Paul Pogba’s France World Cup dream rated as Monaco transfer complete
After nearly two years away from professional football, Paul Pogba is set to make a stunning return—this time with Ligue 1 side AS Monaco. The transfer was officially announced on Saturday, marking a pivotal moment in the career of the 32-year-old former Juventus and Manchester United star.
Pogba’s last appearance came in a match against Empoli in September 2023. Not long after, he was handed a suspension following a failed drug test in August. Initially banned for four years in February 2024, his sentence was later reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. This allowed Pogba to resume training in January and lifted the ban by March, paving the way for his comeback.
In November 2024, Pogba and Juventus mutually agreed to terminate his contract. Despite strong rumors linking him to clubs in the United States and Saudi Arabia, he has chosen a two-year contract with Monaco. But the burning question remains—can Pogba return to his former glory after such a prolonged absence?
Paul Pogba: Can He Make a Successful Comeback?
Projecting Pogba’s return to full match fitness is difficult. At his peak, he was among the most dominant midfielders in world football, known for his physicality, creativity, and flair. However, injury setbacks plagued his second stint at Juventus, even before the suspension. He made only 12 appearances in over a year, missing 57 matches due to various injuries.
Now at Monaco, Pogba is eager to revive his career, and he will have a chance to compete in the Champions League, as the club finished third in Ligue 1 last season. Surprisingly, this move also marks his first-ever spell in France’s top flight.
Ligue 1 analyst Joachim Durand shared his thoughts on the high-profile move:
“There is widespread excitement in France about Pogba signing for Monaco. Everyone is hyped, or at least intrigued. Personally, I’m somewhat skeptical. I want to believe it, but at 32 and after such a long absence, I have significant doubts. However, his mentality seems optimistic—he feels like a young player arriving at a training center.”
Can Pogba Make France’s World Cup Squad?
While it might seem like a long shot, Pogba is determined to earn a spot in France’s squad for next summer’s World Cup. Durand believes the dream is still alive:
“I think he holds the keys to a return to the French national team. Didier Deschamps has a high opinion of him and recognizes the rarity of a player with his skill set, both on and off the pitch. Deschamps has shown commitment to his players, as seen with Kanté’s recall for Euro 2024.”
Monaco’s Champions League qualification also plays in Pogba’s favor. As Deschamps views the competition as close to international-level football, strong performances from Pogba could significantly boost his case for a national team return.
From a €100 million star to a player with a market value of zero, Paul Pogba’s story has been full of highs and lows. His Monaco chapter may be the most important yet. Will it be a fairytale comeback—or a final curtain?
