### Paul Pogba's Emotional Return to Football with AS Monaco After Doping Ban Paul Pogba, the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner, has signed a two-year contract with AS Monaco, marking his return to professional football after an 18-month doping ban. The midfielder, who last played competitively in September 2023, has faced a tumultuous period characterized by injuries, a doping suspension, and an extortion case. His signing with Monaco is seen as a pivotal moment in his career, offering him a chance to relaunch and regain his form in Ligue 1. ### Breakdown of Pogba's Situation and Career Move 1. **Background of the Doping Ban**: - Pogba was initially handed a four-year suspension after failing a drug test while playing for Juventus in August 2023, which was later reduced to 18 months on appeal [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-14856719/Paul-Pogba-Man-United-Monaco-doping-ban.html]. - His last competitive appearance was in September 2023, and he has only made 12 appearances over the last three seasons due to injuries and the ban [https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/football/news/pogba-tears-french-star-returns-football-monaco-3928421]. 2. **Signing with AS Monaco**: - Pogba has joined AS Monaco on a free transfer, with the club confirming the deal on June 28, 2025 [https://www.apnews.com/article/pogba-monaco-ligue1-d5769d4c3d693d0c31aae77321e7e1ad]. - The move is seen as a fresh start for Pogba, who aims to revive his career and potentially rejoin the French national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup [https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/ligue-1/articles-video/kylian-mbappé-back-paul-pogba-s-move-to-as-monaco-2025-06-25]. 3. **Emotional Impact and Future Aspirations**: - Pogba was visibly emotional during the signing ceremony, reflecting on the challenges he has faced over the past two years [https://newscentral.africa/emotional-pogba-signs-for-monaco-after-doping-ban]. - He expressed hope that this new chapter with Monaco will allow him to regain his top form and contribute significantly to the team [https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/45511464/paul-pogba-completes-transfer-monaco-ahead-return-action]. ### Summary of Key Points - **Pogba's Career Challenges**: - Faced a four-year doping ban, reduced to 18 months, and has struggled with injuries [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-14856719/Paul-Pogba-Man-United-Monaco-doping-ban.html]. - Limited to 12 appearances in three seasons due to these issues [https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/football/news/pogba-tears-french-star-returns-football-monaco-3928421]. - **New Beginnings with AS Monaco**: - Signed a two-year deal with AS Monaco, confirmed on June 28, 2025 [https://www.apnews.com/article/pogba-monaco-ligue1-d5769d4c3d693d0c31aae77321e7e1ad]. - Aims to relaunch his career and potentially return to the national team for the 2026 World Cup [https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/ligue-1/articles-video/kylian-mbappé-back-paul-pogba-s-move-to-as-monaco-2025-06-25]. - **Emotional Return**: - Pogba's signing was marked by emotional reflections on his journey and aspirations for the future [https://newscentral.africa/emotional-pogba-signs-for-monaco-after-doping-ban]. In conclusion, **Paul Pogba's signing with AS Monaco represents a significant opportunity for him to overcome past challenges and revitalize his football career**. His emotional return to the pitch is not just a personal milestone but also a hopeful narrative for fans and aspiring athletes facing adversity.