Paul Pogba Set to Revive Career at AS Monaco After Doping Ban

Paul Pogba Set to Revive Career at AS Monaco After Doping Ban

French Midfielder Nears Ligue 1 Return with Two-Year Deal

Paul Pogba is preparing for a fresh chapter in his career as he closes in on a move to AS Monaco. The 32-year-old France international has agreed to a two-year contract with the Ligue 1 club and is expected to undergo a medical examination later this week.

This transfer marks Pogba’s return to football after serving an 18-month ban for a doping violation. The midfielder has been a free agent since November 2024, when he and Juventus mutually agreed to terminate his contract.

Paul Pogba Set to Revive Career at AS Monaco: Suspension Reduced Following Appeal

Pogba last featured in a competitive match in September 2023 while playing for Juventus. Shortly after, he tested positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a banned substance that can naturally boost testosterone levels. Initially handed a four-year suspension, Pogba appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). His legal team argued the punishment was excessive, and the court eventually reduced his ban to 18 months, making him eligible to return to football as of March 2025.

The lengthy absence from competitive football posed serious doubts over Pogba’s future in the game. However, the midfielder has remained committed to returning, maintaining his fitness and staying focused on a comeback.

Offers from MLS and Saudi Arabia Rejected

Following his release from Juventus, Pogba drew significant interest from across the footballing world. Clubs in Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Saudi Pro League reportedly tabled lucrative offers in an attempt to lure the World Cup winner.

Despite the financial incentives, Pogba chose to prioritize competitive football and a familiar environment. He reportedly believes that a return to Ligue 1, where he can focus on rebuilding his form and reputation, offers the best platform for his comeback.

First Domestic Appearance in France

Interestingly, although Pogba began his youth career in France at Le Havre, he has never played in the French top division. His professional career took flight at Manchester United, where he joined the club’s academy in 2009. After a brief debut spell at United, he moved to Juventus in 2012, where he rose to global prominence.

In 2016, he returned to Manchester United for a then-world record transfer fee of £89.3 million. Pogba spent six more years at Old Trafford before rejoining Juventus in 2022.

Now, with a move to Monaco on the horizon, Pogba will finally make his domestic debut in France—a symbolic homecoming for one of the country’s most talented yet controversial players.

Monaco’s Ambition and Pogba’s Motivation

For AS Monaco, signing Pogba represents a significant statement of intent. The club has been striving to regain its place among Ligue 1’s elite and views Pogba’s experience, star power, and leadership as valuable assets in that pursuit.

From Pogba’s perspective, the move is about more than just playing football again—it’s about redemption. Sources close to the player suggest he’s determined to prove doubters wrong and re-establish himself as a force in European football. With Euro 2028 and future international tournaments on the horizon, Pogba also hopes a successful stint in Monaco could reignite his international career with France.

A Comeback Story in the Making

Pogba’s potential return to the pitch is one of the most anticipated stories in football this year. While concerns remain over his match fitness and long-term durability, Monaco is said to have full confidence in their medical and coaching staff to manage his reintegration.

If successful, this comeback could be one of the most compelling narratives in modern football—a former World Cup winner overcoming suspension, media scrutiny, and injury to make a meaningful return to the game.

Paul Pogba Set to Revive Career at AS Monaco