There was a time when Paul Pogba stood as the undisputed prince of Juventus’ midfield—an era when his flair, audacity, and power defined the heart of the Bianconeri. Arriving as an underestimated youngster, he left as one of the most talked-about footballers on the planet.
Between 2012 and 2016, Pogba didn’t just win titles; he transformed the rhythm and personality of Juventus’ gameplay. His presence, bursting with creativity and confidence, gave a fresh identity to a team already steeped in tradition. Even today, despite injuries and off-pitch controversies, Pogba’s first spell in Turin remains one of the most glorious chapters in his career—and in modern Juventus history.
The Beginning: From Manchester’s Shadows to Turin’s Spotlight
Paul Pogba made the bold decision to leave Manchester United in 2012, a move surrounded by friction. Sir Alex Ferguson publicly criticized his lack of respect, but Pogba had his eyes set on a bigger stage where he could prove himself.
That opportunity came swiftly at Juventus under the guidance of Antonio Conte. Pogba didn’t take long to make an impact. His long-range goals, quick feet, and unpredictable style took Serie A by storm. It was in Italy that he started to earn respect—not just as a promising player, but as a game-changer.
His debut season ended with a Serie A title, and his name was firmly planted on the radar of Europe’s top clubs.
Climbing to Stardom: Titles, Accolades, and Unstoppable Growth
Pogba’s second season in Turin was a turning point. He went from being a surprise package to becoming a midfield cornerstone. Winning the 2013 Golden Boy award and the Supercoppa Italiana was only the beginning.
With every passing week, Pogba matured into a dynamic force—scoring stunning goals, delivering inch-perfect passes, and dictating tempo with an elegance that belied his age.
By the end of the 2013/14 season, he had racked up 9 goals in 51 appearances—a testament to his ever-expanding influence. Juventus didn’t just win matches during that era; they dominated, and Pogba was central to their dominance.
The Pinnacle: European Final and the No. 10 Legacy
The 2014/15 season marked the zenith of Pogba’s Juventus journey. He played a crucial role in guiding the team to the UEFA Champions League final, including a standout performance in the semi-final win against Real Madrid.
Though they fell short against Barcelona in the final, Pogba had cemented himself among Europe’s elite.
Recognizing his importance, Juventus handed him the iconic number 10 shirt the following season—a number worn by legends like Del Piero and Platini. Pogba embraced the responsibility with class, contributing 8 goals and 12 assists in Serie A alone and becoming the league’s top assist provider.
The season ended in a domestic double: Scudetto and Coppa Italia. The magic of Pogba was at its peak.
A Fond Farewell and Unfinished Return
In 2016, Juventus sold Pogba back to Manchester United for a then-world-record fee of €105 million. It was a bittersweet departure—Juventus gained financially, but lost the heartbeat of their midfield.
Six years later, in 2022, Pogba returned to the club, sparking hopes of a second golden chapter. Unfortunately, his comeback was marred by persistent injuries and a doping suspension. In November 2024, Juventus and Pogba parted ways once again, this time without the fanfare.
Despite the disappointing sequel, the memories from his first stint remained untarnished.
A Magical Midfield Legacy That Still Shines
Paul Pogba’s initial years at Juventus weren’t just about success—they were about swagger, flair, and a midfield revolution. He redefined what a modern central midfielder could do, blending technique, power, and charisma in a way few others could match.
Even as his career now faces uncertainty, the memory of Pogba ruling the Juventus midfield remains immortal. For Juventus fans, he was more than a player—he was the heartbeat of an unforgettable era.
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