Paul Pogba made an emotional return to professional football on Saturday, November 22, 2025, coming on as a late substitute for AS Monaco in their Ligue 1 match against Rennes. This appearance marked his first competitive game since September 2023, following an 18-month suspension for a doping violation.
Pogba, 32, was initially handed a four-year ban in February 2024 after testing positive for DHEA, a substance that increases testosterone levels. However, the suspension was reduced to 18 months upon appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. He joined Monaco on a free transfer in June 2025 and had been working towards regaining match fitness.
In the match against Rennes, which ended in a 4-1 defeat for Monaco, Pogba entered the field in the 85th minute. Despite the loss, his return was met with a standing ovation from fans. After the final whistle, Pogba kissed the pitch and offered prayers, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to play again.
Speaking after the match, Pogba shared his emotions: “I’m very happy to have returned to football. This is what I love the most in the world. Football is not over for me yet.”
Reflecting on his suspension, he added, “Despite everything that happened, the stories outside of football, I was the one who suffered most.”
Pogba also reiterated his ambition to return to international football: “My dream is still the same – the World Cup.”
With Monaco’s upcoming fixtures, including a Champions League match against Pafos and a Ligue 1 clash with Paris Saint-Germain, Pogba aims to rebuild his career and contribute significantly to his new club.
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