Pogba's Comeback Chronicles: A Bright Return Shadowed by a 4-1 Rennes Thumping
23 November 2025
Pogba's Return: Mixed Emotions and a Difficult Night for Monaco
The veteran French star Paul Pogba finally returned to action with Monaco after more than two years away from competitive football, a moment that felt like a spotlight on his resilience.
Yet the evening soured as Monaco were crushed 4-1 by Rennes in Ligue 1 on Saturday, marking a sobering setback on Pogba's comeback.
In remarks cited by L'Équipe, Pogba admitted he felt disappointment at the result but called the experience a valuable test and an opportunity to help the team find its scoring touch and tighten defensive lapses.
He added that the Rennes crowd's warm reception surprised him and thanked fans who backed the club, saying it offered a boost as he re-entered the fray.
“My feelings are very good,” Pogba said. “I wanted to give myself some positive energy after so long. Playing football is what I love most in the world, but I still have plenty of work to regain full fitness and be able to complete a full 90 minutes.”
Asked about the national team and the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, he emphasized patience: “That's way too early. I focus on recovering to help Monaco, and if I don't perform well here, I won't be called up.”
He also reflected on the long road back: “I never feared retirement. I am a competitive person, and my career continues. I waited over two years, fought through setbacks, and I am grateful for every moment.”
Concluding, he said: “Sometimes the devil tries to convince you it's over, but God is with me. I believe in myself and my abilities, and I know what happened wasn't my fault. I clung to the hope of returning.”
Long suspension and a fresh start
At 32, Pogba last featured for Juventus in a 2023 win over Empoli, before a doping-related ban initially set at four years, later reduced to 18 months.
In March Juventus terminated his contract, a blow for a player with more than 90 France caps and a key role in the 2018 World Cup triumph in Russia.
After a series of rumors linking him with clubs in the United States and the Gulf, Pogba signed a two-year deal with Monaco this summer, calling it a rebirth of sorts.
L'Équipe reported that Pogba was due to feature against Angers on Oct 18, but injury sidelined him, and his comeback was delayed for a home game with Paris Saint-Germain on Nov 1, before another ankle issue during training.
The moment of return
Finally returning to action on Saturday, Pogba watched his team concede four goals away to Rennes. The home team struck first through Abdelhamid Aït Bodlal in the 20th minute, then added three more in the second half via Mehdi Kamara, Breel Embolo, and Ludovic Blas, all from penalties in the 48th, 73rd and 83rd minutes.
Monaco’s hopes were further dented by a 66th-minute red card for Denis Zakaria, and a late strike from Mika Pérez reduced the margin to 4-1 in stoppage time.
After the final whistle Pogba bowed in thanks on the pitch as he rejoined competitive football after a long absence.
Monaco remained on 20 points in eighth place, while Rennes rose to 21 points in fifth. The result adds pressure as Monaco look ahead to a European fixtures and a clash against Paços de Ferreira in the Champions League group stage.
Club officials are counting on Pogba's return to steady the team both domestically and in Europe, especially after the heavy defeat to Rennes.
Punchline time: If Pogba's comeback were a sniper shot, it would be right on target—just not the one we hoped. And remember, in football as in life, aim for the goal, not the groin (we’re not aiming at anyone, just the net).
