Levi Rothermund
Pogba Nears Return After 19-Month Ban
Paul Pogba is poised to make his first appearance for Monaco this weekend, marking his return to competitive football after a 19-month doping ban.
The 32-year-old midfielder, a 2018 World Cup winner with France, joined Monaco last summer following the reduction of his four-year ban by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). His last competitive match was in September 2023 for Juventus against Empoli in Serie A.
Pogba’s debut for Monaco was initially planned for a match against Lens on November 8, but an ankle injury delayed his return. Now, he is expected to feature against Rennes on Saturday, his first-ever Ligue 1 appearance.
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A Controversial Ban and Comeback
The former Manchester United star was provisionally banned after testing positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in February 2024, following a test in August 2023. Pogba claimed the substance was inadvertently consumed through a supplement he was unaware contained a banned ingredient.
Allowed to return in March, Pogba has since been rebuilding his fitness with Monaco. His journey from Le Havre academy to global stardom includes stints at Juventus and a world-record move back to United in 2016.
A Legend’s Path to Redemption
Pogba’s career has been marked by highs, including scoring in France’s 4-2 World Cup final victory over Croatia, and lows, such as his recent ban. His return to action with Monaco could signal a new chapter in his illustrious career.