The return from Paul Pogba to Monaco this summer set Tongs Waggelen while the World Cup winner of 2018 after almost three seasons on the sidelines came to football to football-a turbulent period destroyed by injury, blackmail and a doping ban of 18 months.
Now that the Ligue 1-season 2025-26 is looming, the former Star of Manchester United has to put it all behind it and go to work if he has to relieve Monaco’s Stade Louis II and his «dream» to win back his place in the France National Team.
«It is the wish of every French football player to represent the national team of France, but there are phases,» said Pogba during his revelation in Monaco in July.
«Today I am at phase one: coming back and performing well.»
The words of Pogba attracted the attention for what he could still offer on the field, but it was his tears of joy that really grabbed in the spotlight.
The arrival of the midfielder in Monaco represented more than just the return of a star name from Frans Voetbal to Ligue 1; It was clearly a marketing option that was too good to leave. | Photocredit: Reuters
The arrival of the midfielder in Monaco represented more than just the return of a star name from Frans Voetbal to Ligue 1; It was clearly a marketing option that was too good to leave. | Photocredit: Reuters
Images of the 32-year-old crying When he signed a two-year contract with Monaco, viral was set on social media value for a completely different type of transplant.
The arrival of the midfielder in Monaco represented more than just the return of a star name from Frans Voetbal to Ligue 1; It was clearly a marketing option that was too good to leave.
Pogba was immediately sent to work. First he joined Zinedine Zidane for a video produced by their mutual sponsor, who received enormous attention.
He then made a trip to Saint-Tropez with the American influencer Darren Watkins Jr., who has 40 million followers under the name Ishowspeed.
Then he and his wife, Zulay, launched their new high-end jewelry brand, accompanied by a suitable social media campaign.
Related: Pogba ‘Dreams’ to return to France Squad
The jewelry collection called ‘Unbreakable’ is a direct nod to the recent travails of Pogba.
He was the victim in March 2022 of an attempt to squeeze 13 million euros ($ 15.1 million) from him by family members, including his brother Mathias, who was sentenced to three years in prison, suspended by two years, in 2024.
Pogba was also injured for a long period of time and was subsequently suspended for 18 months after the failure of a drug test while he was at the Italian club Juventus in August 2023.
‘High intensity’
Since his contract was terminated by the Serie -Outfit last November, Pogba lived in the United States and only training until Monaco came to call and offered him the chance to make his comeback.
«Many boxes were checked: the circumstances, the lifestyle, France, Ligue 1, the family and of course the club,» explained Pogba, who is playing club football in his home country for the first time in his professional career.
Once back in a professional environment in Monaco, «the easy part had just started» for Pogba.
If the beautifully gifted Ball-Player were less worried about getting his touch back, rediscovering the fitness and intensity of a top athlete would be more challenging.
Paul Pogba won the FIFA World Cup with France in 2018 and played as one of the most influential midfielders in front of the tournament. | Photocredit: Getty images
Paul Pogba won the FIFA World Cup with France in 2018 and played as one of the most influential midfielders in front of the tournament. | Photocredit: Getty images
A month later, Pogba went to the second phase of his program: individualized work on the field, often with the ball.
«I am determined,» he said upon his arrival. «I want to get back to the field. But it will take as long if it takes.»
«Everything is going in the right direction,» Monaco General Manager Thiago Scuro told AFP.
«He started with sessions on the field and is making progress. The timing is on schedule, the process is positive, without red flags or setbacks so far.»
The progress of Pogba has been closely monitored by Monaco coach Adi Huetter, who has so far impressed by his efforts and how quickly he has integrated into a team in which he is the older statesman.
For Scuro, the most important moment is «when (Pogba) is able to participate in all training sessions with the group».
«The intensity, pressure and level are very high. He will have to be able to repeat this training tax daily. We will then see how his body adapts.»
If all went to plan, Pogba could return to the competition in the fall – perhaps even on time for the home game against Fierce Rival Nice on October 5.
«We really want to see him succeed,» said Scuro. «It will be a great story. The most special thing would be to see him play in the World Cup (in 2026). That would mean that he did many good things in Monaco.»
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