After months of uncertainty and a doping suspension that kept him off the pitch, Paul Pogba is getting ready to relaunch his career with AS Monaco. The 2018 World Cup winner with France has agreed to a two-year deal with the club from the Principality. His return has generated plenty of buzz—especially from big names like Kylian Mbappé, who shared a photo of Pogba in a Monaco jersey on Instagram, with the caption: “Pogback. Daghe Munegu”, a local phrase meaning “Let’s go, Monaco!”

Ban reduced, focused on recovery

Pogba, now 32, hasn’t played an official match since September 3, 2023. He was suspended shortly after testing positive for DHEA, a testosterone-based substance. The original four-year ban was later reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which ruled the intake wasn’t intentional and came from a prescribed supplement in Florida.

While sidelined, the midfielder worked on his physical and mental recovery in the United States, waiting patiently for another shot. According to Le Parisien and L'Équipe, he signed with AS Monaco through June 2027, but with a significantly lower salary than what he earned at Juventus or Manchester United. French outlets report he’ll make around $2.5 million per season—far from the $10 million-plus he earned in his prime.

A major addition for Monaco

AS Monaco, who finished third in the last Ligue 1 season, will play in the upcoming Champions League, and they’re counting on Pogba to bring experience and class to their midfield. Despite his success in the Premier League and Serie A, this will be his first real run in France’s top division. His goal is to get back to his best and earn a spot in the national team again, with World Cup 2026 in sight.

Expectations are high from both the club and the fans. With support from stars like Mbappé and the full backing of Monaco’s coaching staff, Pogba has a real shot at writing a fresh chapter in his career. The countdown to his return is on—and all of French football is watching the “Pogback” closely.