Paul Pogba finally returns to football after 18-month doping ban hell

Former Manchester United, Paul Pogba has officially joined Monaco, finally returning to football after his 18-month doping ban.

In August 2023, the former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder was handed a four-year suspension after returning an adverse drugs test, however, that suspension was slashed to just 18 months last October.

Pogba’s ban officially ended earlier this year but his contract with Juventus was mutually terminated before this.

As per Monaco’s announcement, the 32-year-old has signed a two-year deal with the Champions League club, keeping him there until the summer of 2027.

A Monaco statement read: “AS Monaco are delighted to announce the arrival of Paul Pogba.

“The French World Champion has signed a 2-season deal, and is now tied to the Principality until 30 June 2027.”

He joins the Ligue 1 side after having his Juventus contract terminated in November 2024 following his positive test for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

The 32-year-old was initially given a four-year ban, but it was later reduced to 18 months.

Pogba, who has earned 91 caps for France and played a key role in their 2018 World Cup triumph, brings top-level experience to a Monaco side that finished third in Ligue 1 last season and are aiming to close the gap on Paris Saint-Germain.