Tearful Pogba Signs for Monaco After Doping Ban

Tearful Pogba Signs for Monaco After Doping Ban

Paul Pogba has signed a two-year contract with AS Monaco, sealing an emotional return to competitive football after serving an 18-month suspension for a doping violation.

The 32-year-old midfielder was visibly tearful as he signed the deal, having endured a turbulent period since testing positive for a banned substance in August 2023 following Juventus’ Serie A opener against Udinese.

Originally handed a four-year ban, Pogba successfully appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), who reduced the suspension to 18 months after it was determined he inadvertently consumed dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) — a substance on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) banned list that, crucially, was found to only have physiological effects in females.

“Thanks for the trust,” said Pogba in a tearful message, before concluding his official announcement video with the word “La renaissance”, symbolizing his intent to reignite his career.

A Fresh Start in Ligue 1

Pogba had his Juventus contract terminated by mutual consent in November, and has been eligible to play again since March 2025. His signing with Monaco marks his first ever appearance in Ligue 1, despite being one of France’s most high-profile football exports.

The move presents a chance for the 2018 World Cup winner to re-establish himself after a challenging stretch marred by injuries, poor form, and off-field controversy.

Career Highlights and Setbacks

Pogba began his senior career at Manchester United, before making a breakthrough at Juventus, where he won four consecutive Serie A titles and two domestic doubles. In 2016, he rejoined United for a then-world-record £89m fee, and won the Europa League and League Cup in his first season back.

However, his second stint at Old Trafford was blighted by inconsistency and injury, and his return to Juventus in 2022 failed to reignite his form.

Despite the setbacks, Pogba remains a marquee name, with 91 caps for France, and a starring role in their 2018 World Cup triumph, where he scored in the final against Croatia.

Looking Ahead

Pogba’s signing is seen as a bold and symbolic move for Monaco, who aim to challenge for domestic honours and reassert their presence in European competition.

His arrival also adds star power to Ligue 1, and with the player himself vowing a “rebirth”, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see whether the once-dominant midfielder can rediscover the form that made him one of the most marketable and dynamic players in world football.