Paul Pogba's wife, Zulay, has publicly addressed speculation surrounding the footballer's career, pushing back against suggestions that he should retire and that his return to football was motivated by financial gain. Her comments come as reports indicate that French club Monaco is seeking to terminate his contract due to persistent injury issues.
Pogba, a former World Cup winner, has been plagued by injuries since joining Monaco. He suffered a knee issue early in pre-season and sustained another thigh injury recently. These setbacks have limited his appearances, with the midfielder featuring in only six games last season. His current contract reportedly earns him £44,000 per week.
In response to online criticism, Zulay Pogba stated, "For all the people saying Paul should retire or he came back to football for the money, let me make this clear, the only one who knows when he will retire is God." She added, "And for the ones who say he came back for the money, trust me we are very good with money, thank God." Zulay, a Bolivian model and influencer, emphasized the human element behind online commentary, noting that "Social media accepts everything. People can sit behind a screen and say whatever they want, insult someone, question their intentions and forget that there is an actual human being on the other side."
She also reminded critics of his past achievements, stating, "For those questioning what he has left to prove, let me remind you he achieved the dream every footballer in the world grows up chasing, dreaming to have. He won the World Cup for his country."
Pogba's career has faced numerous challenges. He was allowed back into football in March 2025 after his doping ban was reduced on appeal. He had previously left Juventus after his contract was terminated by mutual consent in December 2024. Describing his return to Monaco last summer as a "second chance after what he called 'a time of darkness'," Pogba had expressed his determination to make the most of it.
Recent reports indicate that Pogba was offered to MLS clubs in the United States on Tuesday. The midfielder returned to training last week after his initial pre-season injury, only to suffer a thigh problem during a small-sided game. An MRI scan was scheduled for him this week.
Zulay and Paul Pogba met in 2017 and married two years later. They have two sons together.