Pogba's return from the abyss: a doping ban and being cheated by his brother

Paul Pogba's return to Monaco this summer was a hot topic, as the 2018 World Cup winner returned to football after nearly three seasons out: a turbulent period marked by injuries, blackmail, and an 18-month doping ban.

Now, with the French league just underway, although he didn't play due to poor form, according to his manager's decision, the former Manchester United star must put everything behind him and get to work if he wants to shine at the Stade Louis II in Monaco and make his dream of regaining his place in the French national team come true.

"Representing the French national team is the dream of every French footballer, but there are stages," Pogba said during his presentation in Monaco in July. "Today I'm in the first stage: returning and performing well."

Pogba's words drew attention for what he could still offer on the pitch, but it was his tears of joy that truly captured the spotlight. Images of the 32-year-old weeping upon signing a two-year contract with Monaco went viral on social media, setting the tone for a very different kind of business.

The midfielder's arrival at Monaco represented more than the return of a French football star to Ligue 1; it was clearly a marketing opportunity too good to pass up.

Pogba got to work right away. First, he teamed up with Zinedine Zidane for a video produced by their mutual sponsor, which generated a huge amount of attention.

Afterwards, she traveled to Saint Tropez with American influencer Darren Watkins Junior, who has 40 million followers under the name IShowSpeed.

He and his wife, Zulay, then launched their new high-end jewelry brand, accompanied by a social media campaign to match. Called " Unbreakable," the jewelry collection is a direct nod to Pogba's recent struggles.

In March 2022, he was the victim of an extortion attempt for €13 million ($15.1 million) by relatives, including his brother Mathias , who was sentenced to three years in prison, suspended for two years, in 2024.

Pogba also suffered a long-term injury and was subsequently suspended for 18 months after testing positive for testosterone in a doping test while playing for Juventus in August 2023.

Since the Serie A club terminated his contract last November, Pogba had been living in the United States and training alone until Monaco called and offered him the chance to return.

"A lot of requirements were met: the conditions, the lifestyle, France, Ligue 1, the family, and, of course, the club," explained Pogba, who will play for club football in his home country for the first time in his professional career.

Back in the professional environment of Monaco, "the easy part was just beginning" for Pogba. A month later, Pogba has moved on to the second phase of his program: individualized work on the pitch, often with the ball. " I'm determined," he declared upon his arrival. "I want to get back on the pitch. But it will take as long as it takes."

Pogba's progress is being closely monitored by Monaco manager Adi Huetter, who has so far been impressed by his commitment and the speed with which he has integrated into a squad in which he is the most senior player.

For Monaco general manager Thiago Scuro, the key moment will be "when (Pogba) can participate in all training sessions with the group. The intensity, pressure, and level are very high. He'll have to repeat this training load daily. Then we'll see how his body adapts."

If all goes according to plan, Pogba could return to competition in the fall. "We're really looking forward to seeing him succeed," Scuro said. "It's going to be a great story. The most special thing would be to see him play in the 2026 World Cup . That would mean he's done a lot of good things in Monaco."