Paul Pogba marked his long-awaited return to professional football after more than two years away, stepping onto the field as a substitute in Monaco’s match against Rennes, which ended in a disappointing 4-1 loss for his team. His comeback occurred at Roazhon Park, a venue known for its passionate atmosphere, but this was far from a fairy tale return. He was called into action in the 85th minute, when Monaco was already in a precarious situation: down by four goals and a player short after their captain, Denis Zakaria, received a red card earlier in the match.
The significance of Pogba’s return could not be overstated, given the emotional journey he has undergone. Just last summer, he joined Monaco amidst a whirlwind of feelings, shedding tears of joy at the prospect of returning to football after facing a severe setback—a four-year ban from the sport that was eventually reduced to 19 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). This compassionate reassessment allowed him the opportunity to reclaim his career and pursue his passion once more.
Pogba’s last competitive match took place 811 days prior to this encounter, where he played for Juventus in a Serie A clash against Empoli on September 3, 2023. Following that match, his career took an unexpected turn. In November 2024, he parted ways with Juventus through mutual consent, a decision that added to the complexities of his recent professional life.
The doping ban stemmed from a positive test for the hormonal substance dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which occurred after a doping test conducted in August 2023. Pogba has consistently maintained that he was unaware that a supplement he took contained a banned substance, insisting that it was an honest mistake. This period of absence was undoubtedly challenging for the talented midfielder, who watched from the sidelines as he fought to clear his name and rebuild his career.
After enduring months away from the game he loves, Pogba was finally able to return to the pitch in March. Yet, the match against Rennes did not represent the reunion he had envisioned. Rennes took control early, securing their dominance with striking goals from Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, Mahdi Camara, Breel Embolo, and Ludovic Blas, effectively sealing Monaco’s fate before Pogba even stepped onto the field.
Despite the overwhelming scoreline, there was a flicker of hope for Monaco. In the closing moments of the game, substitute Mika Biereth scored a consolation goal in the 95th minute. Although it did little to alter the final result, it served as a testament to the team’s persistence and willingness to fight back even in defeat. With this loss, Monaco slid to eighth place in the league standings, accumulating 20 points from 13 games, prompting urgent reflections on their tactics and performance as they strive to regain their footing in the competition moving forward. The road ahead will not be easy, but with Pogba back, there might be a renewed sense of determination within the squad as they aim to improve their fortunes in the upcoming matches.
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