From Headlines to Football Pitch: Pogba's Long-Awaited Return
After 26 months away from competitive football, Paul Pogba finally made his return to the pitch during AS Monaco's 4-1 defeat against Rennes on Saturday. The French international's nine-minute cameo appearance at Roazhon Park marked the end of an extraordinary period that saw him sidelined by a doping ban, personal struggles, and multiple injury setbacks.
The Journey Back: From Ban to Comeback
Pogba's absence from football began in September 2023 following his final appearance for Juventus. What followed was a tumultuous period that included a four-year doping ban, later reduced to 18 months on appeal, his release from Juventus, and a high-profile extortion case that resulted in his brother receiving a three-year prison sentence. Throughout this challenging time, Pogba remained in the public eye through social media updates and press conferences, yet completely absent from the football field.
The midfielder signed a two-year contract with Monaco in July, expressing his determination to return for his family. "In my head, there was sometimes an angel that said: 'You'll come back,' and a demon that said: 'It's over,' but my wife pushed me and I stayed focused. I wanted my kids to see me on the pitch," Pogba revealed at the time of his signing.
Setbacks and Delayed Debuts
Monaco's initial timeline suggested Pogba would require a three-month programme to regain full fitness, with CEO Thiago Scuro providing a dose of realism about the player's conditioning. The comeback faced further complications when minor injuries repeatedly delayed his anticipated return.
Two previous attempts to reintroduce Pogba to competitive action were thwarted by a quadriceps injury against Angers six weeks ago and an ankle sprain against Paris FC earlier this month. Monaco manager Sébastien Pocognoli expressed disappointment at the time, noting that "he was ready and wanted to play" before these setbacks occurred.
Microscopic Inspection of Nine Minutes
When Pogba finally entered the fray in the 85th minute against Rennes, all 18 of his touches underwent intense scrutiny. Despite the brief appearance, observers noted that his characteristic elegance and confidence remained intact. Pocognoli had previously tempered expectations, stating that "The Paul from Manchester United, or from his first stint at Juventus, was a few years ago now. We have to judge him on what he is now."
The manager did acknowledge that Pogba "had not lost his footballing abilities" or his "vista," suggesting the player could still make significant contributions if his body cooperates.
Monaco's Struggles and World Cup Ambitions
Pogba's return comes at a challenging time for Monaco, who have suffered three consecutive Ligue 1 defeats and dropped to eighth in the table. This represents a significant decline for a club that had finished on the podium in the previous two seasons under Adi Hütter.
The Frenchman's comeback also carries implications for the national team, with Pogba admitting he's "very far away" from a France recall but undoubtedly eyeing a place in Didier Deschamps' squad for next summer's World Cup. The recent recall of veterans N'Golo Kanté and Florian Thauvin provides encouragement that a return to international football remains possible.
As Monaco navigates their current difficulties, Pogba represents a potential catalyst for improvement, with the club hoping his presence can inject much-needed momentum into their faltering campaign.
