In what became the most emotional football moment of the weekend, Paul Pogba broke down in tears during the official AS Monaco signing ceremony. After nearly two years away from competitive action, the 32-year-old French midfielder sealed a free transfer to the Ligue 1 club, marking one of the most inspiring comebacks in recent memory.
The AS Monaco signing of Pogba is more than a transfer—it’s a story of redemption, resilience, and hope. Pogba’s move to the French Riviera follows an 18-month suspension due to a positive doping test in 2023, a period that halted his football career and cast doubt on his future in the game. But in Monaco’s red and white, Pogba now has the chance to rewrite his narrative.
Tears of Relief: Pogba’s Emotional Signing Moment
During the official AS Monaco signing ceremony, Pogba was visibly overwhelmed. As he sat down to put pen to paper on a two-year contract, the weight of his recent struggles became clear. Clutching the pen over the contract, he froze, his hands trembling, before bursting into tears in front of club officials and the media. It was a powerful display of vulnerability from a player whose confidence and charisma have often masked his personal challenges.
Pogba remained seated for several minutes, wiping his eyes and trying to regain composure. His tears reflected not just relief but the emotional toll of months spent away from the pitch, uncertain if his professional career would ever resume.
AS Monaco officially confirmed the signing of Paul Pogba until 2027, with the club’s CEO Thiago Scuro present at the announcement. A video released by the club showcased the emotional moment, quickly going viral and capturing the attention of football fans across the globe. It was a poignant reminder that even elite athletes carry emotional scars from personal setbacks.
The AS Monaco signing was made possible after Pogba’s suspension was reduced to 18 months upon appeal. Initially handed a four-year ban for inadvertently consuming DHEA, a banned substance that boosts testosterone, Pogba terminated his contract with Juventus in November 2024. He became a free agent and was eligible to sign from March 2025. The AS Monaco signing marks his first foray into Ligue 1, a league he never previously played in, despite his French roots.
Pogba Opens Up on Monaco Move
Speaking for the first time since the AS Monaco signing became official, Pogba told the club’s media team about his physical condition, goals, and what drew him to Monaco. Admitting that full fitness will take time, he shared his determination to return stronger than ever.
“There are stages. That’s the first, just getting back into it—that feeling of being on the football pitch,” Pogba said. “Then, getting back in the best shape possible to help the team as best I can. Of course, being on my own for two years… Training is not the same as being with a group. There will be a personalised program to get back into it. I feel good. My head is positive, and I’m super determined. I can’t wait to be with the group, to play, to get back on the pitch.”
“I really liked the project,” he added. “The conditions, the city, being in France, playing in Ligue 1—something I’ve never done. There were so many conditions and boxes that were ticked. The family, the history of the club… It was perfect. It came at the right time. It was the right choice.”
The midfielder has had a decorated career, winning four Serie A titles with Juventus and famously scoring in the 2018 FIFA World Cup final for France. However, injuries and off-field controversies—including his doping ban—have derailed his trajectory in recent years. Now, with the AS Monaco signing, Pogba has the chance to begin again.
Despite being away from the spotlight, Pogba maintained his training regimen during his suspension and has kept in touch with the game. Sources close to the player say his mindset has shifted significantly, with a renewed focus on discipline, health, and legacy.
What’s Next for Paul Pogba?
Now that the AS Monaco signing is complete, all eyes will be on how quickly Pogba can return to top-level football. Monaco is reportedly planning a tailored training program to ease him back into group sessions. His fitness and match sharpness will be gradually rebuilt ahead of the 2025/26 Ligue 1 season.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Pogba knows that time is short to prove himself once again at the international level. His goal is clear: regain form, contribute meaningfully to AS Monaco, and potentially earn a call-up to France’s national team one last time.
This AS Monaco signing is not just about a fresh start—it’s a high-stakes challenge. For Pogba, it’s a final opportunity to remind the world of his talent and end his career on a high. If he succeeds, the 2025/26 season may well be remembered as the year of Paul Pogba’s ultimate redemption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When did Paul Pogba sign with AS Monaco?
Paul Pogba officially completed his AS Monaco signing in June 2025 as a free agent.
Q2: Why was Paul Pogba suspended from football?
Pogba was suspended for 18 months due to a positive doping test for DHEA after a Juventus match in 2023.
Q3: How long is Pogba’s contract with AS Monaco?
He has signed a two-year deal with AS Monaco, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2027.
Q4: Has Pogba played in Ligue 1 before?
No, despite being French, this AS Monaco signing marks Paul Pogba’s first-ever stint in Ligue 1.
Q5: Will Paul Pogba play in the 2026 World Cup?
While it’s too early to confirm, Pogba hopes that his AS Monaco signing and return to form will earn him a place in France’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.