Paul Pogba to Leave Monaco After Injury-Plagued Spell

Former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is set to leave Monaco after the Ligue 1 club announced the termination of his contract following a difficult spell disrupted by injuries.

The French midfielder, 33, joined Monaco after serving an 18-month doping ban but has struggled to regain the form and fitness that once established him among Europe's elite midfielders.

Monaco announced on Wednesday that the objectives set when Pogba joined the club had been “only partially achieved,” leading both parties to agree to end his contract, which was originally due to run until June 2027.

Limited Impact at Monaco

Pogba's time at Monaco has been severely restricted by injuries. He made just six Ligue 1 appearances last season, playing a total of 115 minutes.

He is currently sidelined with a thigh injury after recently returning from a knee problem, further limiting his opportunities to establish himself in the Monaco team.

Despite his limited playing time, Monaco praised Pogba's professionalism and influence within the squad.

The club highlighted his “remarkable mindset, determination and unwavering high standards,” adding that he remained a positive presence around the team by sharing his experience and knowledge with younger players.

Pogba also acknowledged his frustration over his limited involvement, saying he had not “played as many matches” for Monaco as he had hoped.

He expressed gratitude to the club's president, management, teammates, staff and supporters for their support during his time in the principality.

A Career of Major Achievements

Pogba's departure marks another difficult chapter in a career that once promised to rank among the most distinguished of his generation.

He made 233 appearances for Manchester United across two spells and enjoyed a highly successful period with Juventus. During his time in Italy, he won the Serie A title four times and was named the league's Player of the Year.

On the international stage, Pogba was a key member of the France team that won the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

His career took a major turn in 2023 when he tested positive for testosterone while playing for Juventus. Pogba maintained that the prohibited substance had been contained in a food supplement prescribed by a doctor in the United States.

He was initially handed a four-year suspension, but after appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the ban was reduced to 18 months.

After completing his suspension, Pogba joined Monaco in an attempt to revive his career. However, injuries have prevented him from making the sustained impact the club had hoped for.

Uncertain Future

With his Monaco contract now ending, Pogba faces another important decision over the next stage of his career.

Once regarded as one of Europe's most dynamic midfielders, the World Cup winner will now have to assess his options as he attempts to overcome his latest injury setbacks and return to competitive football.

For Monaco, meanwhile, the decision brings an end to a partnership that never reached its intended potential despite the player's professionalism and influence away from the pitch.