Paul Pogba has signed a two-year contract with AS Monaco, marking a dramatic return to top-flight football for the French midfielder after a turbulent spell away from the game. The 32-year-old World Cup winner, who has not played competitively since September 2023, will finally make his debut in Ligue 1 following his recovery from a doping suspension that threatened to end his career prematurely.
Pogba’s move to Monaco has been confirmed by multiple sources close to the deal, with official announcements expected from the club early next week. The contract, which runs until 2027, offers Pogba the opportunity to resurrect his career at a club with growing ambitions both domestically and in Europe. Monaco’s return to the Champions League next season was reportedly a key factor in Pogba’s decision, giving him the chance to perform at the highest level once again.
The former Manchester United and Juventus star had endured a frustrating spell away from football after testing positive for the banned substance DHEA, a hormone that can naturally boost testosterone levels. Initially handed a four-year ban, Pogba successfully appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which reduced his suspension to 18 months, making him eligible to return in March 2025. Since then, he has been training privately, weighing up his next move carefully.
Despite receiving lucrative offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia, Major League Soccer, and even a speculative approach from Marseille, Pogba was adamant about staying in Europe and competing at a high level to reignite his international ambitions. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, a return to France offered both familiarity and the right competitive environment to force his way back into Didier Deschamps’ plans.
Monaco, for their part, view the signing as a calculated risk. While Pogba’s pedigree is unquestionable—his trophy cabinet includes a World Cup, four Serie A titles, and Europa League success—questions remain over his fitness and ability to regain form after such a prolonged absence. Nonetheless, the Principality club are confident that the Frenchman’s experience and technical ability will inject much-needed quality into their midfield as they look to make an impact in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League.
Pogba is expected to undergo a thorough medical in the coming days before joining his new teammates for pre-season training. His debut for Monaco could come as early as the start of the new Ligue 1 campaign, depending on his fitness levels and readiness to compete.
The move represents a bold new chapter for Pogba, whose career has been punctuated by extraordinary highs and frustrating lows. If the Frenchman can rediscover even a fraction of the form that once made him one of the most sought-after midfielders in world football, Monaco may have pulled off one of the transfer coups of the summer. For Pogba, it is a chance at redemption—and perhaps, one final push towards footballing glory.
