Paul Pogba’s football career has faced significant challenges in recent years, with a doping violation resulting in a four-year suspension that put his future in jeopardy. The 31-year-old French midfielder found himself in a difficult situation after testing positive for a banned substance in 2023, leading to a harsh punishment.
However, following a successful appeal, his suspension was reduced to 18 months, offering him a chance to return to the sport sooner. Despite this reduced ban, Pogba’s future at Juventus, the club he rejoined in 2022, seems uncertain and possibly nearing its conclusion.
Pogba’s second spell at Juventus has not gone as planned. When he re-signed with the club in July 2022, there were high expectations that he would regain his former brilliance and make a strong impact on the field. Unfortunately, his return was plagued by injuries, limiting him to just 12 appearances in his first season back. The situation worsened when he tested positive for DHEA, a banned substance, which further derailed his career.
Although Pogba has consistently maintained his innocence, claiming that he did not knowingly ingest the substance, the damage to his career and reputation had already been done, placing his future in doubt.
With his suspension now reduced to 18 months, Pogba is expected to resume training in January 2025, and he could be eligible to play again by March of that year.
However, his position at Juventus remains precarious. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, there are ongoing discussions between the club and Pogba’s representatives about possibly terminating his contract.
Originally set to expire in 2026, his contract might be mutually ended as both sides look to move forward. Juventus CEO Maurizio Scanavino has confirmed that talks are ongoing, and an official decision is expected in the coming months.
As Pogba’s tenure at Juventus appears to be drawing to a close, speculation about his next career move has started to surface. Some reports suggest that he could make a move to Marseille, where his former Manchester United teammate Mason Greenwood is currently playing.
Greenwood, who left Manchester United amid controversy, is attempting to rebuild his career in Ligue 1, and Pogba might follow a similar path by joining him at Marseille. Malick Traore of NCI has reported that negotiations between Pogba and Marseille are underway, with a potential deal possible during the winter transfer window.
Pogba’s doping case continues to cast a shadow over his career. His positive test for DHEA, confirmed after a random check in October 2023, has drawn widespread attention. While Pogba continues to assert that he did not knowingly take any banned substances, the incident has raised questions about his future in football and whether this controversy will leave a permanent stain on his legacy.
As Pogba’s suspension approaches its end, the football world will be watching closely to see what his next steps will be. His decisions in the coming months could shape the final phase of his career, and any club willing to sign him will inherit both his undeniable talent and the baggage of his recent controversies.
If Pogba does end up joining Marseille, the club will gain an experienced player who has the potential to make a significant contribution on the pitch, although his recent history may complicate his integration into a new team. If he chooses to explore other options, it remains to be seen which clubs will take the risk on a player with such a tarnished reputation.
Pogba’s journey back to professional football will be closely followed, with many wondering if he can recover his form and overcome the doping scandal that has overshadowed this period of his career.
