Paul Pogba has completed his return to professional football by signing a two-year contract with AS Monaco, marking the end of a turbulent period that saw the French midfielder serve an 18-month doping ban.
Initial Suspension and Failed Test
On September 11, 2023, Juventus announced that Paul Pogba had received a precautionary suspension order from the National Anti-Doping Tribunal following test results from August 20, 2023. Pogba tested positive for DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a substance that boosts testosterone levels.
The 32-year-old World Cup winner was initially handed a four-year ban in February 2024, effectively threatening to end his career at the highest level.
Successful Appeal and Reduction
Pogba’s four-year drug ban was reduced to 18 months following a successful appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The suspension period runs from September 11, 2023, meaning Pogba became eligible to return to football in March 2025.
AS Monaco sign Ansu Fati from FC Barcelona
CAS experts supported the French player’s insistence that he had unintentionally ingested the banned substance, which proved crucial in securing the reduction.
Contract Termination at Juventus
Juventus terminated Pogba’s contract in November 2024, leaving him without a club during the final months of his suspension. This meant the midfielder would be free to join any club once his ban expired.
Monaco Move
Paul Pogba joined AS Monaco on a free transfer after signing a two-year contract, with the Ligue 1 club making the announcement on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Pogba could not hold back tears after signing for Monaco, ending almost a two-year exile from football due to his doping ban. The 32-year-old completed the tearful signing as he resumes his career as a free agent. Paul Pogba will be teaming up with former FC Barcelona wonder kid as both players looks to resurrect their careers.
Career Context and Future Ambitions
AS Monaco signs Wonderkid Ansu Fati from FC Barcelona.
Pogba is a 91-times capped France international and was a key member of the 2018 World Cup-winning squad. Following his ban reduction, Pogba expressed his eagerness to return to football and said he dreams of playing at the 2026 World Cup with France.
The 32-year-old midfielder joins Monaco looking to revive his career following the doping ban. His career has been hampered by injuries in recent years, making the Monaco move crucial for his professional rehabilitation.
Pogba’s career has included spells at Manchester United and Juventus, with his most recent playing time coming during the 2022-23 season before his suspension. The Monaco move represents a fresh start in French football for the midfielder.
Pogba’s return to competitive football will be closely monitored as he attempts to rebuild his reputation and form. At 32, the Monaco contract potentially represents one of his final opportunities to compete at the highest level of European football.
The two-year deal provides Monaco with an experienced midfielder as they look to strengthen their squad, while giving Pogba the platform to show he can still contribute at the top level after his enforced absence from the game.
