Paul Pogba is set to make his return to competitive football, having been named in Monaco’s squad for their Ligue 1 match against Rennes on Saturday. This marks the first time the 32-year-old midfielder will play in over two years, with his last appearance dating back to September 2023, prior to a ban for violating anti-doping regulations.
Pogba joined AS Monaco on a free transfer in June 2025, signing a two-year deal after being without a club since leaving Juventus in November 2024. Initially handed a four-year ban in February 2024, Pogba successfully appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), leading to a reduction of his ban to 18 months. This decision allowed him to return to training in January 2025 and enabled him to resume his playing career in March.
Monaco’s head coach, Sebastien Pocognoli, expressed optimism about Pogba’s skills and potential contributions to the team. While he acknowledged that Pogba’s earlier successes at Manchester United and Juventus were in the past, Pocognoli is confident that the midfielder still retains the technical abilities that made him a standout player. He emphasized the importance of assessing Pogba’s performance during matches to determine his current form.
Pogba’s illustrious career includes winning the FIFA World Cup with France in 2018 and securing four Serie A titles with Juventus, where he appeared 190 times. Although he has yet to play in the French domestic league, his return to Monaco presents an exciting opportunity for both him and the club to reignite his career.
As Pogba prepares to step back onto the pitch, fans and experts alike will be eager to see if he can reclaim his status as a key player in French football. With the support of his new team and coaching staff, there’s a hopeful outlook for his comeback.