French international football star Paul Pogba has finally broken his silence after making an emotional return to competitive football following an 18-month doping ban that kept him away from the sport for 811 days.
The Long Road Back to Football
The 32-year-old midfielder made his highly anticipated comeback on November 22, 2025, coming on as a substitute during AS Monaco's 4-1 defeat against Stade Rennais in Ligue 1. This marked Pogba's first competitive match since being suspended for anti-doping violations.
In an emotional revelation, the former Juventus and Manchester United star confessed he nearly abandoned his football career entirely during the challenging period away from the sport. "I almost hung up my boots," Pogba admitted, while expressing gratitude to his partner Adelaide for providing the strength to continue pursuing his passion.
Behind the Doping Controversy
The suspension originated from a drug test conducted on August 20, 2023, which detected dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in Pogba's system. This banned substance is known to boost testosterone levels and enhance athletic endurance.
Initially facing a severe four-year ban from football, Pogba's career prospects appeared dim until the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) intervened in October 2024. The sports court accepted his appeal and reduced the suspension to 18 months, paving the way for his eventual return.
Historic Return and Future Aspirations
Pogba's introduction in the 85th minute of the Monaco-Rennes match sparked an emotional response from fans, who gave the midfielder a heroic welcome onto the pitch. Despite the team's loss, the moment symbolized resilience and hope for both the player and Monaco supporters.
Reflecting on his comeback, Pogba shared in a video released by Monaco: "It's the first step for me, everything that happened is behind. I left it all behind and now we are on a straight line where there is only happiness and pleasure. Today, I took pleasure in being out there despite the result, I took pleasure in coming back on the pitch."
The French international now aims to regain full fitness and help AS Monaco challenge for European qualification and Champions League success. "We will work hard to come back to help our team," Pogba affirmed, demonstrating his commitment to contributing to Monaco's future achievements.
Pogba's journey to Monaco represents a significant chapter in his turbulent career. The Ligue 1 club offered him a lifeline in June 2025 with a two-year contract, providing the midfielder an opportunity to rediscover his form in familiar French football surroundings.
