Paul Pogba made his return to competitive football after 811 days. He stepped onto the pitch for Monaco during their Ligue 1 clash against Rennes on November 22, 2025. Despite the excitement, Monaco suffered a 4-1 defeat at Roazhon Park.
The Path to Pogba’s Return
Pogba last played on September 3, 2023, for Juventus against Empoli. A knee injury started his troubles. Then a doping test showed elevated testosterone levels. Authorities imposed a four-year ban in February 2024.
He appealed the decision. The Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced the ban to 18 months in October 2024. This allowed him to resume training in March 2025. Meanwhile, off-field issues added to his challenge.
Pogba signed a two-year contract with Monaco in the summer. A minor ankle sprain delayed his debut. Nevertheless he worked hard during the international break. Finally he earned a spot on the bench against Rennes.
Rennes Dominate the Match
Rennes started strong under coach Julien Stéphan. Abdelhamid Aït-Boudlal scored the opener in the 20th minute. Mahdi Camara doubled the lead early in the second half.Monaco’s Denis Zakaria received a red card in the 66th minute for a foul.
This left Monaco with 10 players. Soon after, Breel Embolo scored an own goal. Ludovic Blas added a penalty in the 83rd minute to make it 4-0. Mika Biereth pulled one back for Monaco in stoppage time. Vanderson provided the assist. Yet the damage was done.
Pogba’s Late Entrance and Reaction
Pogba replaced Mamadou Coulibaly in the 85th minute. The score stood at 4-0 then. He touched the ball 17 times and showed glimpses of his skill. The home crowd gave him a standing ovation.
After the game, Pogba spoke emotionally. He said, “Playing football is what I love the most. Football is not over for me. I believe in myself.” He thanked God and appreciated the fans’ support. Moreover he highlighted the hard work over two years. This return felt like a fresh start.
Global Celebration and Future Outlook
At 32, Pogba aims to rebuild his fitness. He plans to play more minutes soon. In addition, his World Cup winning experience will boost Monaco’s midfield. This comeback inspires resilience. Pogba’s talent shines through adversity. Fans eagerly await his next performances.
