Paul Pogba debuts for Monaco in first game in over two years

Once a standout world champion for France, the midfielder saw his career derailed by injuries, off-field problems and a doping ban.

He wept when he signed his contract with Monaco during the offseason on a two-year deal in a bid to relaunch his career. He recently overcame a minor ankle injury and resumed training with Monaco during the international break.

A total of 811 days had passed since his last game, when he made his last appearance for Juventus on Sept. 3, 2023.

At his peak, Pogba helped his country win the 2018 World Cup, scoring in the final when France beat Croatia 4-2. He spent most of his career between United and Juventus, finally leaving the Italian club in November 2024.

In 2016, Pogba became the then-most expensive soccer player in history when he returned to United from Juventus for a fee of 105 million euros ($116 million).

The biggest blow to his career came in February 2024 when he was initially banned for four years by Italy’s anti-doping court after he tested positive for testosterone while at still at Juventus. In October 2024, the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced his ban to 18 months.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer