Once the most expensive player in Premier League history, Paul Pogba's career has taken a very different path from the one many expected.
Pogba is back in the headlines after his contract with AS Monaco was terminated following a brief spell in Ligue 1.
He returned to football last year with the Principality club after his lengthy doping ban.
He played only six times for the club in his year on their books, with injuries keeping him sidelined for long periods.
Why Paul Pogba and AS Monaco Agreed to Part Ways
Monaco have ended weeks of speculation by releasing an official statement announcing the mutual agreement to terminate Paul Pogba's contract.
The former France international signed a two-year deal with the club last summer but now becomes a free agent with one year remaining on his contract.
The decision came after the 33-year-old sustained an injury to his left thigh in pre-season training, having only just recovered from a knee injury.
He picked up the injury in his first training session during Monaco's pre-season camp in England, and had only played one half of football this summer before then.
Monaco became his first club in France last summer, offering him a route back into the game after his high-profile doping ban.
He managed just six appearances, playing for a total of 115 minutes during the 2025-26 season.
After an extended period away from competitive football, Pogba struggled with fitness and muscle problems that kept him unavailable for much of the campaign.
Both parties ultimately decided that a fresh start was the best solution, leading them to decide to part ways on mutual terms.
From Record Transfer to an Uncertain Future
Paul Pogba was one of those players who benefited from FIFA's Article 19 before Brexit, as he moved to Manchester United as a 16-year-old.
Despite impressing in the academy, he was overlooked for a first-team place and moved to Juventus for free.
There, he established himself as one of the most complete midfielders in world football.
The Frenchman combined exceptional technical ability with the physical presence to dominate midfield battles.
Pogba won four consecutive Serie A titles before he completed a €100 million move to Manchester United in 2016.
Back in England, the media spotlight shone on Pogba, especially as a result of his transfer fee.
He won the UEFA Europa League and League Cup at the club, but continued to face intense scrutiny and high expectations throughout his time at the club.
While he was at Old Trafford, he became a World Cup winner with France in 2018, playing a key role for Les Bleus in their triumph.
Persistent injuries and instability around the squad made it difficult for Pogba to find consistent momentum during the later stages of his time at Manchester United.
He left the club as a free agent in 2022 and returned to Juventus, where he later received his doping suspension.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Pogba has suitors in Saudi Arabia and the MLS, and it remains to be seen what his next steps are.
What Young Players Can Learn from Pogba's Career
Pogba's journey in football offers significant career lessons for up-and-coming footballers.
The major issues in his career came as a result of his doping ban, and he has always stressed his innocence of the charges.
Young players need to be careful and fully aware of what they consume, including food, supplements and medication.
Keeping track of everything they consume can help reduce the risk of unintentionally taking a prohibited substance.
Young players should also take recovery seriously to give themselves the best chance of maintaining fitness over a long career.
Talent can take a player to the highest level, but fitness and consistency are often what help them stay there.
Finally, young players must learn to protect their focus from external noise and scrutiny.
High-profile footballers can face intense criticism and scrutiny, making mental resilience an important part of handling the pressures that come with the game.
