Paul Pogba to AS Monaco: A Bold New Chapter in a Storied Career
After nearly two years away from competitive football, Paul Pogba has officially signed with AS Monaco, marking a dramatic and potentially redemptive turn in one of football’s most enigmatic careers. The 32-year-old World Cup winner joins the Ligue 1 side on a two-year deal, aiming to reignite his career and reclaim his place among football’s elite.
From Glory to Exile: Pogba’s Tumultuous Journey
Pogba’s career has been a rollercoaster of brilliance, controversy, and misfortune. After dazzling at Juventus and becoming the then-most expensive player in the world with his €105 million move to Manchester United in 2016, Pogba’s second stint in Turin was marred by injuries and off-field issues. The most significant blow came in 2023, when he received a doping ban for inadvertently taking a banned substance, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which sidelined him for 18 months
Despite being eligible to return to play in March 2025, Pogba remained without a club until Monaco offered him a lifeline. Turning down more lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia and MLS, Pogba chose Monaco with a clear goal: to earn a recall to the French national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Why Monaco?
This move is significant for several reasons. It’s Pogba’s first time playing in Ligue 1, despite being a regular for Les Bleus. Monaco, who finished third in the league last season, are preparing for a Champions League campaign and see Pogba as a high-risk, high-reward signing.
The club’s ambition is clear. With a squad featuring Eric Dier, Folarin Balogun, Breel Embolo, and Denis Zakaria, Monaco is building a team capable of challenging PSG’s dominance. Pogba’s experience, leadership, and creativity could be the missing piece.
Can Pogba Still Deliver?
That’s the million-euro question. French media outlets like L'Équipe and RMC Sport have expressed skepticism, noting that while Pogba’s talent is undeniable, his physical condition remains a major concern. His personal trainer, Roger Caibe Rodriguez, insists Pogba is “smarter, more focused, and more determined than ever,”having trained intensively in Miami to prepare for this comeback .
Monaco is betting on Pogba’s mental resilience and football IQ to outweigh the rust from his long absence. If he can stay fit, there’s no doubt he can still influence games at the highest level.
The Financials: A Humble Return
Pogba’s salary at Monaco is a far cry from his Manchester United days. He will reportedly earn €3.84 million per year, or about €73,850 per week—a significant drop from the €17.6 million he earned annually at Old Trafford. But this move isn’t about money. It’s about redemption, legacy, and unfinished business.
What This Means for French Football
Pogba’s return to Ligue 1 is a major boost for the league’s profile. His presence will draw global attention, increase viewership, and add a layer of intrigue to every Monaco fixture. For young players, he’s a living lesson in resilience and reinvention.
Final Thoughts: A Career at the Crossroads
Paul Pogba’s move to AS Monaco is more than just a transfer—it’s a narrative arc of redemption. It’s about a player who has tasted the highest highs and endured the lowest lows, now seeking to write a new chapter on home soil. Whether he succeeds or not, one thing is certain: the football world will be watching.
What do you think of Pogba’s move to Monaco? Can he rise again? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to subscribe for more football insights!
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Paul Pogba to AS Monaco: A Comeback Story Written in Red and White
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Introduction: A New Chapter Begins
On June 28, 2025, Paul Pogba signed a two-year contract with AS Monaco, marking a dramatic return to professional football after nearly two years away from the pitch. The 32-year-old midfielder, once the most expensive player in the world, has endured a turbulent few years—plagued by injuries, personal turmoil, and a doping ban that threatened to end his career. But now, with tears in his eyes and determination in his heart, Pogba is back.
This move isn’t just a transfer—it’s a redemption arc, a calculated risk by Monaco, and a potential turning point in Ligue 1’s competitive landscape.
The Fall: From World Cup Glory to Football Exile
Pogba’s career has always been under the spotlight. After rising through the ranks at Le Havre and Manchester United, he became a global superstar at Juventus, winning four consecutive Serie A titles and reaching the 2015 Champions League final. His €105 million return to Manchester United in 2016 made headlines, but his second stint at Old Trafford was marred by inconsistency and injuries.
In 2022, Pogba returned to Juventus, but his comeback was short-lived. He played just 12 matches before testing positive for DHEA, a banned substance that boosts testosterone. Initially handed a four-year ban, Pogba successfully appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, reducing the suspension to 18 months. Juventus terminated his contract in November 2024, and Pogba was left without a club.
The Rise: Why Monaco?
Despite interest from MLS and the Saudi Pro League, Pogba chose Monaco—a club with ambition, history, and a Champions League berth. His decision wasn’t about money; it was about legacy. Pogba reportedly turned down more lucrative offers to focus on earning a recall to the French national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup .
This is Pogba’s first time playing in Ligue 1, a surprising fact given his French roots. Monaco, who finished third in the 2024–25 season, offers him a platform to compete at the highest level while staying close to home.
The Deal: Salary and Contract Details
Pogba signed a two-year contract with Monaco, running until June 2027. His salary is reported to be €3.84 million per year, or approximately €73,850 per week. This is a significant drop from his Manchester United wages, where he earned €17.6 million annually.
But Pogba isn’t chasing paychecks anymore. His focus is on rebuilding his career, staying fit, and proving he still belongs among football’s elite.
The Emotional Return: Tears at the Signing Table
In a video shared by AS Monaco, Pogba was visibly emotional as he signed his contract. Surrounded by friends and club officials, he broke down in tears—a rare and raw moment that captured the weight of his journey.
“I’m mentally and physically ready,” Pogba said in a recent interview. “I still feel like a kid. I’m eager to start again”.
Monaco’s Gamble: High Risk, High Reward
From a footballing perspective, Pogba is a wildcard. He hasn’t played a competitive match since September 2023. His last full season was in 2021–22. Injuries, a doping ban, and personal issues—including an extortion case involving his brother—have kept him off the pitch.
But Monaco isn’t betting on the past. They’re betting on potential. With a midfield already boasting Denis Zakaria, Lamine Camara, and Soungoutou Magassa, Pogba won’t be overburdened. He can be eased into the squad, used strategically, and allowed to rediscover his rhythm.
Tactical Fit: What Pogba Brings to Monaco
At his best, Pogba is a complete midfielder—a blend of power, vision, and flair. He can dictate tempo, break lines with passes, and score from distance. His versatility allows him to play as a deep-lying playmaker, a box-to-box engine, or even an advanced No. 10.
Under Adi Hütter, Monaco plays a fluid, attacking style that could suit Pogba’s strengths. With Champions League qualifiers on the horizon, his experience could be invaluable.
The Bigger Picture: Pogba and Ligue 1
Pogba’s arrival is a boost for Ligue 1. It adds star power, media attention, and narrative intrigue. For a league often overshadowed by the Premier League and La Liga, Pogba’s presence is a statement.
It also sets a precedent: that Ligue 1 can be a platform for comebacks, not just a stepping stone or retirement league. Pogba joins a list of players—like Hatem Ben Arfa and Alexandre Lacazette—who’ve used Ligue 1 to revive their careers.
The Road Ahead: Can Pogba Make the France Squad?
Pogba has 91 caps and 11 goals for France. He was instrumental in their 2018 World Cup win, scoring in the final against Croatia. But he hasn’t played for Les Bleus since 2022.
With the 2026 World Cup looming, Pogba’s goal is clear: earn Didier Deschamps’ trust again. Monaco’s training ground is just a stone’s throw from Deschamps’ home—a convenient coincidence that could work in Pogba’s favor.
Final Thoughts: A Story of Redemption
Paul Pogba’s move to AS Monaco is more than a transfer—it’s a human story. It’s about resilience, humility, and the pursuit of unfinished dreams. It’s about a man who’s been to the top, fallen hard, and is now climbing back—one pass, one tackle, one match at a time.
Whether he succeeds or not, Pogba’s journey is a reminder that in football, as in life, comebacks are always possible.
What do you think of Pogba’s move to Monaco? Can he rise again? Share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe for more in-depth football stories.
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