AS Monaco has secured the signature of French midfielder Paul Pogba on a free transfer, with the 2018 World Cup winner signing a two-year contract until June 30, 2027.
The move, announced by the Ligue 1 club on June 28, marks Pogba’s return to competitive football after an 18-month doping ban and his first professional stint in France’s top flight.
Pogba, 32, mutually terminated his contract with Juventus in November 2024 following a challenging period marred by a doping suspension.
Initially banned for four years after testing positive for DHEA in August 2023, the sanction was reduced to 18 months, allowing his competitive return in March 2025.
His last match was in September 2023 for Juventus, where injuries and limited appearances had already curtailed his impact.
The former Manchester United star, who came through Le Havre’s academy but never played in Ligue 1, turned down a lucrative offer from a Saudi Pro League club, reportedly Al-Ittihad, to join Monaco.
The principality side, who finished third in Ligue 1 last season to qualify for the Champions League, beat out interest from MLS and other European clubs.
Pogba underwent a medical on June 27, 2025 finalising the deal after advanced talks were reported earlier in the month.
“This is La renaissance,” Pogba said, signaling his ambition to revive his career and potentially earn a recall to the French national team for the 2026 World Cup.
Monaco’s squad, bolstered by players like Eric Dier and Folarin Balogun, aims to challenge Ligue 1’s elite, and Pogba’s experience, 91 caps for France and a storied career at Juventus and Manchester United, adds significant pedigree.
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