Paul Pogba finally stepped back onto a professional football pitch on Sunday evening, ending an exhausting 811-day absence that almost ended his career. The former Manchester United star made his Monaco debut late on against Rennes, marking the end of one of football’s longest and most dramatic comebacks.
The moment arrived in the 85th minute at Roazhon Park. Monaco were already 4–0 down, the match long gone after a chaotic first half that saw captain Denis Zakaria sent off. But when Pogba’s number went up, the small pocket of travelling Monaco fans rose to their feet. It wasn’t about the scoreline anymore — it was about seeing Pogba back where he belonged.
Mika Biereth grabbed a late consolation, but the 4–1 defeat dropped Monaco to eighth in Ligue 1. Even so, the night will be remembered for one reason only: Paul Pogba’s return to competitive football.
From Doping Ban to Second Chance
Pogba’s comeback is the result of a long, messy and emotionally draining saga.
In August 2023, while playing for Juventus, he tested positive for DHEA, a banned substance. He insisted he took a contaminated supplement unknowingly, but in February 2024 he was handed a four-year ban — a punishment that many believed would end his career for good.
His legal team appealed, and after months of back-and-forth, the ban was reduced, clearing him to return in March 2025. Juventus had already terminated his contract, leaving him without a club, without fitness, and with doubts swirling around his future.
Monaco offered the lifeline — and Pogba grabbed it.
“A lot of emotions,” Pogba told Ligue 1+. “I’m happy, but of course the result hurts. Today was a step. I took it, and now we keep going. I still need time, but it will come. We’re working for that.”
L’Equipe reports that Monaco’s staff will take a phased approach, slowly increasing his minutes until he can play two full matches in one week. Pogba still dreams of wearing the France shirt at the 2026 World Cup, a goal he hasn’t given up on despite everything.
A Leader Beyond the Pitch
Monaco manager Sébastien Pocognoli sees Pogba as more than just a midfielder returning to form. To him, Pogba is a leader the squad desperately needs.
“Players like Paul carry a legacy,” the coach said. “They guide the young ones. They understand pressure. If we use his experience well, the entire group benefits.”
Pogba’s presence has already had an impact behind the scenes — helping younger players adapt, bringing standards back up, and restoring energy to a dressing room that needed a spark.
What’s Next? A Bigger Test Awaits
Monaco sit eighth in the table but remain only two points behind fourth-placed Strasbourg. Their next match? PSG on November 29 — a far bigger challenge and an opportunity for Pogba to increase his workload.
“It depends on the coach,” Pogba said. “I’ll do everything possible to help the team.”
The road ahead is still long: fitness to rebuild, rhythm to rediscover, confidence to restore. But for the first time in more than two years, Paul Pogba is back on that road — boots on, head clear, and fighting again.
For a player who has carried the weight of criticism, controversy and expectation for most of his career, Sunday wasn’t just a comeback.
It was a restart.
