Pogba’s Monaco Debut Delayed Again
The French veteran Paul Pogba will not yet make his Monaco debut, with the club confirming a fresh postponement of his first appearance. The 32-year-old had been expected to feature in Ligue 1 against Angers in round eight, but that plan has been shelved for now.
Monaco chief executive Tiago Scuro said at a press conference that Pogba’s highly anticipated return, after joining on a free transfer this summer, has been delayed to a later date. He noted the comeback was initially tied to the Angers match, yet a minor issue from last week forced a rethink.
In statements carried by the French outlet GFFN, Scuro said, We anticipated he would be ready for the Angers game, but circumstances have changed, and we will be patient.
It’s not the end of the world
The Monaco executive explained that Pogba’s absence will last at least two more weeks, framing the setback as the first real hitch since the signing. He stressed the club is protecting the player and ensuring he is fully prepared when he returns to action.
According to Monaco officials, Pogba will miss at least three matches: Angers and Toulouse in Ligue 1, and Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League group stage.
Monaco signed Pogba on a two-year contract through the summer of 2027, a move the club hailed as a new beginning in his career.
Long layoff and a doping history
The French star endured a long absence after a four-year ban for doping offences, later reduced by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to 18 months, which allowed him to resume playing from March this year. The saga contributed to the termination of his contract with Juventus and left a lasting impact on his relationship with Italian football officials.
In Ligue 1, Monaco’s season has featured mixed results: a 3-1 win to start the campaign, a loss to Lille, a tight 3-2 victory over Strasbourg, and a 2-1 win against Auxerre. The club then beat Metz 5-2, followed by a 3-1 defeat to Lorient and a 2-2 draw with Nice. In Europe, Monaco began with a heavy defeat to Club Brugge and a 2-2 draw with Manchester City. The turmoil contributed to the departure of coach Adi Hütter and the appointment of Sebastien Buconuoli until 2027.
Pogba’s career at a glance
Pogba, born March 15, 1992, began his senior career at a modest French club before joining Le Havre’s academy in 2007 and then moving to Manchester United, where he rose through the youth ranks. He later joined Juventus on a free transfer in 2012, returning to United in 2016 before making another move. Across his club career, he has tallied notable goals for United and Juventus and earned 91 caps for France, scoring 11 international goals.
Throughout his career, Pogba has collected major trophies, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France, the 2013 U-20 World Cup, and the European Championship in 2021, along with league titles in Italy and a Europa League with United in 2017.
In the standings and what’s next
As of the seventh round, Paris Saint-Germain leads Ligue 1 with 16 points, followed by Marseille, Strasbourg, and Lyon on 15. Monaco and Nice sit on 13. The standings reflect a competitive league where Pogba’s arrival could reshape Monaco’s fortunes once he’s match-fit again.
Meanwhile, Monaco’s season has been a rollercoaster: a strong start, fluctuating results, and changes behind the bench. The club hopes Pogba’s presence will provide a spark, but the immediate plan is to rehabilitate him and integrate him gradually into the squad.
Path ahead
With Pogba’s fitness clearly the priority, Monaco intends to manage his return carefully, balancing domestic league duties with European commitments. The coming weeks will reveal how soon he can contribute on the field and help Monaco climb the Ligue 1 table and progress in Europe.
Punchlines
Sniper joke 1: If patience were a sport, Pogba would have won a lifetime supply of trophies just waiting for this comeback. Sniper joke 2: Monaco signed him on a two-year deal; their calendar clearly believes in plot twists more than a soap opera cliffhanger.
