Pogba is back, it’s bigger than just football — it’s about survival, family, and identity.
Paul Pogba is no stranger to the spotlight, he is one of the most gifted midfielders of his generation. But this time, it isn’t about flashy skills or trophies — it’s about resilience. The 2018 World Cup winner has returned to professional football, signing with AS Monaco after a turbulent 18 months in exile. And this comeback is not just good news for Monaco — it’s a moment of triumph for anyone who has ever faced the storm and survived. The world saw Pogba as the entertainer, the flamboyant midfielder. Now, they see the father, the husband, the fighter, the human. His comeback reminds us that even the brightest stars dim sometimes — but they can shine again.
Although Paul Pogba is a household name in global football, he is about to experience something entirely new — his debut in France’s top flight. Trained at Le Havre, Pogba left Normandy at just 16 to join Manchester United, bypassing Ligue 1 altogether. His journey took him through England and Italy, where he collected numerous titles, including the crowning achievement of his career: the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France.
Now, with a wealth of experience and silverware, Pogba arrives in the Principality to begin a fresh chapter with AS Monaco. The French international was officially unveiled to the media on Thursday, standing proudly alongside the Club’s CEO, Thiago Scuro. His enthusiasm was unmistakable — a man ready to reconnect with his roots, but on a new stage, with a renewed sense of purpose.
Pogba’s career hit an unexpected halt in September 2023 when he received a provisional suspension for a doping offence. The former Juventus midfielder was initially handed a four-year ban in February 2024, following his provisional suspension by Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal (NADO Italia) in September 2023. According to NADO Italia, traces of testosterone — a substance known to enhance athletic endurance — were found in Pogba’s system after Juventus’ 3-0 win over Udinese, a match in which he was named as an unused substitute. The French star found himself not just off the pitch, but in emotional limbo — a free agent after parting ways with Juventus in November 2024.
Paul Pogba has never shied away from addressing the most difficult chapter of his career — his doping suspension. But what stands out most is the clarity and honesty with which he speaks about it.
People know me. When they saw it happened, they knew it was not on purpose. This is totally the truth. I am an honest person. I would say it,” Pogba said firmly.
“I am someone who loves my sport and loves the game. I don’t like to cheat, I like to win fairly. People know that. I am a bad loser, but I am not a cheater.”
His words carry conviction — not as an excuse, but as a plea for understanding. Pogba took responsibility for ingesting the banned substance unknowingly through a supplement, though he questioned the harshness of the original punishment. Initially handed a four-year ban, the Court of Arbitration for Sport later reduced it to 18 months, a decision that gave Pogba a realistic path back to the game he loves. According to Reuters, the ruling acknowledged the context and accepted that there was no intent to cheat.
Despite the reduction, the weight of the accusation led Pogba to briefly consider retirement.
Yes, I thought about stopping everything,” he revealed in earlier interviews. “But I couldn’t give up. I chose to move forward.”
Paul Pogba’s time away from football wasn’t just a pause in his career — it was a mental and emotional battlefield. Once adored across the globe for his mesmerizing skills, magnetic personality, and signature flair both on and off the pitch, Pogba found himself facing a stark reality: what happens when the lights dim and the applause fades? The football ban, initially set at four years, was more than a professional setback. It forced Pogba into isolation, away from the game he loved, and into the shadows of judgment and rejection. In candid interviews, he begun to speak openly about the personal toll it took — not just on him, but on his family.
We are human. We have feelings. And we don’t have the heart—sometimes it’s tough,” he said.
“It’s tough to hold the fame in a positive way. It’s tough, always being in the spotlight, trying to keep your head calm and humble yourself when you’re in a bad situation. It’s tough.” – Pogba during an interview.
Pogba’s words extend far beyond the boundaries of football. They echo a universal truth about fame, loyalty, and love — that when success disappears, so too can the people who once stood closest. His reflections shine a light on the pressures of living in constant scrutiny and the strength required to survive when your identity is stripped away. This chapter of Pogba’s life is not defined by the ban, but by his resilience. His story now carries a powerful message: that the real measure of a man isn’t found in his victories, but in how he endures his trials — and comes back stronger. “Pogba is no use now.,” he reflected. For a man who once lit up World Cup finals and graced red carpets with ease, the fall from grace was more than humbling — it was revealing.
Stripped of the fame and spotlight, Pogba found himself in a deafening silence. And in that silence, he discovered an uncomfortable truth: not everyone around him was there out of love or loyalty. The people he once called friends disappeared. The calls stopped. The invitations vanished. What remained was the cold, raw reality of how quickly admiration turns to abandonment when the success fades.
Pogba admitted that losing everything was not only a massive setback — it was also a blessing in disguise. Stripped of the spotlight, endorsements, and the constant attention, he found clarity in the chaos. In the silence, he found peace. While away from the game, Paul Pogba embraced a new routine — one centered around fatherhood, family, and quiet determination. He spoke with a smile as he reflected on the rhythm of his everyday life during his suspension.
“My daily life during these two years has been that of a very present dad,” he said, smiling. “I’d take my kids to school, go to training, then pick them up from school again.”
Between family time and private training sessions, Pogba never lost sight of his goal. Even while traveling, he brought along his personal fitness coach to ensure he stayed on track. “I always had this positive thought in mind — that I could return to the field at any time.” Of course, moments of doubt crept in. But what kept him going was a powerful source of motivation — his children. “Looking at my kids, I told myself that I wanted them to see me play on the field. I dream of them celebrating one of my goals with a dab!” he added, referencing his iconic goal celebration.
That dream became his anchor — the reason he stayed disciplined, focused, and ready. Not just to return to football, but to share that joy with the people who matter most. After months of silence, soul-searching, and unwavering discipline, Paul Pogba has found his way back — not just to football, but to himself. His comeback is more than a return to the pitch; it’s a story of redemption, fatherhood, and inner strength.
In a heartfelt reflection during his unveiling, Paul Pogba expressed the depth of emotion he felt upon signing with AS Monaco — a club he credits for believing in him when it mattered most.
“Today, I am very happy to be at AS Monaco and to return to the job I love!” he said, his smile speaking louder than words.
“I won’t hide that I was deeply moved when I signed. It’s not often I feel like that, and I hope you felt it too.”
The moment was more than a contract — it was a flood of memories, setbacks, and gratitude coming to the surface. “I had so many images flashing through my mind… You know the story: coming back and signing with a club that always believed in me. It all hit me at once during the signing. Honestly, it was pure joy.”
The road has been long, but the fire still burns. And now, with renewed purpose and the support of those who truly matter, for Pogba, it wasn’t just about returning to football — it was about coming full circle, anchored by belief, resilience, and a second chance.