Paul Pogba Set to Return to Football After Reduced Doping Ban

French football star Paul Pogba is on the verge of making a much-anticipated return to football after a rollercoaster 18 months marked by injury setbacks, a high-profile doping suspension, and personal controversies. After successfully appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Pogba saw his initial four-year doping ban reduced to 18 months, paving the way for his return to competitive action in March 2025. This decision, while granting him an opportunity to restore his career, also ends what the 31-year-old has described as one of the most difficult chapters of his life.

The Doping Scandal and Suspension

In August 2023, Pogba tested positive for testosterone following a Serie A match between Juventus and Udinese. The positive result triggered an immediate provisional suspension, which was formalized by Italy’s National Anti-Doping Tribunal in early 2024, sentencing Pogba to a four-year ban. The football world was left in shock, and Pogba quickly responded with a heartfelt statement, insisting that he had never knowingly taken any performance-enhancing drugs. The Juventus midfielder attributed the presence of testosterone to a nutritional supplement prescribed by a doctor in the United States.

Despite his defense, the suspension brought an abrupt halt to his playing career and left his future in football in limbo. Juventus, his club since 2022 after a return from Manchester United, was left without one of its marquee players for the 2023–2024 season, while Pogba himself was left to reflect on the possibility of a career prematurely cut short.

The Successful Appeal and the Path Forward

In October 2024, Pogba’s legal team successfully appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), reducing his suspension from four years to 18 months. The ruling means Pogba will be eligible to return to competitive play by March 11, 2025—just days before his 32nd birthday. For Pogba, the ruling is more than just a legal victory; it is a chance to return to the game he loves and reestablish himself as one of the top midfielders in the world.

A Career Plagued by Injuries and Controversy

Even before the doping scandal, Pogba’s career had been marred by injury and off-field controversies. After rejoining Juventus in 2022, the World Cup-winning midfielder made just 10 appearances during the 2022–2023 season, as a knee injury kept him sidelined for much of the campaign. The injury woes also ruled Pogba out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, a tournament where France narrowly lost to Argentina in the final.

Off the pitch, Pogba has faced personal tribulations, including an extortion attempt allegedly orchestrated by his own brother, Mathias Pogba, and other individuals. The case grabbed headlines and led to a public and legal battle that further complicated Pogba’s return to form. Six individuals, including his brother, were ordered to stand trial, adding more emotional weight to an already difficult period.

What’s Next for Pogba?

With Pogba eligible to play again in early 2025, speculation is rife about his future. He remains under contract with Juventus until 2026, but his time in Turin has been far from the fairy-tale return he likely envisioned when he rejoined the club. There are rumors that he could seek a fresh start elsewhere, perhaps even a move outside Europe, as clubs from the Middle East and Major League Soccer (MLS) have reportedly expressed interest in the Frenchman.

Nevertheless, Juventus may still see Pogba as an integral part of their squad moving forward, especially if he can regain the form that made him one of the most feared midfielders in the world. A central figure in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph, Pogba’s technical skills, vision, and leadership remain valuable assets on the field. If he can stay injury-free and shake off the rust from his lengthy absence, a Pogba comeback could be one of football’s most compelling stories in the coming year.

A Legacy in Limbo

As Pogba prepares to step back onto the pitch in 2025, his legacy hangs in the balance. Once heralded as the next great French midfielder, following in the footsteps of icons like Zinedine Zidane, Pogba’s career has been an enigmatic mix of brilliance and inconsistency. His ability to rise to the occasion in major tournaments, like his standout performances at the 2018 World Cup, contrasts with long stretches of injuries and off-field distractions.

Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how Pogba approaches his return. Can he once again dominate the midfield, or will the cumulative toll of injuries and missed time prevent him from reaching his previous heights? While it is still too early to predict the outcome, one thing is certain: the football world will be watching Paul Pogba’s next move with keen interest.

Conclusion: A Second Chance for a Fallen Star

Paul Pogba’s reduced doping ban marks a crucial turning point in his career. After enduring 18 months of suspension, personal turmoil, and public scrutiny, the French international is ready to write the next chapter of his football journey. Whether it will be with Juventus or a new club remains to be seen, but the opportunity for redemption is now within his grasp. If Pogba can overcome the challenges ahead, his comeback story could serve as an inspiring testament to resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.