Pogba Staged Long-Awaited Comeback as Ligue 1 Resumes

Paul Pogba, the former World Cup-winning midfielder, is set to make his long-awaited return to competitive football this weekend as Ligue 1 resumes. The French international is expected to feature for AS Monaco when they face Stade Rennais FC on Saturday, 22 November 2025, with kickoff scheduled for 5:00 PM WAT.

Pogba has been absent from the pitch for over two years due to a combination of persistent injuries and an 18-month doping suspension. He initially received a four-year ban in 2023 after failing a drugs test while playing for Juventus, but the sentence was later reduced, clearing the way for his return in March 2025.

After his suspension, Juventus terminated his contract, paving the way for Monaco to sign the midfielder in the off-season. Since joining, the club has carefully managed his rehabilitation, with the aim of restoring him to full fitness. While he may not start the match against Rennes, Monaco manager Sébastien Pocognoli may give Pogba minutes off the bench to ease him back into competitive action.

Pogba has expressed his ambition not only to re-establish himself at club level but also to earn a place in the French national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“Today, I’m at stage one: coming back and performing well,” he said in a recent interview.

Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if Pogba can regain his form and make an immediate impact on the Ligue 1 stage.