Pogba joins Monaco after almost 2 full seasons on sidelines

Paul Pogba joined AS Monaco on a two-year contract Saturday as he tries to reinvigorate his career following an 18-month doping ban.

The 2018 World Cup winner hasn't played since September 2023 because he failed a random drug test. Juventus terminated his contract in November 2024. He was eligible to return to the pitch in March.

Pogba had tested positive for dehydroepiandrosterone, a substance that can produce testosterone. His representatives said the traces in his system had come from a food supplement a U.S. doctor prescribed to him. The substance normally only affects performance for women.

"This has been a hugely distressing period in my life because everything I have worked so hard for has been put on hold," Pogba said in a statement last October when his doping ban was reduced from four years to 18 months.

"Thank you for your love and support. I just cannot wait to get back on the pitch."

Pogba, 32, is set for his first appearance in Ligue 1 after becoming one of the more experienced members of Adi Hutter's Monaco squad. His new teammates include last season's breakout star Mika Biereth, former Liverpool playmaker Takumi Minamino, and American striker Folarin Balogun.

Pogba's honors

The midfielder started his journey in football in France with Le Havre, although he moved to Manchester United before he made a professional appearance. United sold him to Juventus for around £1.5 million in 2012, but he was back with the Red Devils four years later after agreeing to an £89-million (€105 million) switch, which was a world-record transfer at the time. He returned to Juventus in 2022 after a spell with United that was defined by infamous falling-outs with coaches and inconsistent form.

Pogba earned his last France cap as a substitute in a 5-0 friendly win over South Africa in March 2022.