French international and Juventus star Paul Pogba has expressed excitement about returning to competitive football after his doping ban was significantly reduced. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) recently shortened Pogba’s initial four-year ban to 18 months, allowing the midfielder to return to action from March 11, 2025, just days before his 32nd birthday.
In an interview with L’Equipe, Pogba revealed his eagerness to get back on the pitch, describing football as the “strawberry cake that was taken out of [his] mouth.”
Paul Pogba, who remains under contract with Juventus until 2026, tested positive for testosterone following a match against Udinese in August 2023. The positive test led to a provisional suspension in September of that year, followed by a four-year ban imposed by the Italian National Anti-Doping Tribunal in February 2024.
His representatives attributed the positive test to a food supplement prescribed by a doctor in the United States. After appealing the decision, Pogba’s ban was reduced by CAS in October 2024 to 18 months, allowing him to return earlier than expected.
Pogba’s ban came during a challenging phase of his career, where injuries and off-pitch issues overshadowed his return to Juventus in 2022 after a successful stint at Manchester United.
Reflecting on the difficult period, Paul Pogba told L’Equipe, “The nightmare is over,” adding that he was “really looking forward to coming back.” His journey since the 2018 World Cup, where he played a crucial role in helping France lift the trophy, has been far from smooth. Yet, Pogba remains determined to make a strong return to the sport.
When asked about the possibility of playing in Ligue 1, Pogba, who has never played in France’s top league, responded with optimism, saying, “Why not?” The midfielder left his options open, sparking speculation about a future move to a new league before his contract with Juventus ends.
Paul Pogba’s Personal Struggles and Legal Battles
Beyond his struggles on the pitch, Paul Pogba was also a victim of an extortion attempt involving six men, including his brother Mathias Pogba. The alleged organised extortion plot led to a legal case, with the accused ordered to stand trial in September 2024.
As Pogba eyes a return to football, his focus remains on regaining his form and overcoming the challenges that have marred his recent years. Fans and clubs alike are eager to see if the French star will make his next move to a new league or continue his career with Juventus, where he has enjoyed significant success in the past.
