One of France’s 2018 World Cup heroes has been away from football for more than two years.
The contract was signed four months ago. Training has been going steadily. Yet, Paul Pogba’s biggest wait isn’t over. Despite completing his suspension and returning to the mainstream of football, the World Cup-winning midfielder still hasn’t featured in a match. Monaco head coach Sébastien Pocognoli, however, assures that the time for Pogba’s return has nearly arrived.
Pogba signed a two-year deal with AS Monaco at the end of June. During the signing ceremony, he broke down in tears—it truly felt like a new beginning for him.
The biggest blow in Pogba’s career came in the form of a doping ban, which initially sidelined him for four years. After a successful appeal, it was reduced to one and a half years. Having served his suspension and found a new club as a free agent, Pogba is now counting the days until he can step back onto the pitch.
He last played competitive football in September 2023, and according to Monaco’s coach, that long wait may finally be ending soon.
“At the moment, I can say everything is going well. Hopefully, we’ll see him in the squad very soon. Once he’s back, we’ll work together to evaluate him as a footballer again,” Pocognoli said.
Having risen through Manchester United’s youth academy, Pogba enjoyed his best club years there and later at Juventus. His career, however, didn’t continue as expected. Now, after his return, Pocognoli isn’t expecting the same Pogba who once dominated European midfields—but he’s determined to help him get as close as possible.
“That Manchester United or first-spell Juventus version of Pogba—that’s from another time. Every player evolves with age and experience. We have to judge him now based on his current stage and circumstances,” the Monaco coach explained.
“From what I’ve seen, he still has that incredible technique we all remember. Once he starts playing again, we’ll get answers about his rhythm and sharpness. Pogba can still rediscover his best self at AS Monaco. My job is to guide and support him in getting there.”
Over his career, Pogba has won 10 trophies with Manchester United and Juventus, as well as the 2013 U-20 World Cup, the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and the 2020–21 Nations League with France. Since the 2022 World Cup, however, he hasn’t been seen in the national jersey.
