After two long, turbulent years away from the game, Paul Pogba could soon be making his long-awaited return to professional football — this time in the colors of AS Monaco. Once one of the most celebrated midfielders in world football, Pogba’s career took an unexpected detour after testing positive for a banned substance during his second stint with Juventus. Now, under the guidance of Monaco’s new manager Sébastien Pocognoli, there’s a growing sense that the Frenchman might still have a final chapter worth watching.
Pogba’s story has always been dramatic — from dazzling World Cup performances to frustrating injury layoffs — but this latest twist might just be his most defining test yet.
At 32 years old, Pogba hasn’t featured in a competitive senior match for over two years. His four-year suspension — later reduced after it was determined the violation was unintentional — effectively froze his career at a time when many players reach peak maturity. While others moved on, Pogba was left to train alone, his reputation and rhythm both slipping away.
Now, after months of quiet training and introspection, the French international is nearing full fitness and edging closer to a comeback. Pocognoli, who took over Monaco in October after Adi Hütter’s dismissal, has been candid about Pogba’s progress.
“Paul is closer to returning than Denis [Zakaria], even though his absence was much longer,” Pocognoli said. “Things are going well, and I expect it to be a short time before he’s back with the group.”
The coach, himself unbeaten in his first few matches in charge, knows the spotlight on Pogba will be immense. But he also believes that the midfielder’s natural flair — the vision, the first touch, the passing range — is still there. “From what I can see, he still possesses the technique we know he has,” Pocognoli added. “The rhythm of the matches will then give us some answers.”
Pogba’s comeback could see him return to action both in Ligue 1 and the Champions League, as Monaco continue their strong start to the season. The team currently sits second in the French league, just one point behind Paris Saint-Germain, and Pogba’s addition could provide a fresh creative spark in the midfield.
For a player who once commanded a $115 million USD transfer fee when moving from Juventus to Manchester United in 2016, expectations are naturally sky-high. Yet the Pogba of today is no longer the swaggering playmaker who dominated midfields under José Mourinho or lifted the 2018 World Cup trophy with France.
Time and adversity have reshaped him. But if anything, Pocognoli sees that as a potential advantage. “Every player develops according to their age and experience,” he said. “We’ll have to judge him based on his background and his age. He can be the best version of himself at AS Monaco. My role is to help guide him there.”
It’s a realistic, grounded approach — and one Pogba may need. His physical power and technical grace have always been his trademarks, but confidence and consistency were what made him world-class.
