Paul Pogba in tears after completing his move to Monaco

Paul Pogba Overcomes Two-Year Absence to Rejoin Professional Football with AS Monaco

Paul Pogba was overcome with emotion on Saturday as he signed a two-year contract with Ligue 1 side AS Monaco, bringing an end to his near two-year hiatus from football. The 32‑year‑old midfielder, a World Cup winner with France and former standout at Juventus and Manchester United, couldn’t contain his tears during the signing ceremony .

Pogba had not played since September 2023, following a positive test for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Initially handed a four-year suspension, that penalty was reduced to 18 months on appeal in October 2024 after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled the violation was unintentional . His contract with Juventus was mutually terminated in November 2024.

Monaco, who secured a third-place finish in Ligue 1 last season and return to the Champions League, have now offered Pogba a fresh start at a club in his native France—a first in his senior career. He will don the number 8 shirt and is poised to replay at the highest level under the Principality’s floodlights .

In a statement, Monaco expressed their delight at his arrival, confirming he will be on the roster until June 30, 2027 . Pogba himself conveyed his readiness to return, telling French media that he’s both “mentally and physically prepared” to resume his career .

A product of the Le Havre academy, Pogba’s senior career took him from Juventus—where he won four consecutive Serie A titles—to Manchester United in a then-world-record return transfer in 2016. After a second Juventus spell marred by injury and inconsistency, followed by his suspension, he spent nearly two seasons away from professional competition .

Monaco now await his medical, expected this week , as they prepare for the 2025–26 campaign. Pogba’s return marks a poignant moment in what has been a turbulent journey—one he clearly felt in the moment, as tears streamed while he signed.