signing
Currently third in Ligue 1, Monaco is strengthening its squad for the 2025/26 season. The club sees Pogba as a potential midfield leader, adding experience, technical quality, and global appeal. Coach Adi Hütter supports the signing, and the club has already been linked to other stars like Ansu Fati.
Monaco aims to use Pogba’s long-range vision, creative passing, and experience in elite competitions to bolster their midfield depth. He will likely be integrated into training in January and made match-fit for Ligue 1 and Champions League campaigns by March.
France National Team Ambitions
A key reason for Paul Pogba’s preference for Ligue 1 is his desire to rejoin France’s national team. Coach Didier Deschamps has not closed the door on Pogba’s return but insists that club performance is the determining factor. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Pogba is determined to prove he still belongs on the international stage.
During his ban, Paul Pogba remained emotionally invested in the French team, especially during the 2024 UEFA Euro campaign.
A New Chapter Begins
Paul Pogba’s return to football marks the beginning of a redemption arc. From World Cup heroics in 2018 to career-threatening suspension, Pogba’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Now, with Monaco likely to finalize the deal soon, Paul Pogba is set for a powerful comeback — both in Ligue 1 and possibly on the world stage once again.
His comeback is not just a personal milestone, but also a narrative of resilience that could inspire many athletes facing setbacks. With the Champions League on the horizon and the 2026 World Cup in sight, Pogba is motivated to silence his critics and prove he still belongs among football’s elite. His return could not only elevate Monaco’s midfield but also reignite hopes of wearing the French jersey once again on the grandest stages.