Paul Pogba makes competitive return after doping ban
Paul Pogba stepped back onto the pitch on Saturday evening, after more than two years away from competitive football, marking an emotional milestone in his turbulent career, reports BritPanorama.
The 32-year-old French midfielder entered as a substitute in the 85th minute during Monaco’s 4-1 defeat at Rennes. His appearance ended an 811-day absence from professional football, with his last competitive match dating back to September 2023 when he represented Juventus against Empoli.
This match also marked a significant personal moment for Pogba, as it was his first-ever appearance in France’s top flight, despite his French heritage and previous academy experience at Le Havre.
The midfielder’s lengthy absence stemmed from a doping violation that initially threatened to end his career. In February 2024, authorities imposed a four-year suspension after Pogba tested positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a testosterone-boosting substance prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency. The ban followed a doping test conducted in August 2023. Pogba successfully appealed the punishment at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which reduced the suspension to 18 months.
Throughout this ordeal, Pogba has consistently maintained his innocence, claiming the banned substance entered his system accidentally through a supplement. Monaco signed him on a free transfer in June, offering the veteran a two-year contract.
Pogba flourished at Juventus, where he caught the attention of Manchester United, which secured his return in 2016 for a then-world-record fee of approximately £89 million. After six seasons at Old Trafford, where he made over 200 appearances, Pogba rejoined Juventus on a free transfer in 2022. However, his second stint in Turin proved disappointing, marred by injuries before the doping suspension halted his career entirely.
The decorated international remains notable for his contributions to the French national team, having earned 91 caps and playing a pivotal role in their 2018 World Cup triumph in Russia. Upon his return, he expressed profound emotion about his comeback, stating, “Seeing the crowd rise and applaud, I never imagined that would happen. I’m relieved to be playing football again, the thing I love most in the world.”
Despite his return, Pogba acknowledged that the road ahead remains challenging: “But there’s still work to do to get back to full fitness and be able to play 90 minutes… If I don’t perform well at Monaco, I can forget about the French national team.”
Supporters flooded social media with messages of support, with one writing: “Tears in my eyes. It felt so emotional seeing him back on the pitch after everything he went through.” Monaco’s next fixture sees them travel to Cyprus for a Champions League encounter with Pafos on Wednesday.
