Paul Pogba and the Wrexham Rumours: A Hollywood Comeback or Career Gamble?

Could Paul Pogba Join Wrexham in a Bid to Reignite His Career?

It sounds like something from a football fantasy league—or maybe even a Hollywood script. Paul Pogba, the World Cup winner and former Manchester United star, linked with a move to Wrexham AFC? Yes, that Wrexham. The one co-owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who’ve helped turn the modest Welsh club into a global story. But beneath the headlines and the viral social media posts, there’s a very real question about Pogba’s future and where he goes next in a career that has spiralled unexpectedly in recent years.

From Doping Ban to Comeback Hopes

Let’s rewind. Pogba’s once-glittering career took a severe hit when he was handed a four-year doping ban after testing positive for testosterone in 2023. But in October, that suspension was reduced to 18 months on appeal, making him eligible to return to professional football as of March 2025.

However, by that time, Pogba’s contract with Juventus had already been mutually terminated. His return to Turin, meant to be a grand reunion, had instead turned into a string of injuries, off-field distractions, and ultimately, disappointment. Since March, he’s been a free agent—training, staying in shape, and waiting for the right opportunity to get back into the game.

Wrexham: Ambition, Attention, and a Long Shot

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Naturally, as speculation around Pogba’s next step grows, so do the suggestions. Ligue 1. Saudi Arabia. Major League Soccer. Each of those destinations has been floated. But Wrexham? That one raised a few eyebrows.

The Welsh club is no longer a punchline. Under Reynolds and McElhenney’s stewardship, they’ve secured three successive promotions and now sit just one tier below the Premier League. There’s an infectious ambition running through the Racecourse Ground. And with the Hollywood influence, they’ve already attracted global attention—and decent players.

But Pogba? That’s another level entirely.

Malouda: “Too Risky” for What Pogba Wants

Whether it’s Pogba to Wrexham or Pogba

If you ask someone who’s been there, someone who knows the grind and the expectation of being a top-tier international footballer, they’ll tell you: this move might be too much of a risk.

Florent Malouda, the former Chelsea and France winger, recently weighed in on the idea. Speaking to GOAL, he offered a more sobering take on the possibility. For Pogba, Malouda suggested, the priority now should be recovery—mentally, physically, emotionally. A place like Wrexham, while exciting and full of promise, might not be the right environment for someone trying to rebuild a career that once peaked on the global stage.

“I cannot speak on Paul Pogba’s behalf,” Malouda said. “But if I was him, after such a long time away from the pitch, it’s about building back his confidence. You look into the environment—where you will receive the confidence, the love. He needs to be surrounded by people who believe and trust him.”

And then came the blunt truth: “So I think a move in clubs like Wrexham wouldn’t help him achieve what he has in mind… He wants to lead France in the World Cup. It would be too risky.”

Eyes on 2026: The Long Road Back

At 32, Pogba doesn’t have time on his side—but neither is he past the point of no return. The French national team has not closed the door. Didier Deschamps, who knows Pogba better than most, recently reaffirmed his belief in the midfielder’s ability to return to the top.

“Obviously, we have a strong relationship after everything we have experienced together,” Deschamps told Telefoot in April. “He has the mental strength to return to the highest level, but it’s his career; it’s up to him to decide.”

Pogba himself has echoed that sentiment in a recent interview with GQ. “I can’t wait to play,” he admitted. “You know, it’s been so long since I played football. I never imagined I’d be free at this time of the season. Today, there are offers. Coming from all over. I want to see what suits me best. Because I am in a crucial period of my life and career.”

It’s the kind of statement that suggests he knows the weight of this next decision. This isn’t just about getting back on a pitch—it’s about protecting a legacy.

Why Wrexham Does Make Sense (Sort Of)

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Still, if you squint hard enough, there is a case for Wrexham.

The club’s rapid rise is backed by serious financial investment, first-class media attention, and a spirit of adventure. A Pogba signing would fit the narrative perfectly: a fallen giant looking for redemption in a place that loves a comeback story. It would be a media dream. And, from a purely footballing perspective, Pogba’s class could be transformational in League One—or even the Championship.

But as Malouda rightly points out, the pressure would be enormous. Pogba wouldn’t just be expected to play—he’d be expected to dominate, to lead, to lift the club into the Premier League. That’s a big ask for someone who hasn’t played a competitive match since August 2023 and who still doesn’t know how his body will respond to the demands of regular football.

What’s Next?

So where does Pogba go from here? The truth is, no one knows—not even him. He’s said he’ll take his time to make the right decision. What’s certain is that clubs from all over the world are interested. The Saudi Pro League has the financial power to offer security. Ligue 1 offers familiarity. MLS offers lifestyle and visibility. And Wrexham? Wrexham offers something totally unique.

Whether it’s Pogba to Wrexham or Pogba to a more traditional destination, the next chapter in this remarkable career is about to begin. And like so much in his story so far, it probably won’t follow the script we expect.