Paul Pogba in Talks with Monaco Over Comeback After Doping Ban
Manchester United paid a then world record £89m to Juventus for Pogba in 2016 - he rejoined the Italian club on a free transfer in 2022

Paul Pogba in Talks with Monaco Over Comeback After Doping Ban

Pogba Aiming to Return with Monaco After Doping Ban

Paul Pogba is on the verge of a remarkable return to football as he enters advanced talks with AS Monaco, following an 18-month suspension due to a doping violation.

The 32-year-old France World Cup winner is expected to sign a two-year contract with the Ligue 1 club, which would mark his return to top-flight football in his homeland.

Why Was Pogba Banned?

Pogba was provisionally suspended in August 2023 after a random drug test following Juventus’ opening game of the season against Udinese detected the banned substance DHEA, which boosts testosterone.

Though he initially faced a four-year ban, an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) led to a reduction to 18 months, allowing him to resume his career from March 2025.

CAS ruled that Pogba had inadvertently consumed DHEA, and clarified that the substance has performance-enhancing effects only in females.

Mutual Exit from Juventus

After the ban was imposed, Pogba and Juventus agreed to a mutual termination of his contract in November 2024, making the former Manchester United midfielder a free agent.

Since then, he has been training privately to prepare for a professional comeback.

Why Monaco?

Pogba is believed to be motivated by a desire to rebuild his career in a stable environment and Monaco’s project offers a promising platform. Monaco, who finished strongly in the Ligue 1 table last season, view Pogba as a key addition with leadership and top-level experience.

The deal could be finalised in the coming days, subject to medical and final agreement on personal terms.

Pogba’s Career Timeline

  • 2011-2012: Manchester United debut

  • 2012-2016: Juventus – 4 Serie A titles

  • 2016-2022: Returned to Manchester United for £89m

  • 2022-2024: Juventus – injury-hit second stint

  • 2023: Suspended for doping

  • 2025: Expected return with Monaco

What’s Next for Pogba?

Pogba’s return could rejuvenate both his career and Monaco’s midfield. If the deal is completed, it may represent one of the most high-profile redemption stories in modern football.

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