Article by Maria Olteanu – Published Sunday, November 23, 2025, 12:04 / Updated Sunday, November 23, 2025 12:04
Paul Pogba (32) has admitted he almost gave up football altogether as he reflects on his return to action after 811 days away from the pitch. The former star of the Manchester United teams and Juventus made an extremely emotional return to professional football, ticking off his first official match in Ligue 1 after a break of more than two years and two months.
The 32-year-old midfielder came on as an 85th-minute substitute for AS Monaco during their heavy 4-1 defeat at Stade Rennais in Ligue 1.
Reflecting on his comeback, Pogba admitted he almost gave up football altogether, but praised his partner Adelaide for giving him the strength to carry on. At the end of the game, he did not hide that he experienced “many emotions” on a very special day.
Paul Pogba is back after more than two years
He was last on the pitch in September 2023, when he played 28 minutes for Juventus against Empoli.
“Football is not over for me. I worked, I waited for this comeback for more than two years… Despite everything that happened, despite the stories outside of football. I suffered a lot and I was looking forward to this moment.
There are times when the devil tries to convince you that everything is over. But there is God, I believe in myself and my qualities. I didn't do anything, it's not my fault. I always kept hope,” said Pogba in a video shared by Monaco, quoted by abola.pt.
Paul Pogba on his return / photo: X
“Today I enjoyed being there, despite the result, I enjoyed being back on the pitch. I'm happy with this part of me, at least I'm happy and proud,” continued Pogba.
The 2018 world champion admitted it was “weird to get on the plane with the team at first” after more than two years away from the field due to a lengthy doping ban and numerous injuries.
Pogba reiterated that he was “disappointed” with the final result, but admitted he was “touched” by the surprising reaction of the Rennes fans, who gave him a standing ovation as he entered the pitch.
The 32-year-old midfielder insisted that a possible return to the national team is not part of his short-term priorities: “I'm thinking about being fit to help the team. If I play badly in Monaco, we can forget about the French national team. It's far away. I'm only thinking about Monaco.”
How Pogba's return match played out
The match at Roazhon Park started with Rennes in front, who took an early lead when Abdelhamid Aït-Boudlal scored in the 20th minute from a pinpoint cross from Mahdi Camara.
Despite Monaco's promising first-half chances, Rennes doubled their lead early in the second half with Camara scoring in the 48th minute.
The game took a dramatic turn when Monaco captain Denis Zakaria was shown a red card in the 66th minute for a dangerous tackle, leaving Monaco with ten men.
Rennes took full advantage with Breel Embolo scoring the third goal with a header in the 73rd minute and Ludovic Blas converting a penalty in the 83rd minute.
Monaco managed a late consolation goal through Mika Biereth in extra time, but nothing more could happen.
Pogba's Ligue 1 debut was a historic moment, making him the third French world champion to debut in the league after such a long absence.
Now focused on regaining his top form, Pogba aims to play as much as possible and help Monaco fight for the Champions League and qualify for the European cups again
“I will work hard to come back and help my team. We are disappointed on one hand but quite happy about the comeback,” he added.
This return caps a turbulent period for Pogba, who has dealt with injuries, off-field problems and a reduced 18-month ban for doping.
His return also hints at a possible final chapter with France's national team at the 2026 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Monaco are looking to bounce back from their weekend defeat as they prepare for their next Champions League game against Vlad Dragomir's side Pafos.
Ligue 1 standings
