From €100m to €0: Can Paul Pogba Revive His Career at Monaco?
Paul Pogba is on the brink of a comeback after nearly two years out of action. The 32-year-old French midfielder last played for Juventus in September 2023 before a doping suspension sidelined his career. Initially hit with a four-year ban in February 2024, the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced it to 18 months — allowing Pogba to resume training in January and officially return in March.
A New Chapter in Ligue 1?
Following a mutual contract termination with Juventus in November, Pogba became a free agent. While he was linked with potential moves to MLS and the Saudi Pro League, reports now suggest he is set to join AS Monaco on a two-year deal.
Pogba, however, remains cautious:
“I haven’t signed anything… But there’s interest. We’ll see. In life, you never know.”
Can He Still Deliver?
There are major question marks over Pogba’s fitness. Since returning to Juventus from Manchester United in 2022, he played just 12 games and missed 57 due to injury.
Despite this, Monaco — fresh off a third-place finish and Champions League qualification — may offer the perfect platform.
“There’s a buzz in France about Pogba signing for Monaco,” says Transfermarkt’s Ligue 1 expert Joachim Durand.
“At 32 and after such a long layoff, I have doubts — but Pogba himself feels like a young player again.”
The Bigger Goal: France & the World Cup
Beyond club football, Pogba has his sights set on a return to the French national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
“He has the tools,” Durand says. “Deschamps trusts him. Monaco’s Champions League campaign could be his ticket back, just like we saw with Kanté’s Euro 2024 return.”
Once valued at €100 million, Pogba’s current market value stands at €0. But if he can stay healthy and perform, his story may yet have a triumphant second act — and a potential return to the world stage with Les Bleus.
