Paul Pogba's recent signing with AS Monaco marks a significant chapter in his career, one defined by resilience and the desire to overcome numerous challenges. After a turbulent period marred by injuries, a doping ban, and personal issues, Pogba is determined to revive his career and prove his doubters wrong.
The 32-year-old midfielder's journey has been anything but smooth in recent years. Persistent injuries limited his appearances, and an 18-month doping ban sidelined him further. In August 2023, while playing for Juventus, he failed a drug test, leading to the termination of his contract in November 2024. Adding to his woes, his brother Mathias was sentenced for his involvement in an attempt to extort €13 million from him in 2022.
Despite these setbacks, Pogba has found a lifeline with Monaco, signing a two-year contract with the Ligue 1 club. This move is particularly significant as it marks the first time in his career that he will be playing club football in France, despite coming through Le Havre's academy. At his official presentation, Pogba expressed his gratitude to Monaco for believing in him, stating that he was overwhelmed with emotion when signing the contract. He acknowledged the difficult period he had endured and expressed his determination to get back to his best.
Monaco's CEO, Thiago Scuro, noted that convincing President Dmitry Rybolovlev to sign Pogba was not difficult, highlighting the club's belief in the midfielder's potential. However, Scuro also tempered expectations, stating that Pogba would need about three months to rehabilitate and reach peak physical condition. This timeline suggests that Pogba is unlikely to make his debut in Monaco's Ligue 1 opener against Le Havre on August 17.
Pogba himself has expressed a strong desire to represent France again and has spoken with Didier Deschamps, the national team coach. Although he recognizes the strength of the current French squad, he believes that a return to the national team is possible if he performs well for Monaco. He sees it as "a dream and a bonus".
Pogba's journey to Monaco is not just about reviving his club career; it's also about reclaiming his status as one of the world's top midfielders. He brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success, including four Serie A titles with Juventus and a Europa League title with Manchester United. His performances with Monaco will be crucial in determining whether he can once again represent France on the international stage, with the 2026 World Cup potentially on the horizon.
For now, Pogba is focused on the present, eager to put the past behind him and embrace this new opportunity with Monaco. Overcoming the doubts and challenges he has faced requires immense mental strength and unwavering self-belief. His comeback journey serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating the power of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.