Paul Pogba made his long-awaited return to professional football on Saturday night, appearing as a substitute for Monaco in their 4-1 defeat to Rennes. The 31-year-old midfielder had not played a competitive match since September 2023, following a doping ban, his release from Juventus, and a family kidnapping case.
Pogba's ban, initially four years, was reduced to 18 months on appeal. He signed a two-year deal with Monaco in July, but his debut was delayed by minor injuries. Manager Sébastien Pocognoli had cautioned that Pogba would need a three-month programme to regain full fitness, and the player himself acknowledged the mental battle: 'In my head, there was sometimes an angel that said: “You’ll come back,” and a demon that said: “It’s over,”' Pogba said in July.
Despite the brief cameo, Pogba displayed his characteristic elegance and confidence. 'There is a good God. I believe in myself and my qualities,' he said after the match. Pocognoli noted that Pogba 'had not lost his footballing abilities' and could still 'bring Monaco a lot, if his body allows.'
Monaco, now eighth in Ligue 1 after three consecutive defeats, are hoping Pogba can provide a much-needed boost. The club's CEO had warned that expectations should be tempered, but the midfielder's return has already generated significant attention.
