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Paul Pogba Makes Monaco Debut After 811 Days in 4-1 Loss at Rennes

Monaco will build up his minutes under a phased plan after a reduced doping ban cleared his return.

Soccer Football - Ligue 1 - Stade Rennes v AS Monaco - Roazhon Park, Rennes, France - November 22, 2025 AS Monaco's Paul Pogba in action REUTERS/Stephane Mahe
Soccer Football - Ligue 1 - Stade Rennes v AS Monaco - Roazhon Park, Rennes, France - November 22, 2025 AS Monaco's Paul Pogba reacts REUTERS/Stephane Mahe
Image
Soccer Football - Ligue 1 - Stade Rennes v AS Monaco - Roazhon Park, Rennes, France - November 22, 2025 AS Monaco's Paul Pogba comes on as a substitute to replace Mamadou Coulibaly REUTERS/Stephane Mahe

Overview

  • The 32-year-old entered in the 85th minute to a standing ovation as 10-man Monaco fell 4-1 at Rennes in his first competitive game since September 2023.
  • Pogba said he was relieved to play again but stressed he needs work to reach full fitness and 90-minute readiness.
  • His four-year suspension for testing positive for DHEA in 2023 was cut to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and Juventus ended his contract in November 2024.
  • Signed by Monaco on a free transfer in June 2025, he has followed a careful rehab after minor ankle and thigh setbacks delayed his debut.
  • Club staff plan a gradual increase in his minutes, with reported targets of back-to-back 90s, as he eyes contributions in upcoming matches against Pafos in the Champions League and PSG in Ligue 1.