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Paul Pogba has candidly shared that he endured a period of “darkness and hell” during his doping suspension. However, relief is finally in sight, as his ordeal is set to conclude this weekend.
The talented French midfielder, once celebrated as one of the world’s finest, is anticipated to make a much-awaited return to the pitch on Saturday. Pogba is expected to feature in the match between Monaco and Rennes at Roazhon Park.
Pogba last took to the field 808 days ago, during Juventus’ 2-0 victory over Empoli. During his brief 23-minute appearance at the Allianz Stadium, he could not have foreseen the challenging times that lay ahead.
The controversy began when Pogba admitted to Juventus that he had taken nutritional supplements, purportedly provided by a doctor from Miami. Unbeknownst to him, these supplements contained testosterone, leading to his suspension.
Following this revelation, Pogba maintained a low profile for the better part of a year. It wasn’t until October 2024 that his suspension was reduced to 18 months, providing a glimmer of hope and signaling the end of his prolonged absence from the sport.
Paul Pogba is set to make his long-anticipated return to football this weekend for Monaco
The 32-year-old has endured a torrid couple of years since he was handed a four-year ban, later reduced to 18 months, for doping
He last played for Juventus some 808 days ago in a 2-0 victory at Empoli in Serie A
Recalling the moment he heard the news, he told Daily Mail Sport that same month: ‘Here’s a funny story: I was trying on a new suit for a film premiere but I didn’t have my phone. My wife (Zulay) comes upstairs with my phone screaming, “it’s the lawyer”. I said I would call him back but she said I had to take the call.
‘So I went downstairs to speak to him with the suit on! He told me the news and I was silent. Everyone was jumping, so happy but I was in shock. Quickly that happiness turned into a determination. We went through hell. A time of darkness. But this is my second chance, I have to use it. I was pumped.’
The reduction meant Pogba was free to return to professional football in March 2025. So, there begged the question, where would he make his return?
Many suggested he was finished, primed to play out the rest of his days in Saudi Arabia or the United States. A move to Japan was even thought to be on the table.
But Pogba had other ideas.
Marseille was initially an option on the table. The southern French club’s sporting director Medhi Benatia even admitted they considered hosting the French star’s return to the game.
‘We thought about signing Pogba, we wanted to do it,’ he said back in February. ‘The problem is, if we want to bring in a Pogba, who is not yet fit, does it make sense to alter the balance?’
In the end, Pogba settled around 136 miles east of Marseille along the French coast in Monaco. When he signed a two-year contract at the club in June, he broke down in tears.
In an interview with Daily Mail Sport, the Frenchman admitted he’s lived through ‘hell’
He broke down in tears when he signed for Ligue 1 outfit Monaco during the week
He’s set to make his return to the game this weekend when Monaco take on Rennes
‘Today I am very happy to be at AS Monaco and return to the job I love,’ the World Cup winner said. ‘As I said, there was moments of doubt, when everything was jumbled in my head.
‘It was sometimes difficult, but my family and my wife, and especially my wife, pushed me, telling me not to worry and that I would get back on the pitch.
‘Today, the first objective has been achieved, by signing for a club, and now, I’m coming back with the same mentality and the desire to train hard and come back and get back into shape.’
Monaco were aware of the player they were signing, one who hadn’t played in some two years, and realistic about when he could return to the pitch.
A debut in October was initially predicted, and the midfielder was close to meeting that deadline but for a muscle injury he picked up days before the clash with Angers on October 18.
Then, on November 1, rumours once again circulated that Pogba’s debut could come against Paris FC. This time, an ankle injury suffered in training caused a further delay.
But, according to reports from L’Equipe, Pogba’s wait will finally come to an end this Saturday at Rennes.
Whether he’ll be the same player he once was remains to be seen but, if anything’s certain, it’s that the Frenchman will be desperate to prove some of his doubters wrong.