Paul Pogba’s attempt to revive his career in France has suffered another setback after Monaco terminated the midfielder’s contract, bringing his brief and injury-plagued spell at the club to an early conclusion.
The Ligue 1 side confirmed on Wednesday that it had reached an agreement with the 33-year-old to end his contract, which was originally expected to keep him at Monaco until June 2027.
Pogba joined Monaco last year as he sought a fresh start following an 18-month suspension for a doping violation. After a turbulent period that had kept him away from competitive football, the former Manchester United and Juventus star was hoping to rebuild his career on familiar ground in France.
Instead, injuries have once again disrupted his plans.
The midfielder featured in only six Ligue 1 matches last season, accumulating just 115 minutes on the pitch. He is currently recovering from a thigh problem after previously battling a knee injury, further limiting his availability.
Monaco explained that the decision followed a failure to fully meet the objectives that had been agreed upon when Pogba joined the club.
According to the club, those objectives were “only partially achieved”, prompting both parties to bring the relationship to an end.
Although Pogba struggled to make a significant impact on the pitch, Monaco was keen to acknowledge his contribution away from competitive action.
The club praised his professionalism and described his attitude towards his teammates as exemplary despite his recurring injury problems.
Monaco highlighted his “remarkable mindset, determination and unwavering high standards”, adding that the World Cup winner continued to support the squad by sharing his experience and knowledge.
Pogba also acknowledged that his Monaco adventure had fallen short of what he had envisaged.
“I have not played as many matches as I had hoped,” he admitted while thanking the club’s president, management, teammates, staff and supporters for their backing.
His departure now leaves the former France international facing another uncertain chapter at a time when his career has already endured several difficult turns.
Pogba’s career once appeared destined for sustained success at the highest level.
After emerging through Manchester United’s academy, he moved to Juventus, where he developed into one of Europe’s most highly rated midfielders. His performances in Italy earned him the Serie A Player of the Year award and helped Juventus win four league titles.
He eventually returned to Manchester United in a then-world-record transfer and made 233 appearances across his two spells at Old Trafford.
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On the international stage, Pogba reached the pinnacle of the game with France, playing an important role in their 2018 World Cup triumph in Russia.
But injuries and off-field problems subsequently changed the trajectory of his career.
Doping ban added to Pogba’s struggles
Pogba’s problems intensified in 2023 when he tested positive for a banned substance while playing for Juventus.
The midfielder insisted that the substance came from a food supplement prescribed by a doctor in the United States.
He was initially handed a four-year suspension, effectively threatening to bring his career to a premature end. However, after appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the punishment was reduced to 18 months.
Pogba completed the revised suspension and eventually joined Monaco, hoping that his return to France would provide the platform for a second act in his career.
That comeback, however, has been repeatedly interrupted by injuries.
At 33, and now without a club after Monaco’s decision, Pogba faces another crucial career decision: whether he can find one more opportunity to prove that the player who once dominated midfield battles in Europe is still capable of returning to the top.
For a footballer who has already overcome a doping suspension, lengthy periods on the sidelines and repeated injuries, the end of his Monaco spell may be less a conclusion than another test of his resilience.