Pogba Makes Monaco’s Champions League Squad in Emotional Return to Football

Pogba makes Monaco’s Champions League squad after completing his long-awaited return to football. The 32-year-old French midfielder signed a two-year deal with the Ligue 1 side in June 2025, marking his comeback following an 18-month suspension for a doping violation.

His move to Monaco came after the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced his original four-year ban, clearing him to resume professional football in March 2025.

The former Manchester United and Juventus star has not played a competitive game since September 2023, but his inclusion in Monaco’s European squad signals both his readiness to step back onto the pitch and the club’s faith in his experience. The Monegasques, who finished third in Ligue 1 last season, will lean on Pogba’s pedigree as they embark on their Champions League campaign.

Monaco’s league-phase fixtures promise high-profile tests against Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid, Galatasaray, Juventus, Club Brugge, Bodo/Glimt, and Pafos FC. Pogba could make his European return as early as the October 1 clash at home to Manchester City, with another potential debut opportunity coming against Tottenham on October 22.

Though he has yet to make his domestic debut for Monaco, Pogba’s emotional signing—where he was seen in tears—reflected the determination behind his comeback. For both Monaco and the wider footballing world, his return represents resilience and the hope of rediscovering the form that once made him one of the most influential midfielders in the game.