Paul Pogba’s Monaco comeback has ended where it began: with the hope of a fresh start giving way to the hard limits of his body. The former France international made only six brief appearances, totalling 115 minutes, before the club and player brought their one-year project to a close on 19 August.
Paul Pogba leaves Monaco after 115 minutes and six appearances
Pogba, 33, joined Monaco in the summer of 2025 after being without a club since Juventus terminated his contract in December 2024. His emotional signing in June 2025, when he was pictured in tears, had carried the weight of a possible return to elite football.
That return never gained momentum. Further physical setbacks prevented Pogba from reaching the condition required for regular top-level competition, and Monaco concluded that the original plan could no longer be achieved.
Quick facts
- Pogba’s Monaco spell lasted around one year.
- He played six partial matches and accumulated 115 minutes.
- His final appearance came in Monaco’s 2-1 win at Metz on 2 May.
- Monaco ended the partnership on 19 August.
- The initial objective was to put Pogba in contention for the 2026 World Cup.
Monaco chief executive Thiago Scuro said the club had launched the project with the World Cup in mind. He described it as an unusual and ambitious challenge, but said conversations began once it became clear that a place at the tournament was no longer a realistic target.
Scuro said the summer discussions were conducted amicably and led to a solution accepted by both sides. He insisted Monaco had provided Pogba with every possible condition to rebuild his career.
“We gave everything,” Scuro said, arguing that the issue was not a matter of opinion but of physical reality. Pogba was unable to complete 90 minutes or sustain a run of two or three matches, standards Monaco need from their players.
The midfielder is again free to choose his next club. Asked whether Pogba could now be nearing retirement or might seek one final revival, Scuro said the decision belonged to the player, while warning that any new attempt would be highly demanding.
SEO Title: Paul Pogba leaves Monaco after six appearances and 115 minutes
SEO Description: Monaco have ended Paul Pogba’s contract after a year marked by injury problems, six appearances and an unsuccessful attempt to revive his 2026 World Cup hopes.
