Paul Pogba has all the qualities to make his mark in world football. He has a big figure, skillful technique and appeal in the media.
However, the midfielder's career has been marred by a series of poor decisions and injuries. From a star on the rise to winning the Ballon d'Or, Pogba is now struggling to find a destination.
Pogba was called up to the Manchester United first team by Sir Alex Ferguson when he was just 18. However, he surprised everyone when he decided not to continue at Old Trafford, instead joining Juventus as a free player in the 2012-13 season.
In Turin, the player born in 1993 showed his full potential, being honored as a Golden Boy, Bravo Trophy and many other awards that every young player is dreaming of. In addition to being an undeniable pillar of Juventus, this midfielder was even honored as the Best Young Player of the 2014 World Cup.
Pogba led Juventus to the 2015 Champions League final. There, they lost to Barcelona in a match that ended with a score of 3-1 in favor of the Catalan team, with Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez on the field. Perhaps the helplessness of not having enough quality side factors has made Pogba think.
After enjoying his best season with Juventus in the 2015-16 campaign, scoring 10 goals and 16 assists, Man United have made bold strides and found a way to win him back.
Juventus also received a high price for the transfer, up to 120 million Euros in exchange for a player who had previously been released on a free transfer.
At Old Trafford, he only met some expectations. Pogba won the Europa League in his first year back, but his record in other competitions is not his best. Pogba's relationship with Jose Mourinho gradually deteriorated, when he was accused of refusing the Portuguese captain to let him take on the position he wanted.
Pogba was "reborn" in the summer of 2018, winning the World Cup with the French team in Russia. He continued his impressive form under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the 2018-2019 season, scoring 13 goals in the Premier League.
Top European clubs are once again interested in him, as United have no trophies. However, the Frenchman has decided to remain loyal to the Red Devils.
However, the midfielder's revival did not last long. A series of injuries have caused the midfielder born in 1993's form to decline, in addition to the decline of the entire Man United team.
Pogba even clashed with fans, accusing them of being racial. At that time, big clubs would no longer be excited about a player who had lost his physical strength.
Juventus, once again, appeared in time to offer Pogba a contract after he decided not to renew with Man United. However, the Frenchman is just a shadow of himself.
After signing in July 2022, he did not debut until February 2023 due to injury. Pogba has not been in good form, and it was not until he had played 10 matches, in the middle of his second season with the Bianconeri, that the shocking news was revealed.
Pogba tested positive for dehydroepiandrosterone, a hormone known to enhance performance, after a match on August 20, 2023. He was initially given a four-year ban, but appealed and it was reduced to 18 months.
The midfielder has signed for AS Monaco in search of the last sprint of his career. The Frenchman wants to participate in the 2026 World Cup in the US and become a star in Ligue 1.
The easiest decision was to retire and give up, but Pogba did not want to do that. In a way, Pogba still wants the whole world to mention his name once again.
