Paul Pogba’s football career has hit a series of obstacles in recent years, the latest being a four-year suspension due to a doping violation. The 31-year-old French midfielder appeared to be nearing the end of his playing days after testing positive for a banned substance in 2023, resulting in a lengthy ban.
However, after successfully appealing the decision, Pogba’s suspension was reduced to 18 months, providing a glimmer of hope for his return to the game. Despite this reduction, his future at Juventus, where he returned in 2022, remains highly uncertain.
Pogba’s second stint at Juventus has been far from what both he and the club had anticipated. When he rejoined the team in July 2022, there were high expectations for him to rejuvenate the squad.
Unfortunately, his time on the field was plagued by injuries, limiting him to just 12 appearances during the season. As things started to improve, the doping scandal struck, with Pogba testing positive for DHEA, a substance prohibited in professional sports. Pogba has consistently maintained that he unknowingly ingested the substance, but the consequences were severe, with the possibility of a four-year suspension looming over him.
Now that his suspension has been shortened to 18 months, Pogba is expected to return to training in January 2025 and could potentially make a competitive comeback by March. However, his position at Juventus is shaky. According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Juventus is expected to reach a mutual agreement to terminate Pogba’s contract, which originally ran until 2026. Juventus CEO Maurizio Scanavino has confirmed that discussions between the club and Pogba’s representatives are underway, and a decision is likely to be reached in the near future.
Amid the uncertainty surrounding his future at Juventus, Pogba’s career could take a different path. There have been rumors of a potential move to Marseille, where his former Manchester United teammate, Mason Greenwood, is currently playing.
Greenwood, who also faced a controversial exit from Manchester United, is working to rebuild his career in Ligue 1, and a reunion between the two players could be in the works. According to Malick Traore of NCI, talks between Pogba and Marseille are reportedly advancing, with a deal potentially happening during the winter transfer window.
While Pogba’s return to the pitch draws closer, the doping scandal continues to cloud his legacy. His positive test for DHEA, discovered in a random screening in October 2023, has sparked widespread debate. Pogba has consistently argued that he did not knowingly consume the banned substance, but his reputation has taken a significant hit. While some see the reduction of his suspension as a small victory, others question whether this controversy will leave a permanent mark on his career.
As Pogba nears the end of his suspension, the football world is eagerly watching to see what his next move will be. His decisions in the coming months will be critical for his career and the reputation of any club that chooses to sign him. If Pogba were to join Marseille, the club would gain an experienced and talented player, but also one who has been entangled in controversy. Should he choose another direction, it will be interesting to see which clubs are willing to take the risk on him.
Pogba’s physical readiness, ability to regain his form after an extended absence, and clubs’ willingness to overlook his doping history will all be key factors in shaping his future. Whatever the outcome, Pogba’s return to football is sure to be met with anticipation, debate, and speculation.
