Market Value: €100m to €5m
Since his last professional match in September 2023, Paul Pogba is poised to return this weekend, likely featuring for Monaco in their Ligue 1 clash against Rennes. The 32-year-old midfielder joined Monaco last summer but needed time to regain match fitness after a minor ankle injury postponed his comeback from a substantial suspension. Pogba’s last appearance for Juventus was against Empoli, after which he was suspended following a failed drug test earlier that summer, leading to a four-year ban issued in February 2024.
Fortunately for Pogba, the ban was reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, allowing him to resume training in January and fully reinstating his eligibility in March. Last November, he and Juventus agreed to part ways, and despite interest from Saudi Arabia and the MLS, he opted to join Monaco. He has signed a two-year contract with the club. The question remains: Can he reclaim his former glory after such a long absence?
Paul Pogba: Will His Comeback Be Successful?
It is difficult to predict how quickly Pogba can return to full match fitness after such a long layoff. At his peak, he was regarded as one of the top midfielders globally, but his second stint at Juventus was marred by injuries and ultimately the suspension. As detailed in the graphic below, he featured in only 12 matches over the span of a year after leaving Manchester United, missing a staggering 57 due to injury. Concerns linger regarding his recent ankle injury, and how his body responds to competitive play will be crucial for his future prospects.
As Pogba seeks to revitalize his career with Monaco, he will be competing in the Champions League, following the club’s third-place finish last season. This upcoming season will mark his first experience in Ligue 1, joining a promising group of young talents at Monaco. The key question remains: Will Pogba’s return be met with success? There are two perspectives emerging: the curious onlookers eager to see what he can achieve, and the hopeful believers who are optimistic that he can once again become the formidable player we once knew, potentially regaining his place in the French national team. Anticipation is high for his return, especially considering the recent changes in the football landscape.
Can Paul Pogba Earn a Spot on France’s World Cup Roster?
Though it might seem far-fetched at this moment, Pogba is undoubtedly motivated to secure a position on the French national team for the World Cup next summer. Analyst Durand believes this is within reach. He stated: “In terms of returning to the national team, I think he’s in a favorable position. Didier Deschamps holds him in high regard; he recognizes the rarity of a player like Pogba, both on and off the field. Deschamps has shown loyalty, as evidenced by Kanté’s inclusion for Euro 2024. Furthermore, Monaco’s participation in the Champions League is significant, as Deschamps views it as a prime breeding ground for players suitable for the international stage. If Pogba performs well, a return to the national team is certainly possible.”
