In a move that has both surprised and intrigued the footballing world, Paul Pogba has signed a contract with AS Monaco, marking a dramatic return to the pitch following his extended absence due to a doping suspension. The former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder, once hailed as one of the most gifted talents of his generation, now embarks on what he and many see as the final chapter of redemption in his rollercoaster career.
The announcement, made official by Monaco on July 1st, 2025, comes nearly two years after Pogba last played a competitive match. Following a four-year ban handed down in 2023 for testing positive for DHEA—a banned substance that increases testosterone levels—Pogba’s football future appeared to be over. But in a twist of fate and a successful appeal that saw his ban reduced to 18 months, the Frenchman is now set to restart his career in Ligue 1, in the country of his birth.
This article explores the background of Pogba’s ban, his journey through adversity, the significance of the Monaco move, and whether the 32-year-old can once again become a vital figure in European football.
From Golden Boy to Outcast The Pogba Timeline
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The Rise
Paul Pogba’s journey is one of dazzling highs and bewildering lows. A World Cup winner, Europa League champion, and Serie A powerhouse, Pogba burst onto the global scene after leaving Manchester United for Juventus in 2012, having grown disillusioned with a lack of game time under Sir Alex Ferguson.
At Juve, he flourished. Partnering with Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal, and Claudio Marchisio, Pogba became the heartbeat of a side that dominated Serie A and reached the Champions League final in 2015. His combination of flair, power, and finesse saw him become a marketing icon and a central figure in France’s golden generation.
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Return to Manchester
In 2016, Pogba returned to Manchester United for a then-world-record fee of £89 million, expected to lead the Red Devils into a new era of dominance. Despite moments of brilliance—including a man-of-the-match performance in the 2017 Europa League final—his second stint was riddled with injuries, managerial rifts, and inconsistency.
He left United again in 2022, joining Juventus as a free agent, but his second spell in Turin never got off the ground.
The Ban That Shook the Football World
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The Positive Test
In August 2023, Pogba tested positive for Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) following a random doping test after a Serie A fixture. The Italian Anti-Doping Tribunal confirmed the result and issued a provisional suspension.
At the time, Pogba insisted he had taken supplements unknowingly contaminated with the banned substance, but by February 2024, he was handed a four-year ban from professional football, a decision that many feared would end his career.
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Appeal and Reduction
Pogba, along with his legal team and the support of the French Football Federation, launched an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). In March 2025, CAS ruled in his favor, citing negligence without intent and unclear labeling of the supplement as mitigating factors. His suspension was reduced to 18 months, retroactively starting from August 2023—allowing him to return to play by March 2025.
In an emotional statement, Pogba said:
“Football has been my life since I was a child. I would never knowingly cheat the game I love. I’m grateful for a second chance.”
Why Monaco A Strategic Rebirth
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A Club with Ambition and History
AS Monaco, historically one of France’s most prestigious clubs, has spent the past few seasons quietly rebuilding. Under new sporting director Thiago Scuro and manager Adi Hütter, the club secured a top-three finish in Ligue 1 last season and earned a place in the Champions League qualifiers.
Monaco has become known for revitalizing careers and giving players a platform to prove themselves. From Radamel Falcao to James Rodríguez and Bernardo Silva, the principality club is no stranger to big names needing a second wind.
“Paul Pogba is not just a footballer—he’s a statement,” said Scuro. “His experience, mentality, and leadership will be vital for our young team.”
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A Personal Return to Roots
Pogba, born in Lagny-sur-Marne, Île-de-France, has often spoken about his love for his home country. Returning to play in France provides a sense of closure and familiarity. While PSG may have seemed a natural destination, Monaco offers him less media pressure, a more nurturing environment, and a clear path to game time.
According to sources close to the player, Pogba was drawn to Monaco’s project, which balances ambition with stability—something he lacked in his previous clubs.
Contract Details
Monaco’s deal for Pogba is structured to protect both parties:
- Length: 1-year contract with an option for a second year
- Salary: Base wage significantly lower than his Juventus earnings, but with performance-based bonuses tied to appearances, minutes played, and assists/goals
- Image rights: Retained by Pogba, allowing him to continue building his personal brand
- Clause: A mutual release option if he fails to make 10 appearances by January 2026
It’s a modest contract by Pogba’s past standards, but one that reflects his new reality and desire to play for passion rather than profit.
Physical and Mental Readiness
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Conditioning and Fitness
After nearly two years away from competitive football and a series of injuries before that, the question arises: Can Pogba’s body keep up with elite-level demands?
Reports from Monaco’s medical staff suggest Pogba has undergone rigorous physical conditioning. The player worked with a personal trainer in Miami during his exile, focusing on:
- Core strengthening
- Cardiovascular endurance
- Injury prevention (especially around knees and hamstrings)
- Flexibility and explosive movements
Early training sessions at La Turbie have reportedly been promising. Hütter has emphasized gradual integration, ensuring Pogba isn’t rushed back too quickly.
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Psychological Strength
The emotional toll of the ban, public scrutiny, and potential career-ending suspension would break many athletes. But Pogba’s mental resilience may be his strongest asset.
He has reportedly embraced sports psychology, mindfulness, and meditation, and leaned heavily on his family—including his wife Zulay and their children—for stability.
“I’ve been tested in every way. But I’m still here. And I’m not done yet,” Pogba told Canal+.
What Pogba Brings to Monaco
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On the Pitch
Despite his absence, Pogba remains a player of exceptional vision, passing range, and physical presence. His ability to drive forward from deep, switch play effortlessly, and influence tempo is unmatched when he’s in rhythm.
- Could serve as the link between Monaco’s midfield and attack, especially supporting young talents like Eliesse Ben Seghir and Maghnes Akliouche
- His presence could free up Youssouf Fofana to play more advanced roles or provide cover
- Adds Champions League experience to a squad eager to make an impact in Europe
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Off the Pitch
Pogba’s charisma, experience, and star power will be invaluable in the dressing room. Monaco have one of the youngest squads in Ligue 1, and Pogba can mentor players both tactically and professionally.
His arrival also boosts commercial visibility, with increased sponsorship interest and global attention likely to follow.
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