Paul Pogba once stood at the very top of world football. He was a World Cup winner, a record-breaking transfer, and one of the most exciting midfielders of his generation.
Today, however, the future looks far less certain.
At just 33, Pogba is already facing major questions about the next stage of his professional career. His short spell with AS Monaco has been disrupted by limited appearances and recurring fitness problems, while discussions over his contract have added another layer of uncertainty.
Pogba’s career has included unforgettable moments with Juventus, Manchester United and the France national team. Yet injuries, difficult relationships with managers and an 18-month doping suspension gradually changed the direction of his career.
His story is a reminder of how quickly football can change, even for players who once seemed destined for greatness.
Pogba’s Golden Years at Juventus
Pogba’s first major breakthrough came after leaving Manchester United for Juventus on a free transfer in 2012.
At the time, he had made only seven senior appearances for Manchester United. Moving to Turin proved to be a turning point.
Pogba quickly developed into one of Europe’s most exciting midfielders. His combination of strength, technique, vision and creativity made him an important part of Juventus’ dominant team.
During his first four seasons in Italy, Pogba helped Juventus win:
- Four consecutive Serie A titles.
- Two Coppa Italia trophies.
- Two Supercoppa Italiana titles.
- A place in the 2015 Champions League final.
His performances attracted attention from clubs across Europe, with Manchester United eventually deciding to bring him back to Old Trafford in 2016.
The transfer fee was a reported £89.3 million, making Pogba the world’s most expensive footballer at that time.
The expectations were enormous.
Manchester United Return Never Reached Its Full Potential
Pogba’s return to Manchester United began positively.
He helped the club win the Europa League and League Cup during his first season back in England. His physical ability and passing range made him one of the most important players in the squad.
However, the relationship between Pogba and manager Jose Mourinho gradually deteriorated.
The midfielder struggled to maintain consistency, while questions about his role and position continued to emerge. The situation became increasingly complicated as injuries also began to affect his availability.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer later managed to bring out some of Pogba’s best football at Manchester United.
After Solskjaer took charge, Pogba produced an impressive run of performances and contributed directly to 16 Premier League goals in one period. It looked like he might finally rediscover the form that had made him such a highly rated midfielder.
Unfortunately, injuries once again interrupted his progress.
World Cup Glory With France
Despite the problems at club level, Pogba reached the biggest international achievement of his career with France.
At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, he played a key role in Didier Deschamps’ side as France went all the way to the final.
Pogba even scored in the final against Croatia in Moscow, helping France secure a 4-2 victory and lift the World Cup trophy.
It was arguably the peak of Pogba’s football career.
At that moment, he was only 25 and appeared to have many elite years ahead of him.
Instead, the following years became increasingly difficult.
Injuries and Suspension Changed Everything
Pogba left Manchester United in 2022 and returned to Juventus, hoping that a second spell in Turin could help him rediscover his best form.
The move quickly became frustrating.
A knee injury just two weeks after his return severely disrupted the 2022/2023 season. Pogba made only 10 appearances during that campaign.
Then came an even more serious setback.
In September 2023, Pogba failed a doping test and was initially handed a four-year suspension. Following an appeal, the punishment was reduced to 18 months.
The suspension prevented him from playing during a crucial period of his career. Juventus eventually ended his contract, leaving Pogba searching for another opportunity.
The major setbacks had transformed his career from one built around ambition and trophies into one dominated by questions about fitness and availability.
Monaco Offered Pogba Another Chance
In 2025, AS Monaco provided Pogba with an opportunity to return to professional football.
It was supposed to be another chapter in his comeback story.
Instead, injuries once again became an obstacle.
Pogba made only six appearances during the 2025/2026 season, leaving his long-term future uncertain. Discussions over ending his Monaco contract have now added further doubt.
For a player who once dominated headlines for his performances and transfer value, the lack of regular football represents a dramatic change.
Where Could Pogba Go Next?
If Pogba and Monaco officially part ways, he would become a free agent for the fourth time in his professional career.
Finding another major European club could prove difficult given his recent injury record and limited playing time.
A move outside Europe may therefore become a realistic option.
Potential destinations could include:
- Major League Soccer, where experienced international stars often receive opportunities to rebuild their careers.
- Saudi Pro League, which has attracted several high-profile players in recent years.
- Another league where Pogba could receive regular minutes and work gradually toward full fitness.
Inter Miami have previously been linked with the French midfielder, although his next destination remains uncertain.
Pogba’s Biggest Challenge Is No Longer Talent
The most frustrating part of Pogba’s story is that his talent has rarely been the main question.
At his best, he possessed almost everything required to become one of the greatest midfielders of his generation. He had the physical presence to dominate games, the technique to create chances and the passing range to change matches.
His biggest challenge now is different.
Pogba needs regular football, physical stability and a club willing to build a realistic comeback plan around him.
A decade ago, the Frenchman was viewed as one of football’s brightest young superstars. He became a World Cup champion and the most expensive player in the world.
Now, at 33, the goal is much simpler: stay healthy, regain rhythm and find a place where he can enjoy football again.
Whether that happens in Europe, the United States, Saudi Arabia or elsewhere remains to be seen. But Pogba’s career is not necessarily finished.
The next chapter may simply be about rebuilding rather than proving that he was once great.
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