Pogba makes first start in nearly three years as Monaco beat Metz 2-1

Key facts

• Pogba started his first match since May 14, 2023, on Saturday.
• He served a four-year doping ban reduced to 18 months on appeal.
• Pogba signed a two-year contract with AS Monaco in June 2025.
• He has made six appearances for Monaco this season; the club sits sixth in Ligue 1.
• Monaco beat Metz 2-1 with goals from Folarin Balogun and Ansu Fati.
• Pogba admitted he nearly quit football during his ban, citing mental struggles.

A long-awaited return to the starting XI

Paul Pogba started a competitive match for the first time in nearly three years on Saturday, as AS Monaco defeated Metz 2-1 in Ligue 1. The French midfielder had not been in a starting lineup since May 14, 2023, when he played for Juventus before receiving a doping suspension. His last start came before a four-year ban for doping, later reduced to 18 months on appeal, which sidelined him until March 2025. Since joining Monaco on a two-year deal in June 2025, injuries have limited him to just six appearances this season.

The doping ban and its aftermath

Pogba's four-year doping ban, handed down in 2023, was cut to 18 months after a successful appeal, allowing him to return to competitive football in March 2025. The midfielder has described the period as mentally taxing, admitting he considered ending his career. In an interview with French outlet Footmercato, he said: 'Honestly, there were times when I was like, “That’s it, it’s getting on my nerves.” I do everything, I come, I’m here, and it doesn’t stop, it just keeps going.' He credited family and friends for persuading him to persevere, adding that fan support in stadiums and on social media motivated him to continue.

Fan reactions and viral footage

Footage of Pogba's performance against Metz quickly went viral on social media, with fans expressing excitement and hope for his return to form. One supporter wrote: 'Wish Deschamps gives Pogba a call-up. Imagine him and Cherki creating for Olise, Dembele and Mbappe.' Another commented: 'Paul Labile Pogba… it’s always good to see you on the pitch. Continue creating the magic… hoping for a better season next season, with full game time to see you in full form.' A third fan speculated that if Pogba regains his peak form, France's national team could be unstoppable, citing a midfield of Pogba and N'Golo Kanté alongside an attack featuring Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Désiré Doué, and Rayan Cherki.

Monaco's season and Pogba's role

AS Monaco currently sit sixth in Ligue 1, with Pogba's contributions limited by persistent injury issues. The 2-1 victory over Metz was secured by goals from Folarin Balogun and Ansu Fati, but Pogba's first start in nearly three years was the headline story. His return to the starting lineup marks a significant milestone in a career that has been punctuated by both triumph and turbulence. The 2018 World Cup winner has not played for France since 2022, and his club form will be crucial for any potential national team recall.

What lies ahead for Pogba

Pogba's immediate focus will be on maintaining fitness and earning regular playing time at Monaco. His contract runs until June 2027, giving him a platform to rebuild his career. The midfielder's admission that he nearly quit underscores the psychological toll of his suspension and injuries. Yet his determination to 'give that love and joy back to the people' suggests a renewed commitment. With France's midfield depth and the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Pogba's comeback could yet add another chapter to his storied career.

The bottom line

• Pogba made his first start in nearly three years on Saturday, playing for Monaco against Metz.
• His four-year doping ban was reduced to 18 months on appeal; he returned in March 2025.
• Injuries have limited him to six appearances this season for sixth-placed Monaco.
• Pogba considered retiring during his ban but was persuaded by family and fans.
• Fan reactions on social media included calls for a France national team recall.
• Monaco's 2-1 win featured goals from Balogun and Fati, but Pogba's start was the main story.