Paul Pogba is expected to step back onto the pitch this Saturday when Monaco face Rennes in Ligue 1, marking what would be his first appearance in more than two years.
The 2018 World Cup winner has endured a turbulent stretch, managing only 12 matches in three seasons due to recurring injuries, a doping ban, and an extortion case in which he was the victim. Pogba failed a drugs test in August 2023 after a Juventus match and initially received a four-year suspension, later reduced to 18 months. Juventus eventually terminated his contract in November, ending a difficult second spell in Turin.
In 2024, Pogba’s brother, Mathias, was convicted for his role in an attempt to extort €13 million from him. Despite these setbacks, the midfielder’s career found a lifeline when Monaco decided to sign him once his suspension concluded in March.
Since arriving, Pogba has followed an individualised fitness programme to rebuild his readiness for top-level football. His return was postponed twice this autumn due to minor injuries, but the 32-year-old—who has won four Serie A titles and the Europa League with Manchester United—is now set to make his first professional appearance in French club football.
While unlikely to start against Rennes at Roazhon Park, Pogba may be introduced in the closing stages as manager Sebastien Pocognoli integrates him gradually into sixth-placed Monaco’s squad following the international break.
Even with limited minutes expected, attention will be firmly on Pogba to discover whether his trademark creativity—the vision and passing ability few players can replicate—remains intact after such a long absence.
Pogba has expressed a desire to return to the France national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, though he acknowledged that the journey back will require consistency and resilience.
“It’s the wish of every French football player to represent the France national team, but there are stages,” Pogba said when he joined Monaco. “Today I’m at stage one: coming back and performing well. There are spots to be won and you have to earn them.”
Across Ligue 1 this weekend, league leaders Paris Saint-Germain meet Le Havre, third-placed Lens host fourth-placed Strasbourg, and rivals Nice and Marseille clash.
Player to Watch: Maghnes Akliouche
Fresh from scoring his first senior international goal in France’s 3-1 win over Azerbaijan in World Cup qualifying, Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche may benefit greatly from Pogba’s return. Regarded as one of Ligue 1’s rising talents, the 23-year-old aims to break into Didier Deschamps’ squad for the 2026 tournament. With just three goals in 11 league games this season, the presence of a creative midfielder like Pogba could help spark his campaign.
Key Stats
26 – Pogba’s potential appearance marks 26 months since his last competitive match
9 – Strasbourg’s Joaquin Panichelli leads the Ligue 1 scoring chart
2 – PSG have won their last two league matches with goals scored after the 90th minute
Fixtures (GMT)
Friday: Nice v Marseille (1945)
Saturday: Lens v Strasbourg (1600), Rennes v Monaco (1800), PSG v Le Havre (2005)
Sunday: Auxerre v Lyon (1400), Nantes v Lorient, Brest v Metz, Toulouse v Angers (all 1615), Lille v Paris FC (1945)
What You Should Know
Paul Pogba’s expected comeback marks a pivotal moment in his troubled career following injuries, suspension, and off-field challenges.
Monaco’s cautious integration approach signals long-term plans for the midfielder, while fans and analysts await to see whether his world-class playmaking ability can still shine after 26 months away.
