Paul Pogba's Long-Awaited Return to the Pitch
After 26 months away from professional football, Paul Pogba finally made his return to the pitch during Monaco's 4-1 defeat against Rennes on Saturday. The French midfielder's nine-minute cameo appearance at Roazhon Park marked the end of an exile filled with doping controversies, legal battles, and personal challenges that had kept one of football's most recognisable figures confined to headlines rather than highlight reels.
A Journey Through Adversity
Pogba's absence from the game began after his last appearance for Juventus in September 2023. What followed was a period of immense difficulty, including a four-year doping ban that was later reduced to 18 months on appeal, his release from Juventus, and a disturbing extortion and kidnapping case that resulted in his brother receiving a three-year prison sentence. Throughout these ordeals, Pogba remained in the public consciousness through media coverage and social media updates, yet completely absent from the sport that made him famous.
The midfielder described his mental struggle during this period, revealing in July that "in my head, there was sometimes an angel that said: 'You'll come back,' and a demon that said: 'It's over.'" He credited his wife with providing crucial support and motivation, adding that he wanted his children to see him play professionally. This determination led to his signing of a two-year contract with Monaco during the summer transfer window.
The Road to Recovery and Repeated Delays
Monaco's CEO Thiago Scuro initially tempered expectations, suggesting Pogba would require a three-month fitness programme before being ready for competitive action. The club had hoped for an earlier return, with planned appearances against Angers six weeks ago and Paris FC at the start of the month both cancelled due to minor injuries - first a quadriceps issue, then an ankle sprain.
Monaco manager Sébastien Pocognoli expressed disappointment at these setbacks, noting that "he was ready and wanted to play." The repeated delays only heightened anticipation for Pogba's eventual return, with Pocognoli fielding numerous questions about the midfielder's fitness in the lead-up to the Rennes match.
Making His Mark in Limited Minutes
When Pogba finally entered the pitch in the 85th minute, all 18 of his touches underwent microscopic scrutiny from fans and analysts alike. Despite the limited playing time, observers noted that his characteristic elegance and confidence remained intact. Pocognoli had previously acknowledged that "the Paul from Manchester United, or from his first stint at Juventus, was a few years ago now," while maintaining that Pogba retained his footballing vision and ability.
Speaking after the match, Pogba displayed his trademark self-belief, stating "There is a good God. I believe in myself and my qualities." His return comes at a crucial time for Monaco, who have dropped to eighth in Ligue 1 after three consecutive defeats and have seen their attractive style of play from last season disappear.
Broader Context and Future Ambitions
Pogba's comeback carries significance beyond club football, with the midfielder undoubtedly eyeing a return to the French national team ahead of next summer's World Cup. Although he admitted "I'm very far away from that," Didier Deschamps' recent recall of veterans N'Golo Kanté and Florian Thauvin provides hope that Pogba could follow a similar path.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in Ligue 1, Marseille delivered a stunning 5-1 victory against rivals Nice, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mason Greenwood (twice), Timothy Weah and Igor Paixao all scoring. The result keeps pressure on leaders PSG, who comfortably beat Le Havre 3-0. Lens remain in contention just two points behind PSG after defeating Strasbourg 1-0.
As Monaco looks to reverse their recent slide, expectations on Pogba have increased significantly. The club hopes his return can provide the momentum needed to climb the table, while football fans worldwide will be watching to see if one of the game's most gifted midfielders can rediscover his best form after such a prolonged absence.
