Paul Pogba has officially signed a two-year contract with Ligue 1 side AS Monaco, marking his return to competitive football after a challenging period sidelined by a doping ban. The 32-year-old French midfielder, a 2018 World Cup winner, finalized the transfer as a free agent on June 28, 2025, following the mutual termination of his contract with Juventus in November 2024. The announcement, made by Monaco on their official website and social media, has sparked excitement among fans and pundits alike, with Pogba expressing his enthusiasm for a fresh start in his homeland.
Pogba’s journey back to the pitch has been arduous. His last competitive appearance was in September 2023 for Juventus against Empoli, before a doping violation led to an initial four-year suspension. The ban was later reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, allowing him to resume playing in March 2025. During his time away, speculation linked him to moves in Major League Soccer and the Saudi Pro League, but Pogba opted for Monaco, a club poised to compete in the UEFA Champions League after finishing third in Ligue 1 last season. The midfielder, who has never played professionally in France’s top flight despite coming through Le Havre’s academy, is now set to make his Ligue 1 debut, adding a new chapter to his illustrious career.
The signing is a significant coup for Monaco, who are looking to close the gap on Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain. Pogba brings a wealth of experience, with 91 caps for France, four Serie A titles with Juventus, and a Europa League trophy with Manchester United, where he also became the world’s most expensive player in 2016 with an £89.3 million transfer. His arrival is expected to bolster Monaco’s midfield with quality and leadership, complementing a squad that includes new signings like Barcelona’s Ansu Fati, who is set to join on loan. Kylian Mbappé, a fellow French star, publicly supported Pogba’s move, sharing an enthusiastic post on Instagram with the caption “Pogback,” signaling high expectations for his compatriot’s comeback.
Pogba’s emotional response to the transfer was evident in his announcement video, where he thanked Monaco for their trust and declared, “La renaissance,” hinting at a career revival. Reports indicate he was willing to take a salary reduction to facilitate the move, underscoring his determination to return to top form. Monaco’s third-place finish last season, four points behind Marseille and 23 behind champions PSG, highlights the challenge ahead, but Pogba’s pedigree and motivation could prove transformative. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, he has also expressed ambitions to reclaim his spot in the French national team, a goal that France coach Didier Deschamps may support if Pogba regains his world-class form in the Champions League.