After Paul Pogba's comeback to football, his former Manchester United teammate, Marcus Rashford, had the perfect words.

Pogba, 32, was a player for United twice. He started as a young player and then came back in 2016 from Juventus in what was a record expense at the time. Rashford is from United's academy but is now playing for Barcelona on loan.

In 2022, Pogba left Old Trafford when his contract ended and went back to Juventus as a free agent. But his second season in Turin took an unexpected turn when he got a doping ban.

In February 2024, the Frenchman was suspended from football for four years after testing positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). This came from a sample taken in August of the previous year. Pogba has always said it was a mistake and that he took a supplement without knowing it had a banned substance.

His suspension was reduced, and he was allowed to play again in March of this year. He became a free agent when Juventus ended his contract at the close of 2024, and he went to AS Monaco in June.

Pogba had to wait to play again to get back in shape. He finally played this weekend as a substitute in Monaco's 4-1 loss to Rennes.

Pogba posted on Instagram on Sunday: Last night was amazing. Getting back on the field after two years means more than I can say.

To the fans, thank you for the love, energy, and belief. To everyone who supported me and pushed me through this, I'm very thankful.

This debut wasn't just mine; it was for everyone who kept supporting me.

Some of his former United teammates showed their support in the comments. Rashford simply left a red heart emoji.

Bruno Fernandes, the current United captain, said "Pogback," as he wrote on his Instagram story. Jesse Lingard replied: The boy'ss back.

Pogba came on as a substitute in the 85th minute, although Monaco was already losing 4-0. They scored a late goal to make it 4-1. This week, the midfielder hopes to play more minutes in a big Champions League match against Pafos.

The timing was unable to alter the outcome, as Monaco found themselves down 4-0 against Rennes. The match was marred by a poor defensive showing and a red card received by their captain, Denis Zakaria, before the halftime break. Despite entering the game under such dire circumstances, Pogba's symbolic return captured more attention than the actual score. Mika Biereth managed to score a consolation goal in the dying minutes of the match, yet Monaco's defeat, marking their second consecutive 4-1 loss, left Sebastien Pocognoli's team in eighth place in Ligue 1. For Pogba, this evening was less about the score and more about returning to the sport he cherishes.

From suspension to a fresh start

Pogba's return followed a tumultuous phase that nearly cut short his career. In August 2023, while he was with Juventus, he tested positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which resulted in an initial suspension and a four-year ban announced in February 2024. He maintained that the positive test stemmed from inadvertently taking a tainted supplement, a stance successfully supported by his legal team, leading to a reduction of the ban and permitting his comeback in March 2025. Juventus ended his contract by mutual agreement in late 2024, leaving the 2018 World Cup champion without a club and without game time for over two years. Monaco decided to take a risk, and now Pogba is once again competing on the field.

"There were many emotions. I felt joy, but there's a touch of sadness because of the result," he shared with Ligue 1+.

"We’ve travelled a significant distance. Today was an important milestone. I achieved it, and I feel pleased. However, it’s disappointing to have lost. I'm feeling good after all the hard work I've put in. I still need time to regain full fitness and play a full 90 minutes, but that will happen gradually. We’re training for that. I aim to support the team as much as I can. It felt a bit odd at first to be back on the plane with the team, but I’ve adjusted well. We have an excellent group and are getting back into a good rhythm."

As reported by L’Equipe, Monaco's medical team plans a cautious return strategy, incrementally increasing his on-field time to ultimately achieve back-to-back 90-minute appearances with only a three-day recovery period in between. He aspires to don the French national jersey again at the 2026 World Cup, convinced that there is one final chapter with Les Bleus still to be written. With 91 caps and 11 goals to his name, Pogba sees his time in Ligue 1 as a crucial opportunity to secure a spot in Didier Deschamps's squad.

"What are my goals? Short term, to regain full fitness, play 90 minutes, and provide as much support to my team as I can," he articulated. "Right now, it’s about being a part of the team. The World Cup is still some time away. At the moment, it’s about taking things step by step. Participating in the World Cup would merely be a bonus."
Pocognoli has consistently highlighted that Pogba's contribution to Monaco is not limited to his abilities in passing or his physical skills. The Belgian coach regards Pogba as a fundamental figure within the team, serving as a guide and a link between emerging talents and the high standards of professional football.

"In one of my early discussions within the club, I addressed the importance of our heritage. I feel it is essential for leaders like Paul to impart their experiences to the younger generation, the supporters, and everyone associated with the club," he remarked. "These seasoned players need to take on mentoring roles for the newcomers. It is my responsibility to ensure their success. The greater the number of leaders we cultivate, the more evenly the pressure will be shared. If Paul is utilised wisely, the entire group stands to benefit from his presence."

Pogba's next challenge is against Pafos.

After 811 days filled with numerous medical evaluations, legal disputes, emotional challenges, and physical setbacks, Pogba has returned to the field. Currently, Monaco is positioned eighth in the league, only two points away from fourth-placed Strasbourg. Their upcoming match is against PSG in Ligue 1 on November 29, and Pogba is eager to increase his playing time. He stated, "Ultimately, it depends on the coach's decisions. I will do everything possible to contribute and support the team." The journey ahead is still extensive, but he is finally back on track.