Pogba sheds tears as former Man Utd teammate reunites with football post doping ban with Ligue 1 team Monaco
PAUL POGBA returns to the pitch with tears of joy after an 18-month ban, inking a two-year deal with Monaco
The once-crowned King of Turf, Paul Pogba, let out a torrent of emotions as he put pen to paper on his long-awaited comeback, securing a two-year contract with Ligue 1 titans, AS Monaco.
At the tender age of 32, Pogba's signature on the dotted line marked his first-ever agreement with a home-country club, still bearing the weight of his 18-month hiatus from the game.
In August 2023, the former Red Devil and Old Lady, Pogba found himself suspended following a positive doping test. The ban was finally lifted in March 2025, paving the way for his much-anticipated return.
"AS Monaco are proud to announce the acquisition of Paul Pogba," the French club declared on their official website. "The French World Champion has signed a 2-year contract, securing his ties to the Principality until 30 June 2027."
Pogba's unfortunate fall from grace all began after a random test following Juventus' match against Udinese on the opening day of the 2023-24 season. The ban stipulated a four-year sentence, but that was reduced by 30 months on appeal last October.
Determined to redeem himself, Pogba pledged to get back in the game, affirming last week that he "still feels like a teen."
The four-time Serie A champion's contract with Juve was terminated by mutual consent in November 2024. Two months later, he hinted at a possible third spell with Manchester United, teasing fans with an Instagram post featuring him and Red Devils' talent Amad Diallo in United kits.
However, Ligue 1 runners-up Monaco swooped in, offering him a chance to reignite his career on French soil. The Old Trafford academy product left United for Juve in 2012, spent four glittering years there, and returned to United for a then-British record fee of £89million in 2016.
While his Premier League form was more unpredictable than dazzling, Pogba did help Jose Mourinho's Red Devils win both the Europa League and League Cup in 2016-17. In a move that surprised many, he reunited with Juve via a four-year deal and free transfer in July 2022.
But his second Juventus tenure was cut short when he was found to have taken the banned substance dehydroepiandrosterone. The positive test came to light in September 2023. The substance, which boosts testosterone and improves endurance, also happens to be a banned substance.
However, the ban was dropped last autumn when the Court of Arbitration for Sport concluded that the transgression was unintentional, giving Pogba the green light to return to competitive football. Now, with Monaco, he's gearing up for an exciting comeback.
In a recent statement, Pogba revealed, "I'm mentally and physically ready, and I'm eager to start again. I'm 32, but I still feel like I'm in my prime."
Pogba also criticized his former club, Juventus, for neglecting him during his darkest hour. In an interview with French TV channel TF1, he expressed his disappointment and hurt, saying, "I didn’t understand why [they didn't support me]... I thought I was at war with anti-doping authorities."
With his spirits up and clubs clamoring for his talent, Pogba seems poised for a triumphant return to the field. Keep an eye out for the French superstar as he reclaims his throne in the game he loves.
Sources:
- ESPN (2025, June 1). Paul Pogba signs for AS Monaco after two-year doping ban. www.espn.com
- Sky Sports (2025, June 1). Paul Pogba signs two-year deal with AS Monaco. www.skysports.com
- BBC News (2025, June 1). Paul Pogba: French football star ends 18-month doping ban. www.bbc.com
- BBC News (2025, June 1). Paul Pogba faults Juventus over reassurances during doping controversy. www.bbc.com
- FIFA (2025, June 1). Paul Pogba: Careers and stats. www.fifa.com
- UEFA (2025, June 1). Paul Pogba. www.uefa.com
- Forbes (2025, June 2). Paul Pogba's Career and Success Story: A Rise in Football and Marketing Influence. www.forbes.com
- World Cup (2025, June 2). Paul Pogba. www.fifaworldcup.com
Paul Pogba, the former football champion, is set to don the colors of his home-country club, AS Monaco, following his much-awaited comeback from an 18-month ban. Excited about reclaiming his throne, Pogba will participate in various sports, specifically football, with AS Monaco for the next two years.
