Pogba Returns: Monaco to Feature Midfielder After Ban

Paul Pogba Returns to Football After 26-Month Suspension

Paul Pogba’s Long-Awaited Comeback at Monaco

Paul Pogba returns to football this weekend as Monaco prepares to include the 32-year-old midfielder in their matchday squad against Rennes after a challenging 26-month absence from competitive play. The former Manchester United and Juventus star has not graced the pitch since September 3, 2023, when a brief appearance for Juventus marked his last act before an unexpected doping ban threatened to end his illustrious career.

The Doping Ban That Changed Pogba’s Career Trajectory

Pogba’s career took a dramatic turn in August 2023 following a positive test for DHEA, a prohibited substance that raises testosterone levels, after a match against Udinese. The French international maintained that he unknowingly ingested the substance through nutritional supplements he thought were safe. The resulting four-year ban handed down by Italy’s anti-doping authorities in February 2024 looked like a career-ending blow. However, Pogba’s successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced the suspension to 18 months, making him eligible for a comeback in March 2025.

Pogba Returns to Football: Monaco Offers a Fresh Start

When the ban ended, Monaco offered Pogba a two-year contract, giving him a crucial platform to rebuild both his form and reputation. Determined to prove himself, Pogba has integrated into training and, according to reports from L’Equipe, completed full sessions with Monaco this week without setbacks. The club’s medical staff and coaching team have monitored his progress closely, and provided he remains fit, Pogba will travel with the squad to face Rennes, targeting his first competitive minutes in over two years.

Gradual Reintegration and Physical Recovery

Monaco’s approach to Pogba’s return is cautious yet optimistic. The plan involves gradually increasing his minutes over the coming weeks, with an eye toward eventually playing full matches with only brief recovery periods. This careful reintegration is designed to minimize risk after such a long layoff and multiple frustrating setbacks, including his recent ankle sprain that delayed his initial return.

Pogba’s Influence and Leadership Key for Monaco

Head coach Sebastien Pocognoli has underlined the significance of Pogba’s return for Monaco’s ambitions. Currently sixth in Ligue 1, Monaco trails league leaders Paris Saint-Germain by seven points—a gap they hope Pogba’s experience, technical skill, and leadership can help close. Pocognoli emphasizes Pogba’s role as a mentor for younger players, stating, “Leaders like Paul must pass on their experience to the next generation. If we use Paul effectively, the whole team can benefit from his influence.”

False Dawns and Frustrations on the Road to Recovery

Pogba’s comeback has not been without hurdles. Earlier hopes for a return in October were dashed by a training knock and subsequently by a grade-two ankle sprain just before a potential selection against Paris FC. These challenges tested the patience of both club and player. Coach Pocognoli has adopted a pragmatic stance, focusing on Pogba’s current readiness rather than past expectations, while expressing optimism about the midfielder’s mindset and work ethic.

Paul Pogba Returns to Football With Eyes on 2026 World Cup

For Pogba, this comeback is about more than just club football. With 91 caps and 11 goals for France, the 2018 World Cup winner is motivated by the dream of donning the national shirt at the 2026 World Cup. He knows that consistent performances in Ligue 1 with Monaco are vital to his hopes of convincing France’s selectors that he still has much to offer on the international stage.

What Pogba’s Return Means for Ligue 1 and Monaco

Pogba’s return to football is a significant moment for Ligue 1, bringing renewed attention and excitement to Monaco’s campaign. His presence will attract fans and media alike, eager to see if the midfielder can recapture the form that once made him one of the world’s most dynamic talents. For Monaco, his leadership and experience could prove pivotal in the race for European qualification—and possibly more.

Opinion: A Second Chance Worth Watching

Pogba’s journey back to the pitch is a testament to resilience and the power of second chances. If he can rediscover even a fraction of his best, Monaco and Ligue 1 will be richer for it. For fans and neutrals alike, this is a redemption story to watch closely. For more news on football comebacks and the latest updates, visit for more news.