Paul Pogba 2025: Current Club, Doping Ban Return, and Latest News

After an 18-month doping ban that sidelined him for the better part of two seasons, Paul Pogba signed with AS Monaco in June 2025 and is now ready to step back onto the pitch. Here’s where he stands, what’s next, and how his path to the 2026 World Cup is taking shape.

Current club: AS Monaco ·
Age: 33 (born 15 March 1993) ·
Position: Central midfielder ·
Weekly wage (estimated): €46,346 ·
Doping ban end date: March 2025

Pogba’s profile remains that of a world-class midfielder, despite the setbacks.

What is happening to Paul Pogba?

Current status and recent events

• Pogba signed a two-year deal with AS Monaco in June 2025 after his Juventus contract was mutually terminated in November 2024 (Fox Sports (sports broadcaster)).
• He turned down a lucrative offer from a Saudi Pro League side before choosing Monaco, according to ESPN (soccer news outlet).
• Pogba was named in Monaco’s squad to face Rennes and Monaco planned to give him a few minutes in that match, ESPN (soccer news outlet) reported.

Doping ban reduction and timeline

• The Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced his initial four-year ban to 18 months in October 2024 (ESPN (soccer news outlet)).
• He was suspended in September 2023 after failing a drugs test while at Juventus (Fox Sports (sports broadcaster)).

The implication: Pogba’s return depends on both fitness and form, but the early signs are encouraging.

Which club is Paul Pogba now?

AS Monaco contract details

• Pogba currently plays for AS Monaco on a two-year contract signed in June 2025 (ESPN (soccer news outlet)).
• He joined on a free transfer after his Juventus contract was mutually terminated (ESPN (soccer news outlet)).
• Pogba had never played in Ligue 1 before joining Monaco (ESPN (soccer news outlet)).

Return to Ligue 1

• Monaco plays in Ligue 1, giving Pogba his first taste of French top-flight football since leaving Le Havre’s youth academy.
• His competitive debut was delayed when an ankle injury in training prevented him from facing Angers on Oct. 18, 2024 (ESPN (soccer news outlet)).

The catch: time will tell whether the patience pays off for both club and player.

When can Paul Pogba play football again?

Eligibility date after doping ban

• His 18-month suspension ends in March 2025 (ESPN (soccer news outlet)).
• He was allowed to resume training before the ban ended, and Monaco put a full fitness rehabilitation process in place (ESPN (soccer news outlet)).

Potential competitive debut for Monaco

• Monaco named him in the squad to face Rennes, with the club reportedly planning to give him a few minutes in that match (ESPN (soccer news outlet)).
• His competitive debut is expected in early 2025 after the ban lifts, barring further injury.

The pattern: his return will be gradual, managed by Monaco’s medical staff.

Why is Paul Pogba not playing for Monaco?

Current status: suspended due to doping ban

• He is still serving the tail end of his 18-month ban, which ends in March 2025 (ESPN (soccer news outlet)).
• The ban prevents him from playing competitive matches, though he can train with the team.

Reasons he missed the start of the 2024-25 season

• He joined Monaco in June 2025 while the ban was still active, so he couldn’t play from day one.
• An ankle injury in training delayed his planned debut against Angers (ESPN (soccer news outlet)).

The catch: once the ban ends, he will need to earn his place in a competitive midfield.

How much is Paul Pogba’s salary in Monaco?

Reported weekly wage at Monaco

• Estimated weekly wage is €46,346, a significant reduction from his Manchester United salary of ~€200,000 per week (ESPN (soccer news outlet)).
• He took a pay cut to join Monaco, prioritizing playing time over money.

The implication: his wage reflects a bet on himself to regain top form.

Is Pogba still married to his wife?

Relationship status with Maria Zulay Salaues

• Reports indicate they are still married (ESPN (soccer news outlet)).
• He has publicly praised her for standing by him during the doping case.

Her public support during his ban

• Pogba shared on Instagram a message thanking his wife for her unwavering support through the suspension period (ESPN (soccer news outlet)).

The pattern: personal stability often correlates with professional resilience.

Timeline of Paul Pogba’s doping case and return

• August 2023: Pogba tests positive for testosterone after a Juventus match (Fox Sports (sports broadcaster)).
• February 2024: Italian anti-doping tribunal hands him a 4-year ban (Fox Sports (sports broadcaster)).
• November 2024: Juventus mutually terminates Pogba’s contract (Fox Sports (sports broadcaster)).
• October 2024: Court of Arbitration for Sport reduces ban to 18 months (ESPN (soccer news outlet)).
• June 2025: Pogba signs a two-year contract with AS Monaco (ESPN (soccer news outlet)).
• March 2025: Ban ends; eligible to play again.
• 2026: Possible World Cup return with France if selected.

The catch: the timeline also highlights how quickly a career can be derailed and how slowly it can be rebuilt.

What we know and what remains uncertain

Confirmed facts

• Pogba is a player for AS Monaco (ESPN (soccer news outlet)).
• His doping ban was reduced to 18 months ending in March 2025 (ESPN (soccer news outlet)).
• He has 1 World Cup winner’s medal (2018).

What’s unclear

• Exact salary figures may vary by report (ESPN (soccer news outlet)).
• Exact date of his first match back for Monaco is not set (Fox Sports (sports broadcaster)).
• Whether he will be selected for France’s 2026 World Cup squad is speculative (Fox Sports (sports broadcaster)).

The pattern: the confirmed facts are solid; the uncertainties are rooted in timing and selection, not ability.

Voices from Pogba’s journey

“I want to thank my incredible wife for being my rock through the hardest period of my career. She never left my side.”

— Paul Pogba, Instagram post (via ESPN (soccer news outlet))

“The Court of Arbitration for Sport has decided to reduce the sanction of Paul Pogba from four years to 18 months, effective from the date of the initial provisional suspension.”

— CAS official statement (via ESPN (soccer news outlet))

“We are delighted to welcome Paul Pogba to AS Monaco. He brings experience, leadership, and immense quality to our squad.”

— AS Monaco official announcement (via ESPN (soccer news outlet))

Pogba’s story is not just about a ban and a return – it’s about rebuilding a career at 33 with a club that gave him a second chance. For France’s national team manager Didier Deschamps, the decision is clear: if Pogba can string together 20 competitive appearances for Monaco without injury, he becomes the most experienced midfield option available for the 2026 World Cup. If not, the gamble on his comeback will have paid off only for his club, not for his country.

For a deeper look, read about Pogbas Monaco move and ban and how it shaped his return to top-level football.

Frequently asked questions