Paul Pogba remains close to Monaco, but no longer belongs to the club. The 33-year-old midfielder is rebuilding quietly after another thigh injury brought a premature end to his spell in the Principality, while the France team he once knew so well prepares for a new chapter.
A Monaco return cut short by injury
Pogba’s contract with Monaco was terminated last month, ending a comeback project that had begun with considerable ambition when he joined in June 2025. His target had been to force his way into contention for the 2026 World Cup, but a succession of physical problems across last season made that prospect increasingly remote.
- The former France international suffered an injury to his left thigh on 11 August during Monaco’s pre-season camp in England.
- He became a free agent on the 19th after the contract termination.
- The muscular setback was expected to require at least six weeks of recovery work.
- Repeated injury issues had already undermined his hopes of making a meaningful impact for Monaco.
Despite the disappointment, Pogba has not decided to end his playing career. He is understood to be focused on finding one final club challenge abroad before retirement, once he has restored his fitness.
Training alone at La Turbie
Pogba has stayed in the Monaco area since leaving the club, partly because his children remain at school in the region. He has continued his rehabilitation at the club’s performance centre in La Turbie, using the gym and outdoor pitches for individual work rather than training alongside his former team-mates.
The arrangement allows him to access the facilities without a fixed end date, although it does not give him any special status at the club. Monaco also occasionally opens its facilities to elite athletes seeking a discreet and calm environment for individual preparation.
- Kylian Mbappé used Monaco’s facilities for personal training in the summer of 2022.
- France rugby captain Antoine Dupont has also trained there.
- Tennis player Holger Rune has made use of the setting as well.
For Pogba, the work is now centred on regaining the physical level needed to attract a new employer. Interest from Major League Soccer and Saudi Arabia had emerged before the thigh injury interrupted his plans.
France remains in his thoughts
The midfielder remains closely attached to the France setup and will be watching with interest when Zinédine Zidane announces his first squad on Friday at 18:00. Pogba won 91 caps for his country, though his last appearance for Les Bleus came in March 2022.
As the years have moved on, fewer of the players from his international era remain in the selection picture. His own World Cup ambition has effectively slipped away after the Monaco gamble failed, yet Pogba is still working towards a final opportunity in club football rather than accepting that his career is over.
