Paul Pogba
In a moment that has football fans buzzing with excitement, French midfield maestro Paul Pogba is set to make his long-awaited return to the pitch. The 32-year-old has been included in AS Monaco’s squad for their Ligue 1 clash against Rennes on Saturday, 23 November 2025. This marks his first squad appearance in over two years, since his last outing on 3 September 2023, when he played for Juventus against Udinese. Pogba’s journey back has been filled with ups and downs, including a doping ban that sidelined him, but his inclusion signals a fresh chapter in his storied career.
The news comes after Pogba recently joined Monaco on a free transfer following the mutual termination of his contract with Juventus in October 2025. Sources indicate that the plan is for him to feature for a few minutes in the game, easing him back into competitive action. For a player once hailed as one of the world’s best, this return could reignite his passion and prove his enduring talent on the field.
Pogba’s Turbulent Path: From Doping Ban to Ban Reduction
Paul Pogba’s absence from football stems from a doping scandal that rocked his career. In September 2023, shortly after his last match, he tested positive for dehydroepiandrosterone, a banned substance that boosts testosterone levels. This led to a provisional suspension by Italy’s anti-doping agency, followed by a four-year ban imposed in February 2024. The ban was backdated to the date of the positive test, meaning Pogba was set to be out until September 2027.
However, Pogba appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland. In a major win for the player, the court reduced the ban to 18 months in October 2024, citing that the substance entered his system unintentionally through a supplement prescribed by a doctor. The reduction allowed Pogba to resume training in January 2025 and become eligible to play from March 2025. Despite this, he remained without competitive action until now, focusing on fitness and recovery during his time away.
Throughout the ordeal, Pogba maintained his innocence, stating that he had never knowingly taken performance-enhancing drugs. The episode not only halted his playing career but also strained his relationship with Juventus, leading to the contract termination last month. At the time of the ban, Pogba was already dealing with injuries that limited his appearances for the Italian club, where he had returned in 2022 after a successful stint at Manchester United.
Signing with Monaco: A Return to Ligue 1 Roots
Pogba’s move to AS Monaco represents a homecoming of sorts to French football. Born in Lagny-sur-Marne near Paris, he began his professional career in France before rising to fame. Monaco, currently sitting second in Ligue 1 behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain, sees Pogba as a valuable addition to their midfield. The club announced his signing on a free transfer in November 2025, shortly after his Juventus exit, with a contract reportedly running until June 2027.
Monaco’s head coach, Adi Hütter, has expressed optimism about Pogba’s integration, noting his experience and skill could bolster the team’s push for the title. Pogba has been training with the squad, showing glimpses of his trademark flair, long-range passing, and physical presence. His debut, if it happens against Rennes, would be at the Roazhon Park stadium in Brittany, a fitting stage for his comeback in front of passionate French fans.
This move also reunites Pogba with Ligue 1, where he first made waves as a teenager with Le Havre’s youth setup before moving to Manchester United’s academy in 2009. His career highlights include winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France, where he scored in the final against Croatia, and multiple league titles with Juventus and Manchester United.
The Road Back: Challenges and Expectations
Pogba’s return has not been without hurdles. After the ban reduction, he trained independently and with Juventus’ reserves to stay sharp, but the lack of match fitness over 26 months means he will need time to regain his peak form. At 32, questions linger about whether he can recapture the dynamism that made him a €105 million transfer record-breaker when he rejoined Manchester United in 2016.
Despite this, Pogba’s talent remains undeniable. Known for his vision, dribbling, and ability to control games, he has 91 caps for France, scoring 11 goals. His club career boasts over 400 appearances, with stints at top clubs yielding domestic and European successes. Fans and pundits alike are eager to see if he can add to Monaco’s campaign, perhaps even aiming for Champions League spots.
The emotional weight of his comeback is palpable. Pogba has spoken openly about the mental toll of the ban, describing it as a “nightmare” that tested his resolve. His inclusion in the squad has been met with widespread support on social media, with former teammates and fans celebrating his resilience.
Impact on Monaco and French Football
For AS Monaco, Pogba’s arrival injects star power into a squad already performing well. The team has won seven of their first 11 Ligue 1 matches this season, trailing PSG by just a few points. His experience could prove crucial in tight games, mentoring younger players like Maghnes Akliouche and Denis Zakaria.
On a broader scale, Pogba’s return boosts Ligue 1’s profile. The league, home to talents like Kylian Mbappé before his move to Real Madrid, gains from having a World Cup winner back in action. It could attract more viewers and sponsors, especially with Monaco’s strong start.
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