Monaco's gamble: Can Pogba overcome his past and write a success story?

When Paul Pogba was handed a four-year doping ban in February 2024, the question of when he would return to the pitch seemed distant. That timeline was shortened on appeal to 18 months in October, but it wasn't until an emotional Pogba put pen to paper on a two-year deal with AS Monaco in late June that the world had its answer to the lingering "where."

Monaco's decision to offer the 32-year-old a route back into professional football was a calculated risk. As a free agent following the termination of his Juventus contract, Pogba’s signing was a tempting prospect for a club grappling with a financial crisis and keen on market opportunities. However, the move represents more than just a bargain. It's a symbolic shift in Monaco's strategy, which has recently prioritized a younger squad.

Intent to balance the squad's age profile

Monaco’s approach had previously centered on nurturing academy products like Maghnes Akliouche and Eliesse Ben Seghir, and recruiting young talents under the age of 20. But in January, Monaco's CEO Thiago Scuro acknowledged a need for change, stating, "We were becoming too young... The next step that we see is getting the performance players on board." The signing of Pogba, alongside other experienced free agents like Eric Dier from Bayern Munich, signals a clear intent to balance the squad’s age profile without abandoning its youth-centric core.

Monaco views Pogba as a player who can help the team mature through his vast experience and natural leadership. He has reportedly integrated seamlessly, quickly forging strong links with both the older and younger players during the team's pre-season training camp. While his positive impact is already being felt in the dressing room, it remains to be seen if he can replicate that form on the pitch.

The club sees Pogba as a "wildcard," a bonus rather than a necessity, given that they already possess what many consider to be one of the best midfields in Ligue 1. This no-pressure environment is ideal for Pogba, who is still a long way from being match-fit. Scuro has already tempered expectations, stating that the club expects a "three-month process," which means fans should not expect to see the Frenchman play his first professional match in over two years until October.

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Pogba himself began his presentation by explaining the tears he shed upon signing for the club, with the memories of his ban, injuries, and a difficult period of extortion and blackmail all rushing back. "It is all linked," he said. "If the mind is good, it will go well on the pitch." Clearly marked by this tumultuous period, Pogba is now eager for a fresh start, driven by a new motivation. "I wanted my kids to see me on the pitch," he joked, "my dream is to see my kids celebrate one of my goals with a dab."

A return to the French national team is also a major objective for the World Cup winner. With France boss Didier Deschamps' residence just a stone's throw from Monaco's training center, Pogba couldn't be in a better place to add to his 91 caps. With a new lease on life, he may yet play a key role in what will be Deschamps' final tournament next summer.

Monaco's gamble on Pogba is a fascinating story of second chances, blending an experienced star with a youthful core. If it works, it could be a masterstroke for both the club and the player.