Paul Pogba, one of the most decorated midfielders of his generation, has begun a new chapter in his career after a reduced doping ban allowed him to return to competitive football in early 2025. The French World Cup winner signed for AS Monaco in January 2025, ending a 18-month suspension that had threatened to derail his career. This article examines his comeback, the legal case that kept him off the pitch, his career statistics, and what lies ahead.
Pogba’s suspension began in September 2023 after a positive test for DHEA, a prohibited substance, following Juventus’ match against Udinese. Initially handed a four-year ban by an Italian anti-doping tribunal in February 2024, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced the period to 18 months, making him eligible to play again from March 2025. By that time, he had already agreed terms with Monaco, signing a two-year contract as a free agent.
The comeback story is as much about resilience as it is about talent. Pogba, who turned 32 in March 2025, returns to Ligue 1, the league where his professional career began at Le Havre’s academy. His move to Monaco represents a low-risk gamble for the club and a high-stakes opportunity for the player to prove he can still perform at the highest level.
Which Club Does Paul Pogba Play For in 2025?
Key Insights
- Paul Pogba’s 18‑month doping ban, initially 4 years, was reduced by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
- He signed a 2‑year deal with AS Monaco in January 2025, marking his return to Ligue 1.
- Despite his talent, his career has been hampered by injuries and off‑field issues, lowering his market value to €2.50 m.
- Pogba remains a World Cup winner (2018) and is exploring a return to the French national team.
- His Juventus earnings dropped to a minimum wage of €470 per week during the ban period, according to some reports.
- Support from family, friends, and Juventus helped him cope with the mental strain of the suspension.
Snapshot: Key Facts About Paul Pogba
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Paul Labile Pogba |
| Date of Birth | 15 March 1993 (Age 32) |
| Place of Birth | Lagny‑sur‑Marne, France |
| Height | 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) |
| Current Club | AS Monaco |
| Net Worth (Est.) | $85 million – $100 million |
| Market Value | €2.50 million |
| Wife | Zulay Pogba (married 2019) |
| Religion | Islam |
What Was Paul Pogba’s Doping Ban and Why Was It Reduced?
How Long Was Paul Pogba Banned?
Pogba was provisionally suspended in September 2023 after a test taken following Juventus’ Serie A match against Udinese on 20 August 2023 showed elevated levels of testosterone (DHEA). In February 2024, Italy’s anti‑doping tribunal handed him a four‑year ban. However, Pogba appealed to the CAS, arguing that he had inadvertently ingested the substance through a supplement prescribed by a doctor. The CAS reduced the suspension to 18 months, backdated to 11 September 2023, meaning he became eligible to return in March 2025.
What Happened in the Doping Case?
The positive test involved DHEA, a hormone that can boost testosterone. Pogba maintained he did not knowingly violate anti‑doping rules and that the supplement was given to him by a medical professional. The CAS accepted this explanation as mitigating, leading to the reduced sanction. The ruling allowed him to resume training with a club from January 2025 and to play competitively from March 2025.
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a naturally occurring hormone that is on the World Anti‑Doping Agency’s prohibited list because it can be converted into testosterone and other anabolic agents. Accidental contamination of supplements is one common route of ingestion.
What Are Paul Pogba’s Career Stats and Net Worth?
Club Career Overview
Pogba began his senior career at Manchester United in 2011 but made only a handful of appearances before moving to Juventus in 2012. Over four seasons with the Italian side he played 178 matches, establishing himself as one of Europe’s elite midfielders. He returned to Manchester United in 2016 for a then‑world record fee, stayed for six seasons, and then rejoined Juventus in 2022. Injuries limited him to just 12 appearances in his second Juventus spell, and the doping ban further sidelined him.
International Honours
Pogba was a key figure in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph, scoring in the 4‑2 final victory over Croatia. He also helped France reach the final of Euro 2016 and won the UEFA Nations League in 2021.
Net Worth and Market Value
Estimates of Pogba’s net worth range from $85 million to $100 million, accumulated through club salaries, endorsements, and bonuses. His current market value, according to Transfermarkt, stands at €2.50 million – a significant drop from his peak of over €100 million, reflecting his prolonged inactivity and the uncertainty surrounding his fitness.
During his suspension, Pogba’s Juventus salary fell to a reported minimum wage of €470 per week. He lost several endorsement contracts, and the financial strain added to the psychological burden. The move to Monaco reportedly involved a pay‑as‑you‑play structure, limiting the club’s financial risk if he fails to regain full form.
Who Is Paul Pogba’s Wife and What Is His Religion?
Personal Background
Paul Pogba was born in Lagny‑sur‑Marne, France, to Guinean parents. He is a practising Muslim. He married Zulay Pogba in 2019, and the couple have two children. Pogba has often spoken about how his faith helps him stay grounded, especially during difficult periods such as the doping ban.
Age and Height
Born on 15 March 1993, Pogba is 32 years old. He stands 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) tall, a physical attribute that combines with his technical skill to make him a dominant presence in midfield.
While his wife’s name and religion are publicly known, some details about his personal life remain private. Pogba rarely discusses his family in interviews, preferring to keep the spotlight on football.
Key Moments in Paul Pogba’s Career (2020‑2025)
- 2021 – Returned to Manchester United from Juventus after the 2020‑21 season.
- 2022 – Left Manchester United on a free transfer, rejoined Juventus.
- September 2023 – Provisionally suspended after a positive doping test for testosterone.
- February 2024 – Banned for four years by the Italian anti‑doping tribunal.
- October 2024 – CAS reduced the ban to 18 months.
- January 2025 – Signed for AS Monaco as a free agent, ending his time with Juventus.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Pogba’s Future?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Pogba is officially registered as an AS Monaco player for the 2025 season. | His long‑term fitness and ability to regain top form. |
| His doping ban has been served after the CAS reduction. | Whether he will be recalled to the French national team by coach Didier Deschamps. |
| His market value has significantly dropped due to inactivity. | The future of his relationship with Juventus after the contract termination. |
Pogba’s Comeback: A High‑Risk, High‑Reward Gamble for Monaco
Signing a player of Pogba’s calibre on a free transfer after a doping ban is a strategic gamble. His technical ability remains elite, but the psychological and physical toll of a long layoff is unknown. For Monaco, this is a low‑risk financial deal with massive upside in terms of branding and squad quality. The reduced ban allows him to return while still in theoretical prime, making this one of the most watched comebacks in European football.
Monaco’s sporting director has hinted that the club will manage Pogba’s playing time carefully, especially in the first few months, to minimise the risk of re‑injury. If he can rediscover his best form, he could become a key figure in their push for Ligue 1 honours and Champions League qualification.
What Do Official Sources Say About Pogba’s Ban and Comeback?
“Pogba said he did not knowingly violate anti‑doping rules and said the supplement had been prescribed by a doctor.”
ABC News, reporting on the CAS decision
“The ban affected him financially and mentally, and support from family, friends, and Juventus helped him through the period.”
Reporting on the mental impact of the suspension
For detailed career statistics and transfer history, consult Transfermarkt’s profile. The official CAS ruling is summarised on the CAS website. Ongoing coverage of Pogba’s performances can be found on ESPN and Wikipedia. Current Ligue 1 standings are available via the official league site.
What’s Next for Paul Pogba?
Pogba’s immediate focus is on regaining match fitness at Monaco and earning a place in the starting lineup. If he performs well, a recall to the France World Cup Squad 2026 – Full Player List and Squad Numbers could follow, although coach Didier Deschamps has not yet commented publicly. Fans and analysts will watch closely to see whether the midfielder can recapture the brilliance that made him a World Cup winner and one of the most expensive players in history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paul Pogba’s wife’s name?
Paul Pogba is married to Zulay Pogba. They have two children together.
How old is Paul Pogba?
He was born on March 15, 1993, making him 32 years old.
What is Paul Pogba’s nationality?
He is French and was born in Lagny‑sur‑Marne, France.
Is Paul Pogba Muslim?
Yes, Paul Pogba is a practising Muslim.
Why was Paul Pogba banned from football?
He tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone in August 2023, leading to a doping ban that was later reduced to 18 months.
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Grace Hollis is Film & Music Editor at StoryNative.uk, covering film releases, music news, soundtracks and awards season.