Former France international Paul Pogba is officially free to return to competitive football as his 18-month doping ban expired on Tuesday. However, the 32-year-old midfielder now faces the challenge of finding a new club to restart his career.
Pogba, who previously played for Manchester United and Juventus, is determined to move past a tumultuous period and has set his sights on competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Reports suggest that David Beckham’s Major League Soccer (MLS) side, Inter Miami, is among the clubs considering a move for the World Cup winner.
The Frenchman’s career has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency in recent years, leading to his departure from Manchester United in 2022. His second stint at Juventus was equally troubled, culminating in a failed drug test in August 2023. Although he was initially handed a four-year suspension, the ban was later reduced on appeal.
Juventus terminated Pogba’s contract in November 2024, but according to sources close to the player, he remains in peak physical condition and has received multiple offers.
“He is training at 1,000 percent, he’s in good spirits, and he has received many offers,” a member of his entourage stated.
Pogba remains in regular contact with France coach Didier Deschamps, who could play a key role in determining his chances of returning to the national team. However, he must first secure a club and prove his form after last playing a competitive match on September 3, 2023.
In January, Pogba revealed that he had received offers but was not interested in playing in certain leagues, including Russia. His ties to Inter Miami have fueled speculation about a potential move to the United States, especially after he was spotted attending the team’s season opener against New York City FC in February.
The French club Marseille has also been linked with Pogba, with football director Medhi Benatia—his former Juventus teammate—potentially facilitating a move. However, concerns remain over whether the club is willing to take a chance on a player who has been inactive for over a year.
Beyond his professional struggles, Pogba has endured personal challenges, including a high-profile extortion case involving his brother Mathias and five childhood friends, who received prison sentences.
Following the conclusion of the trial in December, Pogba expressed relief and a desire to move forward.
“I can finally turn the page on this extremely painful period,” he said. “This conclusion is an opportunity for everyone to focus on the future.”
As Pogba prepares for the next chapter in his career, football fans await his decision on where he will make his long-awaited comeback.
