Emotional Return: Paul Pogba Makes Debut for Monaco After Doping Suspension

French midfielder makes emotional comeback after doping ban

French midfielder Paul Pogba returns to action after doping suspension, receives standing ovation from crowd.

 “He has the qualities to adapt to what we want to implement in midfield – he hasn't lost his vision or his technique...”

Paul Pogba made his long-awaited return to football, debuting for Monaco in a Ligue 1 match against Rennes. The French midfielder came on as a substitute in the 85th minute, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd. Pogba, who had been banned for 18 months due to a doping offense, expressed relief and gratitude after the match, saying, “I'm relieved to be playing football again, the thing I love most in the world.”

Pogba's doping ban stemmed from a positive test for DHEA, a banned substance that boosts testosterone levels, in August 2023. His initial four-year ban was reduced to 18 months after an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The 32-year-old midfielder had last played for Juventus in September 2023 and joined Monaco on a free transfer in June 2025.

Despite the emotional return, Monaco suffered a 4-1 defeat to Rennes. Pogba's manager, Sebastien Pocognoli, praised his new signing, saying, “He has the qualities to adapt to what we want to implement in midfield – he hasn't lost his vision or his technique.”

Paul Pogba's return to football was nothing short of emotional. The 32-year-old midfielder, who had been banned for 18 months after testing positive for banned substance DHEA, made his comeback in Monaco's 4-1 defeat by Rennes at Roazhon Park. He came on in the 85th minute and was met with a standing ovation, clearly overwhelming him.

“Seeing the crowd rise and applaud, I never imagined that would happen,” Pogba told reporters. “I'm relieved to be playing football again, the thing I love most in the world. But there's still work to do to get back to full fitness and be able to play 90 minutes... If I don't perform well at Monaco, I can forget about the French national team.”

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— AS Monaco EN 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco_EN) November 22, 2025

Pogba had received a four-year ban in February 2024, which was later reduced to 18 months after an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. He was nearing a return last month before suffering a right ankle injury. Despite the setback, Pogba is determined to regain his form and make a comeback to the French national team.

“But there's still work to do to get back to full fitness and be able to play 90 minutes... If I don't perform well at Monaco, I can forget about the French national team.

“I believe in myself and in my qualities, and since I knew I had done nothing wrong and it was not my fault, I never lost hope.”

Monaco's got a busy schedule ahead! They take on Pafos in the Champions League on Wednesday, and then host Paris St Germain in Ligue 1 on Saturday. That's some tough games coming up.