Paul Pogba offered Ligue 1 return with AS Monaco

Former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has been offered a route back to professional football with a two-year contract from Ligue 1 side AS Monaco, according to reports from Goal.com. The offer comes as Pogba, a free agent, seeks to revive his career following an 18-month doping ban, which was reduced from an initial four-year suspension by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in October 2024.

Monaco’s bid for Pogba

AS Monaco, a prominent Ligue 1 club, has tabled a two-year deal to bring the 32-year-old World Cup winner back to his home country, France. The offer marks a significant opportunity for Pogba to return to competitive football after his doping ban, which stemmed from a positive test for testosterone in August 2023, nears its end. The French club’s interest was first reported on June 13, 2025, and has been corroborated by sources such as L’Equipe, which noted Monaco’s proactive approach in negotiations.

Pogba, born in Lagny-sur-Marne, began his youth career in France with Le Havre before moving to Manchester United in 2009. A return to Ligue 1 would represent a homecoming for the midfielder, who has not played in France’s top flight since his early days. Monaco’s proposal aligns with Pogba’s expressed desire to resume his career, as he stated in April 2025 that he “can’t wait to play” and has received “offers from all over.”

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Pogba’s career and doping ban

Pogba’s career has been illustrious but turbulent. After rising through Manchester United’s youth ranks, he joined Juventus in 2012, where he won four consecutive Serie A titles, two Coppa Italia titles, and two Supercoppa Italiana titles. His performances earned him the 2013 Golden Boy award, the 2014 Bravo Award, and a spot in the 2015 UEFA Team of the Year and FIFA FIFPro World XI. Pogba returned to Manchester United in 2016 for a then-world-record £89 million but struggled for consistency, later rejoining Juventus in 2022.

His second stint at Juventus was marred by injuries and the doping violation, which sidelined him since August 2023. The ban, initially set at four years, was reduced to 18 months following an appeal, allowing Pogba to return to competitive action in early 2025. Former Manchester United teammate Louis Saha compared Pogba’s flair to Neymar’s and suggested a Premier League return could be ideal, but Monaco’s offer now positions Ligue 1 as a likely destination.

Interest from Other Clubs

While Monaco’s offer is concrete, Pogba has also been linked with other clubs. In May 2025, former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke claimed Pogba, who he felt was “harshly treated,” remained “an option” for the Red Devils. Posts on X have also speculated about interest from Saudi Pro League clubs and Major League Soccer, though no firm offers from these leagues have been confirmed. Pogba himself hinted in December 2024 that his future was “decided,” but he has yet to publicly confirm his next move.

What’s next for Pogba

As Monaco’s two-year contract offers Pogba a chance to rebuild his career in a familiar environment, playing in a league known for nurturing young talent and offering competitive football. With 91 caps for France and a 2018 World Cup title, Pogba’s experience and skill set, highlighted by his 0.36 assists per 90 minutes and 6.77 passes into the final third during his peak Juventus years could bolster Monaco’s midfield.

However, questions remain about his fitness and form after nearly two years out of competitive play. Monaco’s gamble hinges on Pogba’s ability to recapture the dynamism that once made him one of the world’s most promising midfielders. As the transfer window progresses, with the Ligue 1 season set to begin in August 2025, Pogba’s decision will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.