Pogba (R) featured in a competitive game for the first time in over two years
After more than two years away from the game due to injury setbacks, a doping-related suspension, and the subsequent termination of his Juventus contract, Paul Pogba finally stepped back onto a football pitch, and the reaction across the football world was overwhelming.
Pogba’s comeback to competitive football was always going to be emotional, but the wave of reactions that followed his first minutes back on the pitch showed just how much the Frenchman had been missed.
On Saturday evening, November 22, 2025, the 32-year-old midfielder made his long-awaited return for Monaco in their 4-1 defeat to Rennes, his first competitive appearance in more than two years.
The match result mattered little to the football community; what mattered was that Pogba, after a turbulent stretch of injuries, suspensions, and uncertainty, was finally back.
Fighting with a teammate isn’t always bad, red card was unfair – Ruben Amorim
From Manchester to Monaco, the messages poured in.
Manchester United captain, Bruno Fernandes posted a heartfelt reaction on Instagram, resharing Pogba’s return clip with the caption: “Pogbaaaaaack.”
The two spent time together at Old Trafford, and Fernandes’ enthusiasm captured the sentiment of many former teammates.
Bryan Mbeumo also shared an emotional response, reposting Monaco’s video of Pogba’s substitution with a holding-back-tears emoji and hearts. The gesture reflected the respect many players still hold for Pogba despite his difficult years.
Inside the stadium, the reaction was just as powerful. Pogba received a standing ovation from the Monaco crowd as he stepped onto the pitch in the 85th minute.
Speaking afterward, he admitted the moment caught him off guard.
“The reception? It touched me. I wasn’t expecting that. I was really happy on one hand, but disappointed with the result. I don’t like losing,” Pogba said.
His teammates and even his opponents shared the emotion.
Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara said, “We are all happy, even the Rennes fans. I hope he can bring us his experience.”
Rennes’ Mahdi Camara called him “a legend of French football,” adding that fans across Ligue 1 are eager to see him at his best again.
Striker Breel Embolo praised the crowd’s reaction too: “Paul deserves it. He’s a great player and a great man. I’m very happy for him.”
Watch the video below:
FKA/JE
Meanwhile, watch as Global Data Protection expert Patricia Poku outlines key projects she is leading:
