Paul Pogba's contract with AS Monaco is reportedly set to be terminated following a fresh injury, marking another setback in the 33-year-old midfielder's attempt to revive his career.
The French World Cup winner, formerly of Manchester United, had been seeking to rebuild his professional life after serving a doping ban. His tenure at Monaco in Ligue 1 has been largely unsuccessful, with the club viewing this past pre-season as critical for his potential contribution.
Pogba played 45 minutes in one pre-season match before a recurrence of a knee injury sustained last season sidelined him for four games. He recently suffered a severe thigh injury during a small-sided training session, accelerating Monaco's reported decision to end his contract, according to reports from L'Equipe and Nicemartin.com. He had only returned to training the previous week and was scheduled for an MRI scan.
Maze of Setbacks for Pogba
The club is expected to negotiate a settlement with Pogba and his representatives regarding the remainder of his contract, which is set to expire next summer. Pogba was reportedly offered to MLS clubs on Tuesday.
During his second spell at Manchester United, Pogba earned a reported £290,000 per week. His current reported salary at Monaco is less than £44,000 per week.
Pogba was permitted to return to professional football in March 2025 after his doping ban was reduced on appeal. Prior to that, his contract with Juventus was terminated by mutual consent in December 2024. Monaco represented his pathway back into the sport, but persistent injury issues limited him to just six appearances last season.
It remains uncertain whether Pogba will pursue another club or consider retiring from professional football. He had expressed deep emotion upon signing for Monaco last summer, describing his comeback as a second chance after experiencing what he termed "a time of darkness." In 2024, he told the Daily Mail that he learned of his reduced ban while preparing for a film premiere, adding, "We went through hell. A time of darkness. But this is my second chance, I have to use it."