Paul Pogba and Monaco have officially parted ways, cutting short the former France star’s stay after it was absolutely plagued by injuries. This was supposed to be the big comeback, the moment he relaunched a career derailed by injury woes and a controversial doping ban. Instead, it’s another chapter closed too soon.
The Comeback That Never Quite Took Flight
Remember when Pogba inked that two-year deal with Monaco just last year? The buzz was real. It felt like the perfect spot for him to get back on track, to recapture some of that legendary form. But man, what a gut punch it’s been. The injury bug, it just wouldn’t quit. He struggled for fitness in preseason and recently picked up yet another injury. We’re talking about a player who once lit up the biggest stages, and last season? He was stuck on the sidelines, only managing a handful of substitute appearances.
Monaco didn’t mince words about it either. In a statement, the eight-time French champions said, “Acknowledging that the objectives initially set have only been partially met, Monaco and Paul Pogba have decided, prior to the first match of the new season, to terminate the contract that bound them until June 2027.” Ouch. That’s a diplomatic way of saying things didn’t work out. Pogba, now 33, acknowledged the situation, stating, “Monaco is an exceptional club. Even though I didn’t play as many matches as I had hoped, I will always be grateful for the opportunity.” It sounds like a mutual agreement, but it’s clear the dream of a grand comeback in France didn’t pan out for either side. Monaco finished seventh in Ligue 1 last season, so the impact of his absence clearly felt throughout the squad.
From World Champion Glory to Unfortunate Endings
It’s wild to think about the career arc of Paul Pogba. This is a guy who, at his absolute peak, scored in the 2018 World Cup final, helping France beat Croatia 4-2. He played 91 games for his country, bagging 11 goals. Then, in 2016, he made history, becoming the then-most expensive soccer player in the game when he returned to Manchester United from Juventus for a whopping 105 million euros, or about $116 million. That’s superstar money, for a superstar talent.
But the biggest blow to his career, no doubt, came in February 2024. That’s when Italy’s anti-doping court hit him with a four-year ban after he tested positive for testosterone while at Juventus. Mercifully, the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced that ban to 18 months in October 2024, but the damage was done. This Monaco move was supposed to be the fresh start after all that. Now, just as the new season kicks off, he’s without a club, again.
So, the book closes on Pogba’s Monaco chapter. A player who once commanded such an insane fee now finds himself at 33, battling persistent injuries and without a club, his ambitious comeback stalled before it ever truly began. It’s a tough break for a generational talent, and you gotta wonder what’s next for a career that’s seen such incredible highs and devastating lows.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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