As everyone knows, French footballer Paul Pogba was banned from football on February 29, 2024. The news sent shockwaves through the footballing world, leaving fans and experts questioning the circumstances surrounding his suspension. The question on everyone’s lips was: would the midfield maestro ever return to the pitch?
Now, after months of uncertainty, Pogba’s footballing future has taken a significant turn. With the recent reduction of his ban from four years to 18 months, the star midfielder is set to make a comeback to the Serie A giants, Juventus. Fans around the world are awaiting his return to the field, eager to see if he can recapture the form that made him one of the most sought-after players in the game.
So, what happened, why was he punished, and which team will he play for?
What Happened?
Pogba, who was playing for the Italian Serie A giants Juventus at the time, had come to the world’s attention with his doping crisis. The French star, who had been talked about for his injuries and poor form in the period before that, had tested positive for doping.
His doping tests conducted on August 20 and October 6, 2023, came back positive. The star, temporarily banned from football by the Italian National Anti-Doping Court after the test on August 20, was on the agenda to terminate his contract.
Banned From Football For Four Years
The National Anti-Doping Agency announced that Pogba, whose contract with Juventus is expected to terminate unilaterally, was given a 4-year ban from football. The 30-year-old footballer would step on the green field at the age of 34 if he returned to football in 2028. On the other hand, the Italian press claimed that Pogba had decided to quit football and that the midfielder would officially announce this decision soon.
He is Coming Back…
As the whole world has been talking and knowing in recent days, CAS has reduced the penalty for Pogba, who was suspended from the field for doping, from four years to 18 months.
Theoretically, the French footballer would start training with Juventus in January and return to the field in March 2025. The star player was last banned after playing in the Udinese-Juventus match, the opening match of the 2023-2024 season. Pogba’s contract with Juventus runs until 2026.
But Is He Coming Back To Juve?
According to “Sky Sport”, soon the player’s entourage and the management of The Black-and-Whites will begin to negotiate the termination of his contract, which expires in June 2026. Pogba, who is not part of Thiago Motta’s plans, will finish serving his doping ban in March and could start again from the MLS or Saudi Arabia, where he would have a lot of market.
Pogba’s career
Born in 1993, Paul Pogba’s rise to football stardom began in the youth ranks of French clubs. His talent shone brightest at Manchester United’s academy, where he made his senior debut in 2011.
After a successful stint at Juventus, where he won four Serie A titles (2012/13, 2013/14, 2014/15, 2015/16) and the Golden Boy Award (2013), Pogba returned to Manchester United in 2016 for a record-breaking fee of €105 million. He played a pivotal role in their 2017 UEFA Europa League victory, scoring the decisive goal in the final against Ajax.
In a surprising twist, Pogba rejoined Juventus in 2022, seeking a new challenge. He has also been a key figure for the French national team, contributing to their 2018 FIFA World Cup win.
Known for his versatility, athleticism, and technical ability, Pogba is widely regarded as one of the premier midfielders in the world. His commanding presence on the pitch and his ability to dictate the tempo of a game made him a fan favourite and a respected figure in the footballing world.
Nargiz Mammadzada I GIFN