Paul Pogba has officially marked his return to football, after joining AS Monaco on a two-year contract. The emotional French midfielder was visibly overwhelmed during the signing, breaking into tears. He suspended for four years following a failed drug test in September 2023. The ban was later cut to 18 months after appeal. Though eligible to return earlier this year, his time with his former club Juventus had already come to a mutual end.

Monaco have now signed the 32-year-old until the summer of 2027, offering Pogba a fresh start in Ligue 1—a league he had surprisingly never played in, despite being a 2018 World Cup winner and French international. A heartfelt video released by Monaco captured the weight of the moment: Pogba, surrounded by close friends, was seen wiping tears from his eyes, overcome with emotion as the contract became official. Unable to speak much, he simply whispered, “Thank you for the trust,” before concluding the clip with the message “La renaissance” — signaling his hope for a powerful comeback.

Pogba last played competitively in September 2023 for Juventus, and hasn't played a full 90 minutes since early 2022 during his second spell at Manchester United. His last appearance for France was over two years ago in a friendly against South Africa. While sidelined, Pogba had been linked with clubs across Europe, South America, and even Major League Soccer, but has now opted to restart his journey with a Monaco side that finished third in Ligue 1 last season. Despite being one of France’s most accomplished players with 91 international caps, Pogba never previously played in the French top flight, having risen through Manchester United’s academy before starring for Juventus and then returning to United in a record-breaking deal.