Paul Pogba broke down in tears as he signed a two-year deal with AS Monaco, marking a return to competitive football after serving an 18-month doping ban
The 32-year-old former Manchester United and Juventus star was initially handed a four-year suspension after testing positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a banned substance that boosts testosterone, following Juventus’ 2023-24 season opener against Udinese. However, the ban was reduced on appeal, and Pogba has been eligible to play again since March.
After mutually terminating his contract with Juventus in November, Pogba has remained a free agent until sealing the move to Monaco — his first-ever stint in Ligue 1.
In an emotional signing video, Pogba thanked the club for their trust and ended with the phrase “La renaissance”, signaling a personal and professional rebirth.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirmed that Pogba had unknowingly ingested DHEA and noted the substance’s effects are largely limited to females.
Pogba began his career at Manchester United, before moving to Juventus where he won four Serie A titles and two domestic doubles. He returned to United in 2016 for a then-world record £89 million, winning the Europa League and FA Cup in his first season. He also played a pivotal role in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph, scoring in the final against Croatia.
Persistent injuries and inconsistent form hampered his later years at both clubs, but Pogba now looks set for a fresh start in France.
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