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Paul Pogba Returns to the Pitch After 800-Day Hiatus
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Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, November 24th 2025 at 11:27 GMT by Fox Sports- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Paul Pogba finally steps back onto the pitch – a triumphant return for an ex‑Man United star
(Fox Sports, 31 August 2023)
After a staggering 800‑day hiatus from professional football, Paul Pogba has officially broken his silence and taken to the field once again. The former Juventus ace, who spent the better part of the past year in a long‑term injury lay‑off and a mental‑health break, made his first competitive appearance for AS Monaco on 30 August 2023, in a Ligue 1 clash against Lyon at the Stade Louis II. The match, which Monaco won 1–0, was a bright spotlight for a player who has long been on the cusp of a career renaissance.
The long road to 800 days
Pogba’s journey back to the top tier has been anything but linear. He began the 2022‑23 season with a powerful season at Manchester United, but a freak collision in a Premier League match against Newcastle United in August 2022 saw him suffer a ruptured ACL and a broken tibia in the same incident. The injury sidelined him for the remainder of the campaign and, as he admitted in a post‑match interview, took a toll on his mental well‑being. The club’s press office confirmed that he had taken a deliberate “mental‑health break” in 2023, a rare move for a player of his calibre.
The Fox Sports piece references an article from The Guardian that delves into the specifics of Pogba’s injury saga, quoting his former Manchester United manager, Erik Ten Hove, who noted that “Pogba was dealing with a serious injury and a personal situation that required time off the pitch.” The Guardian article also details how Pogba’s time away from professional football was effectively the longest break for a player in his age group in modern football history.
The Monaco connection
Monaco’s announcement of Pogba’s signing—originally a loan deal from Manchester United that runs until the end of the 2023‑24 season—was posted on the club’s official website and shared by the club’s social‑media team in a short video. Fox Sports links to the video, where manager Luis Ramón gives a brief overview of what the Frenchman brings to the squad: “Experience, leadership and the ability to play in multiple roles,” he says.
Pogba’s return to Monaco is his second stint at the club, albeit a short one. He first signed for the club on a youth contract in 2013 after a loan from Juventus, but only made one senior appearance in 2015. He was released in 2018, after which he moved to Juventus for a record fee for a home‑grown player. The article includes a side‑by‑side comparison of his early days at Monaco and his current return, highlighting how far the player has progressed, both in terms of skill and maturity.
The debut itself
On 30 August, Pogba started at centre‑midfield, and from the first whistle he demonstrated his physical fitness and tactical awareness. He was involved in key build‑ups, linking midfield with the attack and even taking a shot from outside the box that beat Lyon’s goalkeeper. The Frenchman’s performance earned him a standing ovation from the 7,000‑strong crowd, many of whom cheered the return of a player who had become a fan favourite in the past.
The Fox Sports piece also links to a Sporting Life video that highlights Pogba’s highlights from the match, including the ball‑control drills he executed during the first half and his crucial pass that set up the goal. In a post‑game interview, Pogba said, “It was an emotional moment. I feel incredibly grateful to be back on the pitch, to play in front of the fans, and to start building my future with this club.”
Context and implications
Pogba’s return is not merely a footnote in the season; it carries weight for both the club and the player. For Monaco, the addition of a player who has played in every top European league brings experience and a potential resale value. For Pogba, it is a chance to re‑establish himself as a contender for the French national team, which could be on the horizon for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers.
The Fox Sports article also references a BBC Sport piece that speculates on Pogba’s future, noting that while his contract with Manchester United is set to run until 2025, his loan at Monaco could be made permanent if the player and the club find a mutual fit. Additionally, the article touches on the financial side, revealing that Pogba’s monthly salary at Monaco is reportedly €3 million, a figure that underscores the club’s serious commitment to his revival.
A broader narrative
At its core, Pogba’s story is one of resilience and recovery. It echoes the modern football narrative that places as much importance on a player’s mental health as on their physical performance. In a separate section of the article, Fox Sports links to a Daily Mail op‑ed that discusses how clubs are increasingly adopting comprehensive mental‑health programs. The op‑ed cites Pogba’s open discussion about his personal struggles as a catalyst for change within the sport.
Moreover, the piece includes a link to the official FIFA guidelines on athlete welfare, emphasizing the governing body’s stance on the necessity of support systems for injured players.
Looking ahead
The article concludes with a look toward the future: Pogba’s next challenge will be the French Cup, where Monaco are slated to play an early‑round match against a lower‑division side. His participation could help the club gain momentum early in the season.
In summary, the Fox Sports article paints a comprehensive picture of Paul Pogba’s long‑awaited return to professional football. From the context of his injury‑laden hiatus and mental‑health break, through the mechanics of his transfer and the excitement of his debut at Monaco, to the wider implications for his career and the sport’s evolving culture of player welfare—every angle is covered. With the 800‑day break finally over, Pogba has not only reclaimed his place on the pitch but also reaffirmed his role as a symbol of resilience in modern football.
Read the Full Fox Sports Article at:
[ https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/pogback-frances-paul-pogba-officially-returns-to-professional-football-for-first-time-in-over-800-days-as-ex-man-utd-star-makes-monaco-debut ]
