Paul Pogba Makes His On-Pitch Comeback After More Than Two Years Away

Paul Pogba made his long-awaited return to professional football for the first time in more than two years when he featured for AS Monaco in their Ligue 1 trip to Stade Rennais on 22 November 2025.

His comeback marks the end of an extended spell away from the game, having last played in September 2023 for Juventus in a 2-0 win over Empoli before his suspension and subsequent fitness challenges kept him off the pitch.

Before Pogba’s return, Monaco endured a difficult night, falling 4-1 to Rennes. Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal opened the scoring for the hosts, followed by Mahdi Camara’s strike early in the second half. Breel Embolo added a third before Ludovic Blas converted a late penalty to make it 4-0. Monaco managed a consolation goal deep into stoppage time through Mika Biereth.

Pogba’s absence stemmed largely from a positive test for the banned substance DHEA in August 2023, which initially resulted in a four-year ban announced in February 2024. That suspension was later reduced to 18 months on appeal. Juventus subsequently terminated his contract by mutual consent in November 2024.

 In June 2025, he agreed a two-year deal with AS Monaco, signalling his intention to revive his career. A minor ankle setback during pre-season slowed his progress, but the club opted for a careful, structured approach to his reintegration.