Paul Pogba's Return to Football Delayed Until October

Paul Pogba, the 32-year-old French midfield maestro, has been making headlines with his recent move to AS Monaco, marking his return to professional football after a challenging two-year absence. However, fans eagerly awaiting his debut will need to exercise patience, as Monaco has confirmed that Pogba’s first competitive appearance for the club is not expected until October 2025. This delay, as outlined by the club’s leadership, is part of a strategic approach to ensure the former Manchester United and Juventus star is fully prepared for the demands of top-tier football. Here’s a detailed look at the situation, the reasons behind the delay, and what lies ahead for Pogba.

Pogba’s journey to this point has been far from straightforward. The 2018 World Cup winner has not played a competitive match since September 2, 2023, when he featured for Juventus against Empoli in Serie A. His absence stems from a combination of injuries and a doping suspension that rocked his career. In February 2024, Pogba was handed a four-year ban after testing positive for DHEA, a substance that boosts testosterone levels. Fortunately, the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced the ban to 18 months in October 2024, allowing him to resume training in January 2025 and become eligible to play competitively from March 2025.

Pogba signed a two-year contract with Monaco until June 30, 2027, finalizing the move at the end of June 2025. The transfer was a significant coup for the Ligue 1 club, which finished third in the 2024/25 season and is looking to bolster its squad with experienced players like Pogba and former Tottenham and Bayern Munich defender Eric Dier. 

Despite Pogba’s eagerness to return to action, Monaco is taking a cautious approach. The club’s CEO, Thiago Scuro, has been clear about the timeline, emphasizing the need for a meticulous preparation process. “I can guarantee that he won’t be on the pitch against Le Havre. We are here to be realistic,” Scuro stated. “We expect a three-month process. High-level sport is a lot about science, and it is not easy. Monaco is one of the most intense teams in Ligue 1 and plays a style that requires him to be fit.”

Pogba’s long hiatus from competitive football—nearly two years—means he requires significant time to regain match fitness. Having not played since September 2023, the midfielder has been working diligently to maintain his physical condition, but Monaco’s high-intensity playing style demands peak performance. Scuro highlighted that the club is prioritizing Pogba’s long-term health, with a plan to gradually increase his training load. This approach was further supported by manager Adi Hütter, who noted that Pogba is still training individually but has recently begun integrating with the team, marking progress toward his return.

Monaco’s three-month preparation plan, outlined in early July, sets Pogba’s return for around the start of October 2025. This timeline aligns with the club’s Ligue 1 schedule, with fans circling the Derby de la Côte d’Azur against Nice in early October as a potential debut match. By then, Monaco’s season will be six games deep, and their Champions League campaign will have begun, offering Pogba a chance to make an impact in both domestic and European competitions.