Paul Pogba returns from doping ban for Monaco debut in Ligue 1

After returning to the pitch for the first time in more than two years following a doping ban, Paul Pogba described his emotional Monaco debut as a moment of relief and gratitude on Saturday.

The former Manchester United and former Juventus player, who signed for the Ligue 1 side on a free transfer in June, had not played a competitive game since September 2023.

After testing positive for the banned substance DHEA, which raises testosterone levels, Pogba was given a four-year ban in February 2024. Following a court of appeal, the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced the suspension to 18 months.

The 32-year-old, who was recovering from a right ankle injury before coming on in the 85th minute of Monaco’s 4-1 defeat by Rennes at Roazhon Park, received a standing ovation.

I never imagined that would happen when I witnessed the crowd rise and cheer it on,” Pogba told reporters. I’m relieved to be playing football again, which is what I adore most.

“But I still need to work out to get back to full fitness and play 90 minutes,” he continued. “If I don’t do well at Monaco, I can forget about the French national team.”

I have faith in myself and in my qualities, and I never let up because I knew I had done nothing wrong and it was not my fault.

In his country’s 2018 FIFA World Cup victory, Pogba, who has made 91 appearances for France, was key. He was unable to represent France at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due to knee and hamstring issues as well as knee surgery.