Former Manchester United star Pogba signs with Monaco after serving drug ban

Monaco: The former Manchester United and Juventus star, Paul Pogba has signed a two-year contract with Ligue 1 club AS Monaco, marking a fresh start for the French midfielder after nearly two years away from the game.

The 2018 World Cup winner, now 32, has made only 12 appearances over the past three seasons due to injuries, an 18-month doping suspension, and an extortion case in which he was the victim.

Pogba tested positive for a banned substance in August 2023 following a Juventus match. Though eligible to play again since March, his contract with the Italian side had already been terminated.

This move marks Pogba’s first time playing club football in Ligue 1, despite his roots in France. “I’m determined to get back on the pitch—mentally and physically ready. It’s just a matter of time,” he told French TV last week.

Pogba began his youth career at Le Havre before moving to Manchester United in 2009. After limited first-team action, he signed with Juventus in 2012, winning four straight Serie A titles. He returned to United in 2016 for a then-world record fee of €105 million ($123 million), before rejoining Juventus in 2022, where his time was marred by injuries.

Off the pitch, Pogba endured personal turmoil when his brother Mathias was sentenced to three years in prison—two suspended—in connection with a 2022 extortion attempt demanding €13 million.

Internationally, Pogba has scored 11 goals in 91 appearances for France, famously netting in the 2018 World Cup final victory over Croatia.

Monaco, who secured third place in Ligue 1 last season, will compete in the Champions League next year—offering Pogba a high-profile platform to revive his career.