Paul Pogba, the former France international and World Cup winner, made a long-awaited return to professional football on Saturday, appearing for AS Monaco in his first competitive match in over two years.
Pogba entered the game in the 85th minute of Monaco’s Ligue 1 fixture at Rennes, which ended in a 4–1 defeat.
Why This Return Is So Significant
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This was Pogba’s first match since September 2023, which means he had been out of competitive football for 811 days.
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During that absence, he faced a four-year doping ban (later reduced to 18 months) after testing positive for DHEA.
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In June 2025, he signed a two-year contract with Monaco, officially beginning a new chapter in his career.
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Pogba had also recently recovered from a small ankle injury, making his return even more emotional.
A Hard-Fought Comeback
Once one of the world’s most dynamic midfielders, Pogba’s journey has been rocky in recent years. His talent has always been undeniable, but injuries, controversies, and off-field challenges even threatened to end his career.
Monaco’s leadership says they are taking a careful approach to bring him back:
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Club executives and coaching staff have emphasised the long-term benefits of managing his fitness.
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According to manager Sébastien Pocognoli, Pogba’s experience, leadership, and technical ability remain valuable, even if he plays limited minutes for now.
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Pogba himself admitted he still has work to do: “There’s still work to do to get back to full fitness and be able to play 90 minutes.”
Emotional Moments and Fan Reaction
Pogba’s return was not just about football—it was deeply personal. When he came on, he was met with cheering from fans, a clear sign of support for his comeback.
The 32-year-old midfielder expressed relief and gratitude, saying he had never lost hope, even during the darkest moments. He also reflected on his goals: regaining full match fitness and possibly earning another call-up to the French national team.
The Challenge Ahead
Returning to the pitch is just the beginning for Pogba. Key challenges remain:
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Match Fitness — After such a long break, he must slowly rebuild his stamina and ability to play full matches.
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Team Integration — Monaco has a strong midfield, and Pogba will need to earn his place with high-level performances.
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Proving His Worth — Claude from his side called him a leader, but ultimately he’ll need to contribute on the field to justify his signing.
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National Team Ambitions — Pogba has made his return, but he knows that France’s midfield is competitive. He has openly stated that strong performances are necessary to get back into the national squad.
A Symbol of Resilience
For many football fans, Pogba’s comeback represents more than just a sporting return — it’s a story of resilience, redemption, and mental strength. Being able to return after suspension, injury, and public scrutiny is a strong signal that he’s not done yet.
This debut for Monaco is a first step — but an important one.
What’s Next for Monaco and Pogba
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Monaco will aim to ease him back into the squad with gradual playing time and careful monitoring.
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Some experts expect him to build up his minutes over the coming weeks, possibly working toward regular starts.
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For Pogba, the long game is still on: to regain his elite form, help Monaco succeed, and maybe return to the French national team.
Final Thoughts
Paul Pogba’s debut for AS Monaco after more than two years out is a major headline in world football. His journey — from a doping suspension to a cautious but emotional return — resonates far beyond Ligue 1.
Whether he will rediscover his best form remains uncertain. But for now, Pogba’s return reminds fans of his talent and determination. At 32, he still has a lot to prove — and a lot to play for.
