He was supposed to be the king of the world. Not just a soccer player, but a cultural icon. The dabs, the blue-mohawk haircuts, the $100 million price tag that felt like a bargain for about five minutes in 2016. If you follow the sport, you know the name Paul Pogba. But honestly, if you look at where he is right now in early 2026, it’s kinda hard to reconcile the "Pogboom" era with the reality of a 32-year-old struggling to stay on the pitch in Monaco.
It's been a wild ride. From winning the World Cup to a crushing doping ban that almost ended it all, Pogba’s career has more drama than a Netflix prestige series. Most people think they know the story—the "lazy" genius at Manchester United or the guy who got caught with testosterone in his system. But the truth is a lot more human, a lot more frustrating, and way more complicated than a Twitter highlight reel suggests.
The Doping Ban: A Nightmare Explained Simply
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. In late 2023, the world stopped for Pogba. He tested positive for DHEA, a substance that helps boost testosterone. Initially, the Italian anti-doping court threw the book at him: a four-year ban. For a guy in his 30s, that's basically a death sentence for a career.
But here’s what really happened. Pogba didn’t go out and buy steroids from some guy in a gym. He took a supplement prescribed by a doctor in Florida. He trusted a professional, and that trust blew up in his face.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) eventually agreed that it wasn't intentional. They saw the evidence, listened to the experts, and chopped that four-year ban down to 18 months in late 2024. He was cleared to play again by March 2025. He called the whole ordeal a "nightmare" that finally ended. But while the legal battle was won, the damage to his rhythm—and his relationship with Juventus—was already done.
Why Paul Pogba Still Matters in 2026
You might wonder why we’re still talking about him. Is he a "has-been"? Some would say so. But you’ve gotta understand that at his peak, Paul Pogba was doing things no other midfielder could dream of. He wasn't just a passer; he was a 6'3" ballerina with the power of a linebacker.
- The Juventus Dynasty: People forget he won four straight Serie A titles in Turin. He was the engine.
- World Cup Glory: In 2018, he didn't just play for France; he commanded them. That goal in the final against Croatia? Pure class.
- The United Paradox: Everyone loves to bash his time at Manchester United. Sure, it was inconsistent. But he still left with a Europa League trophy and two League Cups. The "failure" narrative is sorta overblown when you look at the actual stats.
The reason he matters now is because he's a cautionary tale of how quickly the top of the mountain can turn into a landslide. He’s currently at AS Monaco, having signed a two-year deal in the summer of 2025. He wept when he signed that contract. He just wanted to be a soccer player again.
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The Reality Check at Monaco
The comeback hasn't been a fairytale. Not even close.
As of January 2026, the "plan" isn't working. Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro admitted just this week that Pogba is "disturbed" by his own body. Since his debut in November 2025, he’s managed about 30 minutes of football. Thirty. His left calf is giving him hell. He’s missing training. He’s watching from the stands while Monaco sits in 9th place, miles behind the leaders.
It’s heartbreaking, really. He spent those 18 months of suspension training like a beast, taking his personal fitness coach everywhere, trying to stay ready for "the moment." But you can't simulate the intensity of Ligue 1 in a private gym. His 32-year-old muscles are protesting the return to elite competition.
The World Cup Dream: Is It Over?
The 2026 World Cup is looming in North America. For Pogba, this was the goal. One last dance with Didier Deschamps and the French national team. He has 91 caps. He wants 100. He wants to show his kids what "Papa" can do on the biggest stage.
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But let’s be real. Deschamps isn't a sentimental guy. He’s got Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and a factory of young French midfielders who are fit and firing. For Pogba to make that squad, he doesn't just need to be "okay." He needs to be the best version of himself, and he needs to do it by June. Right now, he can't even make it through a Friday afternoon training session.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Legacy
There’s this idea that Pogba cared more about his hair and his Instagram than the game. It’s a lazy take. If you talk to his teammates—guys like Paulo Dybala or Weston McKennie—they talk about a guy who was the first in and last out.
The "personality" was just part of the brand. Underneath it was a guy who dealt with massive pressure, a terrifying extortion case involving his own brother (which went to trial in 2025), and a body that started failing him just as he reached his prime.
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He didn't "waste" his talent. He just ran out of luck.
Moving Forward: What’s Next?
If you're a fan of the game, you're rooting for him. Soccer is better when players like Paul Pogba are on the pitch. Even at 50% capacity, he sees passes that others need a drone to spot.
If you want to keep up with his potential return, here is what to watch for over the next few months:
- The Medical Reports: Watch for "full team training" updates. If he isn't back in the group by February, the Monaco experiment might end early.
- Contract Clauses: There are whispers about performance-based triggers in his deal. If he doesn't play, Monaco might look to move him on in the summer of 2026.
- MLS Rumors: If Europe becomes too physically demanding, a move to Inter Miami or LAFC has been discussed. The slower pace of MLS might be the perfect sunset for a player with his vision.
The story of Paul Pogba isn't finished yet, but the ink is drying. Whether he makes it to the 2026 World Cup or ends up being a "what if" story, he remains one of the most polarizing and fascinating figures to ever lace up a pair of boots.
Watch his status closely over the next month. If he misses the February fixtures, the dream of seeing him in a France jersey one last time likely vanishes for good. Pay attention to his substitution patterns in Monaco's upcoming games; even ten-minute cameos will tell us if his calf can finally handle the load.