Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is gearing up for a return to professional football after his doping suspension was reduced from four years to 18 months. The 31-year-old French star is determined to resume playing for Juventus and harbors aspirations of representing France at the 2026 World Cup.
With his ban cut by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Pogba will be eligible to play again in March 2025 and has expressed readiness to make personal sacrifices to get back on the pitch
Pogba’s Ban Reduction and Its Aftermath
Pogba’s initial suspension was handed down in September 2023 by Italy’s National Anti-Doping Agency (NADO Italia) following a positive test for DHEA, a banned substance that enhances testosterone levels. The player’s appeal to CAS argued that his consumption of the substance was unintentional, which led to the reduction of his ban earlier this month. Although this marked a turbulent chapter in his career, Pogba has remained focused on making his comeback.
Reflecting on his time away from the game, Pogba admitted that the ban was the most challenging experience of his professional life. “It was a very difficult year,” he said, speaking to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport. “What hurt the most was being outside the stadium every day and taking my children to school without being able to go inside to train or play for Juventus.”
Despite the setbacks, Pogba has maintained a positive outlook, and the support of his teammates has been instrumental in keeping his spirits up. He credited close friends and former colleagues such as Juan Cuadrado and Paulo Dybala for their constant encouragement, as well as current Juventus players like Dusan Vlahovic and Moise Kean.
A Determined Comeback for Juventus
Pogba is set to return to Juventus in March 2025, and the Frenchman is laser-focused on proving his worth to the club. In his statements to Gazzetta dello Sport, Pogba emphasized his unwavering commitment to Juventus and expressed a willingness to make financial sacrifices in order to play again. “I am ready to return to normal in 2025. I only have one desire, to play football. The reality is that I am a Juve player, and I am preparing to play for Juve,” he said.
The midfielder, who hasn’t played for Juventus since their 2-0 victory against Empoli over a year ago, knows that his performance on the pitch will be the true measure of his readiness. “I don’t have to speak, the pitch will speak,” Pogba remarked, signaling his determination to let his football skills do the talking when he finally returns.
Pogba also praised Juventus coach Thiago Motta, acknowledging that his future at the club will be judged based on his performance. “Coach Motta will judge with his own eyes based on what he sees. I’m ready to give up even money to play for Juve again. I want to come back,” Pogba declared, underscoring his eagerness to wear the Juventus shirt once more.
World Cup Dream Still Alive
While Pogba’s immediate goal is to regain his form for Juventus, he has not lost sight of his long-term ambition to represent France at the 2026 World Cup. Pogba was instrumental in helping France win the 2018 World Cup, and now, he is setting his sights on another appearance on football’s biggest stage.
“The dream of the World Cup is there,” Pogba acknowledged. However, he knows that the road to making Didier Deschamps’ squad for the tournament will be far from easy. “Deschamps hasn’t opened the doors for anyone. It’s up to me to open them. He told me to work,” Pogba revealed, adding that he is fully aware of the hard work and dedication required to earn his place back in the French national team.
A Resilient Return
Paul Pogba’s journey over the past year has been marked by significant challenges, but his determination to return to the football field has never wavered. His reduced ban provides a renewed opportunity to pick up where he left off with Juventus and continue his illustrious career.
As he prepares to return to competitive football in March 2025, Pogba will be aiming to not only help Juventus achieve domestic and international success but also work his way back into France’s squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup. For Pogba, this comeback is about more than just playing football—it’s about proving his resilience and passion for the game, no matter the obstacles he has faced.
With Juventus fans eagerly awaiting his return and the 2026 World Cup dream still alive, Pogba is ready to rise once again.
How old is Paul Pogba?
31
