Post by : Maya Rahman

French midfielder Paul Pogba, who has not played a professional football match since September 2023, is edging closer to his return to competitive action. His new manager at AS Monaco, Sebastien Pocognoli, confirmed that the 32-year-old is progressing well in training and could soon make his debut for the club. The coach, however, emphasized the importance of managing expectations as Pogba works his way back to full fitness after an extended absence.

Pogba officially joined AS Monaco in June 2025 on a free transfer, marking a fresh start in his turbulent career. The former Manchester United and Juventus star arrived with determination to rebuild his reputation and regain his match rhythm in Ligue 1.

Monaco’s management sees Pogba’s signing as both a sporting and symbolic boost, as the club continues to blend experienced internationals with young local talents. His presence, leadership, and creativity are expected to add value to a squad currently competing in the upper half of the French league standings.

Pogba’s long absence from football stemmed from a four-year suspension handed down in February 2024 after testing positive for DHEA, a banned substance that enhances testosterone levels. The punishment was later reduced to 18 months following a successful appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which accepted his argument of unintentional use.

This reduction paved the way for Pogba’s potential return to professional football by late 2025, a development that revived his hopes of ending his career on a positive note.

AS Monaco manager Sebastien Pocognoli expressed cautious optimism when asked about Pogba’s return. “For the moment, things are going well. I expect it to be a short time before he’s back in the squad,” Pocognoli said. “When he returns, we’ll need to work together to assess him as a player.”

The coach reminded fans that the Pogba of today is different from the one who dazzled audiences during his early days at Juventus or Manchester United. “The Paul of Manchester United or his first period at Juventus dates back several years now,” Pocognoli noted. “Every player evolves with age and experience, so we’ll have to judge him based on his current background and age.”

Despite his lengthy spell away from competitive football, Pogba continues to impress his teammates and coaching staff in training. Pocognoli praised the midfielder’s natural skill and technical quality, saying, “From what I see, he still possesses the technique we know he has. The rhythm of the matches will give us some answers.”

The Monaco coach added that his role would be to help Pogba reach the best version of himself again. “He can be the best version of himself at AS Monaco; in any case, it will be my role to guide him towards that level.”

Paul Pogba’s football journey has been a mix of triumphs and trials. After rising to prominence at Juventus, where he won multiple Serie A titles, he became the world’s most expensive player when he rejoined Manchester United in 2016 for over £89 million. However, his second stint at United was marked by inconsistency, injuries, and criticism, leading to his eventual return to Juventus in 2022.

Unfortunately, his comeback to Italy was overshadowed by persistent injuries and later the doping scandal, which put his career in jeopardy. His move to Monaco offers a crucial opportunity for redemption.

AS Monaco currently sits sixth in Ligue 1, showing strong performances under Pocognoli’s leadership. The club faces Nantes in their next league fixture, and though Pogba is unlikely to feature in that match, his return could coincide with Monaco’s busy winter schedule.

His vast experience and playmaking vision could be key for Monaco’s push toward European qualification. The club believes that even a partially fit Pogba could make a significant difference in midfield stability and creative transitions.

As Pogba prepares for his comeback, football fans around the world are curious to see whether he can regain his old spark. Known for his flair, strength, and leadership, Pogba remains one of the most talented midfielders of his generation.

Whether or not he can reach the same heights as before, his determination to return to top-level football reflects his resilience. For Monaco, his journey represents not just a personal comeback story, but also a chance to inspire others facing professional and personal challenges.

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