French midfielder Paul Pogba, 32 years old, was listed by Monaco for the first time since September 2023. The player served an 18-month suspension for doping and faced recovery from an ankle injury. The call-up was made for the clash against Rennes, this Saturday, in the 13th round of the Campeonato Francês.
The initial four-year sentence was reduced by Tribunal Arbitral from Esporte in October 2024. Coach Sébastien Pocognoli confirmed the athlete’s presence on the related list.
- Suspension began in September 2023, after a positive test for testosterone
- Reduction of sentence allowed return from March 2025
- Contract with Monaco was signed on September 3, 2025
- Shirt 8 will be worn by the player at the Principado club
Intensive training at Data Fifa
The period without official games for the national team helped in the preparation of Pogba. The player participated in all sessions led by the technical committee.
Sébastien Pocognoli highlighted his performance in training. The midfielder completed physical and tactical exercises without limitations.
Preserved technical quality
The coach of Monaco stated that Pogba maintained important characteristics. The vision of the game and the long pass continue to be present in the Frenchman’s repertoire.
The prolonged absence only affected the pace of the game. Pocognoli highlighted that the individual technique did not suffer significant damage during the period stopped.
The 2018 world champion’s leadership was also mentioned as a positive factor. The athlete exerts influence both on the field and in the club’s locker room.
Recent injury history
Pogba played just ten matches in the 2022/23 season for Juventus. Problemas muscles and knee limited his participation before suspension.
The last official match took place on September 3, 2023. Desde then, the player spent 806 days without playing in professional competitions.
The ankle injury suffered after arriving at Monaco delayed the process. Full recovery occurred in the last weeks of November.
Expected role in the team
Monaco occupies an intermediate position in the table of Campeonato Francês. The arrival of Pogba reinforces the midfield commanded by Pocognoli.
The coach indicated that the Frenchman will start on the bench against Rennes. Gradual entry aims to avoid new physical problems.
Tactical adaptation will be made according to the needs of the games. Pogba can act as a central midfielder or more advanced in the team’s scheme.
Career numbers before the break
Pogba has 91 games for the French national team and one world title in 2018. At club level, he won four Italian titles for Juventus and Liga Europa for Manchester United.
The contract with Monaco lasts until June 2027. The salary is around 300 thousand euros per month, according to information from the European market.
The fans’ expectations grow with the possibility of a debut this weekend. The Louis II stadium should receive a good crowd to watch the midfielder’s return.
