Paul Pogba's stint at AS Monaco has come to an end after just one season, with the Ligue 1 club confirming that his contract has been terminated by mutual consent.
The 33-year-old World Cup winner had signed a deal running until June 2027 when he joined Monaco last summer, marking his return to professional football after serving a doping suspension originally imposed during his time at Juventus. That ban, initially set at four years, was reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, clearing Pogba to resume his career in March 2025. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing, insisting the positive test was an error.
Despite the fresh start, Pogba's time on the pitch in the principality was limited. He made just six appearances for Monaco across the season, five of them coming from the bench, as he worked to rebuild fitness and match sharpness following his lengthy absence from the game.
Monaco explained that the decision to part ways stemmed from targets agreed upon by both sides not being fully met. Club CEO Thiago Scuro acknowledged the ambitious nature of the project when Pogba arrived, describing it as a bold gamble that ultimately did not deliver the results either party had envisioned. Nevertheless, he stressed that the disappointing conclusion should not diminish the significance of Pogba's comeback to professional football during his time at the club.
"When [Pogba] joined, we explained that this was a major challenge, that was audacious and ambitious," Scuro said. "While the outcome is not what we had hoped for, it should not overshadow the enthusiasm that surrounded his return to club football, nor the fact that Paul was able to return to the pitch and to professional football during this period. We wish Paul all the very best for the future."
Pogba himself struck a reflective tone in bidding farewell to the club, expressing gratitude despite the limited playing time he received.
"Representing this club and the principality was an incredible experience," Pogba said. "AS Monaco is an incredible club and although I did not play as many games as I had hoped, I will always be grateful for the opportunity to wear their colours."
Attention now turns to where the midfielder will continue his career. According to BBC Sport, there is interest from clubs in Major League Soccer, with Pogba previously linked to both DC United and Inter Miami. Any potential move, however, could be complicated by a hamstring injury he suffered during Monaco's pre-season training camp in England last week, which may require a recovery period before he is able to link up with a new club.
Pogba's career has been one of the most closely watched in world football, having lifted the World Cup with France in 2018 and enjoyed spells at Manchester United and Juventus before his suspension halted his progress at the peak of his career. His exit from Monaco now opens a new chapter as he searches for a fresh platform to reestablish himself at the top level of the sport, with question marks remaining over his fitness and which competition he will choose to continue his comeback.
For now, Monaco's brief experiment with the Frenchman has ended without the impact either side had hoped for, but both parties appear to have parted on amicable terms, wishing each other well for what comes next.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.