Paul Pogba stepped back onto the pitch on Saturday evening, after more than two years away from competitive football, marking an emotional milestone in his turbulent career.
The 32-year-old French midfielder entered as a substitute in the 85th minute during Monaco's 4-1 defeat at Rennes.
His appearance ended an 811-day absence from professional football, with his previous competitive match dating back to September 2023 when he represented Juventus against Empoli.
The cameo also marked a historic personal moment as Pogba's first-ever appearance in France's top flight, despite his French heritage and previous academy experience at Le Havre.
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Paul Pogba stepped back onto the pitch on Saturday evening
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The midfielder's lengthy absence stemmed from a doping violation that initially threatened to end his career.
In February 2024, authorities imposed a four-year suspension after Pogba tested positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a testosterone-boosting substance prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
The ban followed a doping test conducted in August 2023.
Pogba successfully appealed the punishment at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which reduced the suspension to 18 months.
The former Manchester United star has consistently maintained his innocence, claiming the banned substance entered his system accidentally through a supplement.
Monaco signed him on a free transfer in June, offering the veteran a two-year contract.
Pogba flourished at Juventus, where he caught the attention of Manchester United, which secured his return in 2016 for a then-world-record fee of approximately £89 million.
Following six seasons at Old Trafford, where he made over 200 appearances, Pogba rejoined Juventus on a free transfer in 2022.
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Paul Pogba expressed profound emotion about his comeback
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However, his second stint in Turin proved disappointing, plagued by injuries before the doping suspension halted his career entirely.
The midfielder remains a decorated international, having earned 91 caps for France and playing a pivotal role in their 2018 World Cup triumph in Russia.
The returning midfielder expressed profound emotion about his comeback, telling reporters: "Seeing the crowd rise and applaud, I never imagined that would happen. I'm relieved to be playing football again, the thing I love most in the world."
Paul Pogba last played a competitive match in 2023 | Getty Pogba acknowledged the road ahead remains challenging: "But there's still work to do to get back to full fitness and be able to play 90 minutes... If I don't perform well at Monaco, I can forget about the French national team."
Supporters flooded social media with messages of support, with one writing: "Tears in my eyes. It felt so emotional seeing him back on the pitch after everything he went through."
Monaco's next fixture sees them travel to Cyprus for a Champions League encounter with Pafos on Wednesday.
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