Pogba, now 32, had not played in a competitive fixture since representing Juventus against Empoli on September 3, 2023, due to serving an 18-month suspension after testing positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) — a banned substance under WADA regulations — in February 2024. ..Continue Reading
Initially handed a four-year suspension, Pogba later had the ban reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
He has consistently stated that he was unaware the substance was on the prohibited list.
Following the termination of his Juventus contract in November 2024, Pogba joined Monaco in Ligue 1 and, after 811 days, made his long-awaited return in a 4-1 defeat away to Rennes.
Despite coming on as a late substitute with his team trailing 4-0 — after goals from Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, Mahdi Camara, Breel Embolo, and Ludovic Blas — the French star still showcased his trademark passing and appeared sharp during his brief time on the field.
Post-match, Pogba was congratulated by several ex-teammates, including Bruno Fernandes, who posted a graphic of him on Instagram with the caption: “Pogbaaaaack.”
Bryan Mbeumo also shared a video of Pogba’s return, accompanied by heart emojis.
Pogba himself marked the occasion by uploading a 30-second video of his entrance onto the pitch, writing:
“Last night was unforgettable.
Stepping back onto the pitch after two years away meant more to me than I can express. To the fans, thank you for the love, the energy, and the belief.
To everyone who stood behind me, supported me, and pushed me through every moment of this journey, I’m deeply grateful. This debut wasn’t just mine…
It belonged to all of you who never stopped supporting me.”
Former United teammate and current Fiorentina goalkeeper De Gea also responded with heart eyes and a teary emoji, reflecting on their 184 appearances together.
Fans quickly took to social media to share their reactions.
One wrote: “Your story didn’t restart, it roared back to life. This moment was written by your power, mindset and purpose. Pogback.”
Another commented: “A touching message! Returning after two years and feeling the fans’ love must have been incredible.
Congrats on your comeback!”
A third added: “Back to doing what you love. No better feeling. Welcome, Pogback.”
And a fourth noted: “De Gea is so emotional for his former teammates.
I love him man.”
Pogba may now be in line to make his Champions League return — his first since March 2022 — when Monaco face Pafos in Cyprus on November 26.
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