Paul Pogba Return to Football: Where Will He Go Next?
After a challenging 18-month doping ban, reduced from an initial four years, Paul Pogba is free to return to football as of March 2025. The French midfielder, once regarded as one of the best in the world, faces a critical juncture in his career as he explores his next move.
The Journey Back
Pogba’s ban, imposed after a positive test for a banned substance in 2023, saw his Juventus contract terminated in late 2024. During his absence, he resumed training in January 2025 and is now working to regain match fitness. At 31 years old (nearing 32), the midfielder is no longer in his prime and must overcome questions about his physical readiness and consistency, exacerbated by his limited appearances before the ban due to injuries.
Despite the challenges, Pogba remains a free agent, offering clubs the opportunity to sign a high-profile player outside of the transfer window. The football world is now abuzz with speculation about where the World Cup winner will land next.
Potential Destinations
Inter Miami
The MLS side, owned by David Beckham, is the favorite to secure Pogba’s signature. Pogba has hinted strongly at a move to Florida, posting images in a Beckham “7” jersey and being seen with Beckham himself in Miami. Inter Miami offers him the chance to play alongside stars like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez, creating a reunited Galácticos-esque squad in the United States.
Paul Pogba to Marseille?
A return to France could also be on the cards. Pogba reportedly has an interest in joining Olympique Marseille, where he would reunite with ex-Manchester United teammate Mason Greenwood. Marseille owner Frank McCourt has long admired Pogba, and the Ligue 1 side, currently managed by Roberto De Zerbi, sits as a competitive option for a comeback in Europe.
Paul Pogba to Manchester United ?
Paul Pogba former club, Manchester United, has also been linked to the midfielder. However, skepticism surrounds such a move. Former United player Mikael Silvestre voiced concerns, citing the risks of fitness uncertainties and Pogba’s lack of playing time at Juventus before the ban. Still, rumors suggest he could return to train with the squad, laying the groundwork for a potential third stint with the Red Devils.
Paul Pogba to Saudi Pro League and Other Clubs
Paul Pogba has also been connected to a move to Saudi Arabia, with Al Ittihad Jeddah among the interested parties. Meanwhile, Brazilian clubs Corinthians and Santos are outside options, though less likely.
Factors Influencing Paul Pogba Decision
Several considerations will shape Pogba’s next steps. Inter Miami aligns with his reported preference for a fresh start outside Europe and his interest in joining Beckham’s star-studded squad. A return to Manchester United or Marseille would enable him to showcase his abilities in familiar settings, though it would come with high expectations.
Financial incentives, the competitiveness of leagues, and the opportunity for regular playing time will also play critical roles as Pogba’s representatives weigh his options.
What Lies Ahead?
Paul Pogba’s return to football after 18 months is both an end to a turbulent period and an opportunity to redefine his legacy. His next destination will undoubtedly shape the final chapter of his career, whether it is in Europe, the United States, or the Middle East.
For further reading on Pogba’s potential career moves, check out these sources:
One thing is certain—as Pogba plots his return, the world will be watching to see if he can reignite his flair and reclaim his place among football’s elite.
FAQ About Paul Pogba
- Which team is Paul Pogba joining?
Paul Pogba is currently a free agent, and speculation about his next club is rife. The most likely destination appears to be Inter Miami, an MLS team owned by David Beckham. Pogba has dropped several hints about a potential move to Miami, including posting pictures in a Beckham “7” jersey and being seen with Beckham in Florida. Inter Miami would offer Pogba the chance to play alongside global stars like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez. Other potential destinations include Marseille, where he could reunite with former Manchester United teammate Mason Greenwood, and Manchester United itself, though a return to Old Trafford is considered less likely due to fitness concerns. Clubs in Saudi Arabia, such as Al Ittihad, and Brazilian teams like Corinthians and Santos have also been mentioned as possibilities1.
- Which club is Pogba now?
Paul Pogba is not currently signed with any club. His contract with Juventus was mutually terminated in November 2024 following his doping suspension. This makes him a free agent, eligible to join any club outside the regular transfer windows. Pogba has been training since January 2025 to regain his fitness and is actively exploring his options for a return to professional football1.
- What teams did Paul Pogba play for?
Pogba has had a storied career, playing for some of the biggest clubs in Europe. His professional journey includes:- Manchester United: Pogba began his senior career at Manchester United in 2011 but left for Juventus in 2012 due to limited playing opportunities. He returned to United in 2016 for a then-world-record transfer fee of £89 million and played there until 2022.
- Juventus: Pogba joined Juventus in 2012, where he became a key player, winning multiple Serie A titles and reaching the UEFA Champions League final in 2015. He returned to Juventus in 2022 but struggled with injuries and his doping suspension.
- Youth Teams: Before his professional career, Pogba played for Le Havre in France and Manchester United’s youth academy2.
- Has Pogba played with Ronaldo?
Yes, Paul Pogba played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo during Ronaldo’s second stint at Manchester United in the 2021–2022 season. The two shared the pitch in several matches, combining their talents in midfield and attack. However, their time together was short-lived, as Pogba left United in 2022, and Ronaldo departed the club in late 2022.
- Will Paul Pogba return to Manchester United?
While there are rumors of Pogba training with Manchester United, a full return to the club seems unlikely. Former United player Mikael Silvestre has expressed doubts about the feasibility of such a move, citing Pogba’s fitness concerns and his lack of regular playing time before the doping ban. However, Pogba has a strong connection to the club, having played there in two separate stints, and a return cannot be entirely ruled out.
- When was Pogba’s last game?
Pogba’s last competitive game was on September 3, 2023, when he came off the bench for Juventus in a Serie A match against Empoli. Shortly after, he was suspended following a positive doping test, which led to an 18-month ban from football.
- Will Pogba ever play again?
Yes, Pogba is eligible to play again as of March 11, 2025, following the end of his doping ban. He has been training since January 2025 to regain match fitness and is actively seeking a new club. His return to football is highly anticipated, and he is expected to make a decision on his next destination soon.
- How many goals does Pogba have?
Over his professional career, Pogba has scored 76 goals in 446 appearances for club and country. This includes goals in domestic leagues, international competitions, and for the French national team. Pogba is known for his ability to score from midfield, often with long-range strikes or set pieces.
- Has Pogba won the Champions League?
No, Pogba has not won the UEFA Champions League. However, he came close in 2015 when Juventus reached the final but lost to Barcelona. Despite this, Pogba has an impressive trophy cabinet, including the FIFA World Cup (2018), Serie A titles, and domestic cups in both Italy and England.
- Is Pogba’s career over?
No, Pogba’s career is far from over. At 31 years old, he still has the potential to contribute at a high level, provided he regains his fitness and form. His eligibility to play again as of March 2025 marks a new chapter in his career, and he is actively exploring options to return to professional football.
- Where is Juventus in Italy?
Juventus is based in Turin, a city in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. Turin is known for its rich football history, with Juventus being one of the most successful and iconic clubs in the world.
- Who signed Paul Pogba to Manchester United?
Pogba was first signed by Manchester United’s academy in 2009. He returned to the club in 2016 under manager José Mourinho for a then-world-record fee of £89 million. This transfer marked a significant moment in football history and highlighted Pogba’s status as one of the most sought-after players at the time.
- Is Paul Pogba coming back in 2025?
Yes, Pogba is eligible to return to professional football in 2025 after his doping ban ended in March. He has been training to regain fitness and is in discussions with several clubs about his next move.
- Is Pogba a free agent?
Yes, Pogba is currently a free agent. His contract with Juventus was terminated in November 2024, allowing him to join any club outside the regular transfer windows.
- Why did Paul Pogba leave football?
Pogba was suspended from football in 2023 after testing positive for a banned substance. The initial four-year ban was reduced to 18 months on appeal. Pogba has maintained that the positive test was due to a nutritional supplement prescribed by a doctor and that he did not knowingly breach anti-doping regulations.
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